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Saturday Fulham Stuff (29.01.11)

Started by White Noise, January 29, 2011, 06:47:15 AM

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White Noise


http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3375735/Middlesbrough-reject-1m-Wigan-bid-for-Leroy-Lita.html


That's not a lotta lolly for Lita

Published: 28 Jan 2011


MIDDLESBROUGH have rejected a £1million bid for Leroy Lita from Premier League strugglers Wigan.


Striker Lita, 26, who played in the top flight with Reading, has scored six goals in the Championship so far this season.

Fulham, QPR, Norwich and Burnley are also interested.


White Noise


"We have brought Rob Milsom in from Fulham, who has looked a great signing for us.

"He has a sweet left foot, is very composed on the ball and he looks a quality player."



Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3375802/I-want-fans-to-remember-me-as-a-Dons-skipper-who-lifted-a-cup.html#ixzz1CPUX92zD

White Noise


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1351536/Carlos-Vela-joins-West-Brom-loan-blow-Bolton.html

West Brom steal march on Bolton with Vela loan deal

By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 1:10 AM on 29th January 2011


Arsenal striker Carlos Vela is heading for West Brom on loan after talks broke down with Bolton.

Vela's agent, Eduardo Hernandez, said his client would move to the Hawthorns for the rest of the season.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle had publicly expressed his wish to sign the Mexico forward, 21, and was given the go-ahead to talk to the player and his agent on Thursday. However, the terms discussed were out of Bolton's reach.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/28/article-1351536-0B343B62000005DC-151_468x323.jpg
Top Gunner: Carlos Vela will play for West Brom for the rest of the season


Valencia were also keen on Vela, who favoured a move to Spain, but Arsene Wenger wanted the player to gain more experience in the Barclays Premier League.
Albion missed out on Obafemi Martins from Rubin Kazan but are still hopeful of signing Brazilian striker Ewerthon.


New target: Bolton could now move for Ireland


Bolton will consider reviving interest in Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland after being given potentially bad news on Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The Manchester City winger's hopes of a loan move to Bolton or Fulham disappeared after Adam Johnson suffered an ankle injury in training. Johnson had scans and will see a specialist, but he is expected to be out for at least 10 days.

Wright-Phillips is an obvious replacement on the right flank and, with Michael Johnson set to follow Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz out on loan, manager Roberto Mancini is reluctant to lose any more players.

If Johnson recovers, City would still consider the deal if Bolton or Fulham agree to pay all Wright-Phillips' wages and set up a £3.8million permanent move in the summer.

But Mancini said: 'Now I think Shaun will stay here. If we lost another player, we need to bring one in. It's impossible we can play with 19-20 players for the next four months.
'He is an important player but he is like Adebayor and has lost his confidence because he hasn't played many games.'


White Noise


http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article683213.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg


Spurs ready to offer Keane plus £8m for Parker


Published 23:00 28/01/11


By John Cross

Recommend (4)

Harry Redknapp has made a dramatic bid for Scott Parker – and is ready to throw Robbie Keane into the £8million deal.

Tottenham boss Redknapp is desperate to bring in long-term target Parker and has left it late to test West Ham's resolve to keep their midfield kingpin.

And that could mean Spurs finally agree to let Republic of Ireland striker Keane go to West Ham - even if it means on loan.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has refused to entertain West Ham's bid to sign Keane on loan as he wants a permanent deal to get his £65,000-a-week contract off their wage bill.

West Ham want to take Keane on loan with a view to a permanent deal - so they can opt out of signing him if they get relegated.

But Tottenham may now be prepared to back down on Keane and let him go to Upton Park - as long as they will entertain an offer for Parker.

Tottenham are also willing to throw Jamie O'Hara into the mix but would only want to make up a £2m difference on Parker which leaves the clubs well apart on valuations.

West Ham and Spurs have been frosty well before Redknapp's failed attempts to get Parker last summer and previously fell out over Craig Bellamy before he went to Manchester City rather than White Hart Lane.

Parker, 30, signed a new five-year deal at Upton Park last summer but it is believed he would be interested in Tottenham as Redknapp looks to strengthen his midfield.

Redknapp would also see Keane's departure as an opportunity to shake up his strikers and has already made enquiries for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano, Roma's Mirko Vucinic and Villarreal's ex-Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi.

West Ham have also strengthened their strike force by signing Demba Ba from Hoffenheim on a four-year contract.

But West Ham have covered themselves on Senegal striker Ba - who failed a medical at Stoke - and there are get-out clauses should they get relegated.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Tottenham-make-dramatic-8m-plus-Robbie-Keane-offer-for-West-Ham-s-Scott-Parker-article684233.html#ixzz1CPWJrH1S

White Noise

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9379083.stm



Fulham    v    Tottenham


Live text and stats


Content will update automatically

Sunday, 30 January 2011

The FA Cup

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Fulham v  Tottenham 16:30

   
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Sunday, 30 January Kick-off: 1630 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score


TEAM NEWS
Loan signing Gael Kakuta is cup-tied for Fulham, but new recruit Steve Sidwell is available for the Cottagers.

Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are out and Mark Schwarzer is away on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Tottenham's Gareth Bale is out with back trouble but Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Heurelho Gomes and Wilson Palacios should all return from injury.

Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Tom Huddlestone are all still sidelined.


BIG-MATCH FACTS
The tie in context

• This is one of five all-Premier League clashes in the fourth round, and the only London derby.

Gulf in class

• Tottenham are 10 higher than Fulham in the top-flight table.


Head-to-head
• This is the 75th competitive meeting of these clubs.

• Tottenham have won their last three meetings with Fulham, including a Premier League double over them this season.

Fulham 1-2 Tottenham (Prem Lge, 16 Oct)

Tottenham 1-0 Fulham (Prem Lge, 01 Jan)

• Spurs have not lost in seven meetings with the Cottagers, three of which were goalless draws.

• The Thames-side club last defeated Spurs in November 2008, with a 2-1 Premier League triumph at Craven Cottage.

FA Cup records and best performances

• This is the sixth time these London clubs have been drawn to meet each other in the FA Cup.

• Spurs have progressed on all the previous five occasions. Two required replays, including the most recent in last season's quarter-finals.


The clubs
FULHAM

Current form

• Midweek defeat to Liverpool ended a four-match run of three wins and a draw in all competitions.

• Bidding for a fourth successive home win.

FA Cup form

• The 1975 runners-up have been quarter-finalists in three of the last seven years, including the most recent two.

• Dismissed Peterborough 6-2 in the third round, with a hat-trick from Diomansy Kamara.

• Eager to avoid elimination at the hands of Tottenham for the third time in five years.

• Everton were the last fellow Premier League club they knocked out; fourth round replay, February 2004.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Current form

• Drawn the last two.

• Lost one of 15 league and cup matches.

• Last won on the road on Boxing Day (at Aston Villa).

FA Cup form

• Last season's appearance in the semi-finals was the best performance in nine years for the eight-times winners, who last lifted the trophy 20 years ago.

• Fulham was the last Premier League club they knocked out in the competition, in last season's last eight.


Replay date
Saturday, 19 February 2011 (Kick off: 1500 GMT)


Match officials
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

Assistant referees: Darren Cann and Adam Watts

Fourth official: Anthony Taylor

White Noise


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/55982/fulham-vs-tottenham/preview


Fulham - Tottenham Hotspur Preview: Assou-Ekotto, Pavlyuchenko and Gomes return as Etuhu remains sidelined


By Alex Young


Fulham

Mark Hughes does not have as delpleted a squad as his Spurs counterpart on Sunday, but he is missing key men. Bobby Zamora has turned the corner in his recovery from a broken leg, but he is not expected to see a glimpse of the pitch until mid-Febuary at the earliest.

The same goes for Philippe Senderos (calf), while goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is still on international duty with Australia at the Asia Cup. Dickson Etuhu (hamstring) is still expected to miss the game after not making the trip to Liverpool with an injury he picked up against Stoke, so new signing Steve Sidwell should continue to deputise.

Possible starting XI: Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Dempsey, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff; A Johnson, Dembele.

Tottenham

Currently on the injury table are Gareth Bale (back) and a string of long-term absentees including Ledley King (knee), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle), with manager Harry Redknapp confirming that the latter is "still a long way away".

Sandro (back) and Wilson Palacios (knee) are also doubts, so the only fit defensive-minded midfielder, Jermaine Jenas, will continue to deputise.

On the plus side, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Heurelho Gomes are all expected to return after missing the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, and new signing Steven Pienaar can be included after not making Everton's squad in the previous round.

Possible starting XI: Gomes; Corluka, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Jenas, Modric, Kranjcar; Van der Vaart; Pavlyuchenko.

Another cup final on the horizon?

Fulham may not have had the best of seasons so far, but signs of improvement are there. On the face of it they currently lie 15th in the Premier League, but it wouldn't be a underestimation to say that their current league position does not reflect the quality of their squad.

Before the unfortunate 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in midweek, they had only lost twice in their previous eight games in all competitions and are more than capable of springing a surprise or two at on their home turf on Sunday.

In antithesis to Spurs, the home side will relish an extended run in the FA Cup and, with stuttering league form hampering them last season as well, they will put their full focus on the competition as it will be a fresh change from league life, just like they did with the Europa League last season - and we all know what happened, or nearly happened, with that.

Again though, on paper the omens are not good for Fulham fans. In recent times, Spurs have enjoyed the bragging rights over their London rivals as they have remained unbeaten in their last seven outings, including the league double over them and dumping them out of this very competition at the quarter-final stage last season.

How important is the FA Cup to Spurs?

That is not a question that has even needed to be answered before; usually it's a categorical 'very'.

Spurs are a cup team after all. They have won this competition eight times, the third most successful side behind Arsenal (10 wins) and Manchester United (11 wins). They have already proved these cup credentials this season with an impressive debut showing in the Champions League by winning, arguably, the toughest group.

Perhaps this season the FA Cup will be viewed differently though. Spurs have faltered lately in the league with a record of two draws and a loss from their last three games. However, their last league victory came against Sunday's opponents with a 1-0 win at the beginning of the month.

With this faltering league form putting another season of Champions League football in doubt, and a vital Champions League tie with AC Milan scheduled for mid-February, Redknapp and company could be excused for putting their priorities elsewhere for the time being. But say it quietly, the year ends in a one after all.


White Noise


http://backpagefootball.com/premier-league/the-cautionary-tale-of-steve-sidwell/

The Cautionary Tale of Steve Sidwell

January 29th, 2011


by James Dixon




A young midfielder with a knack for scoring goals that dragged a small unfashionable team into the Premier League for the first time in their history.

A description equally fitting for both Steve Sidwell and Charlie Adam.

Both Sidwell and Adam dropped down to the Championship from bigger clubs (Arsenal and Rangers respectively) and excelled in their smaller ponds, now that it seems Adam is destined to re-enter the "big time" – most likely at Liverpool.

However, Sidwell's experience moving to Chelsea should be a somewhat cautionary tale for Adam. Sidwell only made 7 league starts and a further 8 substitute appearances for the Kings Road club before moving on to Villa where he only started 24 times in two and a half seasons, and his most telling contribution was as a ball boy for a James Milner goal.

Adam will not be an automatic first choice player at Liverpool. Lucas, Raul Meireles and a certain Steven Gerrard are also vying for central midfield berths. The modern tactical requirements for a holding player like Lucas mean the competition is most likely to be with Liverpool's best player since Christmas (Meireles) and its favourite son.

Charlie Adam plays exceptionally well week in, week out for Blackpool. Not playing regularly can really affect player's rhythm and Adam needs to demonstrate he, unlike Sidwell can produce on a more ad hoc basis than he currently is required to do.

Bad luck, also befell Sidwell at Chelsea, the manager who signed him departed. Avram Grant replaced Jose Mourinho and chances were limited for the midfielder.

Although, Dalglish may rate his fellow Scot, Adam – he is not certain to remain in post beyond the summer.

Risk aversion should not ultimately be enough of a reason to not take on a new challenge, players like Tim Cahill have made the step up from Championship to Premiership with relative ease. However, a keen appreciation of all the factors behind their own recent success, especially when it has not been a constant feature of their career might help players avoid making adverse transfer decisions.

Hopefully, Charlie Adam succeeds wherever he ends up and Steve Sidwell replicates his Reading form at Fulham and reaches at least some of the heights that he alluded to whilst at Reading, but sometimes certain players have a moment in time at a club when they are on top of the world, and try as they might they cannot rediscover those halcyon days elsewhere.


White Noise

Fulham boost as striker Bobby Zamora nears full fitness

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 12:22 PM on 29th January 2011


On the way back: Bobby Zamora ready to face relegation battle


Fulham striker Bobby Zamora will return to first-team training in two weeks with his rehabilitation progressing smoothly.

Zamora could be available to play next month after recovering from the broken leg sustained against Wolves in September.

'Bobby's got a very detailed programme for the next two or three weeks,' said Fulham manager Mark Hughes.
'He will be finishing off with the physios and doing work specific to his position.

'Next week we'll get him involved with warm-ups and the technical things with the senior group.

'Hopefully the week after that he will be in with the group and taking part in training as normal.

'It's a case of building him up and it will be a number of weeks before he can be considered.

'When he is in the group, hopefully he will be two or three weeks away from selection.'
Fulham have suffered in the absence of their England striker, who scored 19 goals in all competitions last season.

Only recently have they started finding the net with any regularity and they host Tottenham in tomorrow's FA Cup fourth-round tie in a far more comfortable position than when the London rivals last met.
On New Year's Day the Cottagers succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane at a time when Hughes was facing questions over his future.

Two Barclays Premier League wins later and Fulham appear more settled with Hughes even insisting Spurs will approach their showdown with anxiety.

'We've played well in both games against Spurs this season. On January 1 we matched them,' he said. 'For long periods we dictated the pace of the game and possession, had chances to get back on level terms and did really well.

'We are going up against a very good team, a very accomplished side with lots of good individual talent, but we know we can compete.

'We have given a better account of ourselves against Spurs than most teams have.
'Maybe that will give them more apprehension than us.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1351671/Fulham-boost-striker-Bobby-Zamora-nears-fitness.html#ixzz1CQm1XcIa

White Noise


Captain Commits


Saturday 29th January 2011




The Club is delighted to can confirm that captain Danny Murphy has signed a contract extension that will see the former England midfielder remain at the Cottage until at least the summer of 2012.

Murphy has been an inspirational leader for Fulham since his arrival at the Club in the summer of 2007, captaining the Team to their most successful ever domestic and European campaigns.

On Saturday Murphy said:

"I'm delighted to have signed a contract extension this morning. As a Club we've achieved great things during my time at Fulham so far, not least our highest ever League finish and reaching the Europa League Final, and it is a great source of pride for me, as Club captain, to have played a role in some truly historic moments for Fulham Football Club.

"We've made great progress as a Club, on and off the pitch over the past few years, and with the Chairman's continued support, I believe we've got many more great years ahead of us.

"On Sunday we've got a massive game against Spurs in the FA Cup and as a Team we will give our all tomorrow afternoon to earn a place in the Fifth Round. I'm sure it's going to be a great atmosphere at the Cottage and hopefully we can continue our impressive start to 2011."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/MurphySignsNewDeal.aspx#ixzz1CQmtejWT


White Noise

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/toon_pair_will_be_fit_for_fulham_clash_1_2989048


Toon pair will be fit for Fulham clash


Danny Guthrie in action for Newcastle United.


By MILES STARFORTH


Published on Sat Jan 29 12:59:26 GMT 2011



KEVIN Nolan and Danny Guthrie sat out sessions during Newcastle United's training camp in Portugal.

But midfield pair will be fit for Wednesday night's visit to Fulham, according to manager Alan Pardew.

Nolan was troubled by an ankle problem during the club's spell on the Algarve this week, while Guthrie suffered cramp in Newcastle's last game, the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at St James's Park.

However, Pardew – without the suspended Cheik Tiote, and long-term injury victim Alan Smith – says the pair will be OK for the televised clash at Craven Cottage.

"Danny will be fine for Fulham – he didn't train, but he's OK," said Pardew.

"Kevin had an ankle knock, and also didn't train, but he'll fine for Fulham."

Tiote will serve the last game of his three-match ban for his dismissal in United's FA Cup defeat at Stevenage.

Smith could be out for the rest of the season with the ankle problem he suffered in the derby away to Sunderland earlier this month.

While injuries remain a concern to Pardew, he's confident his squad returned to Tyneside on Thursday from Portugal in good shape.

Pardew's work in recent weeks has been hampered by snow and frozen pitches at the club's Benton HQ, and the trip allowed his players to train morning and afternoon.

"The weather out there was pretty damp and miserable," Pardew went on, "but at least we had the chance to get some solid training done on grass, and I caught up with a few of the players.

"We also rested a couple of the lads.

"In terms of fitness and football, it's looking good, and it was worthwhile to go."

* Newcastle United's box office has been relocated to the first floor of the club shop at St James's Park. It has moved from the south west corner of the stadium.


White Noise


http://harry-hotspur.com/2011/01/cuptastico/

Cuptastico

Posted on Saturday, 29th January 2011

by Harry Hotspur


Afternoon.

The FA Cup and the League Cup had supposedly become diminished in recent times. This season so far has draw accusations of a drop in quality across the board so hardly surprising that both competitions are suddenly of increased interest.

Spurs travel to Craven Cottage and I have to say it's a game that doesn't inspire me. It might help if the damn thing was being televised of course, but the problem won't be the coverage but Tottenham's ability to do the right thing and smash Fulham.

Fulham looked like they were in for a boost with Sparky Marky Hughes' appointment. And that's as far as the boost went. It was expected but it never happened.

What followed was a conveyor belt of mostly draws and little to cheer about. Since us nicking the 3 points there on the 1st of the month, they've beaten West Brom, Peterborough and Stoke. Which doesn't suggest to me that Hughes has exactly turned the ship around too much.

All eyes on our illustrious strike force and whether Arry opts to hoof it at the Human Draft Excluder or to play football. What is certain is that the chances of us seeing fresh meat in the striker dept are looking bleaker by the day and it wouldn't harm our lot to mount a Cup run based on one or more of our lot hitting a vein of form.

Prediction: The sleeping beast awakes and crushes all in it's path 0-3 is 20/1 at Bet356 who will double your deposit up to £200. Bless 'em.


White Noise

Kenny Jackett tells in-demand striker Steve Morison: Sign a new deal and stay at Millwall

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 9:56 AM on 29th January 2011


Millwall boss Kenny Jackett hopes to tie star striker Steve Morison to a new contract to ward off the Barclays Premier League vultures.

Wales international Morison grabbed his 13th goal of the season to keep the Lions on course for the npower Championship play-offs.

James Henry drove in a low cross from the right and Morison was on hand to steer the ball inside the far post to put Millwall on their way to a 2-0 victory over Barnsley.


On target - again: Millwall's Steve Morison is wanted by two Premier League clubs

The Lions are desperate to hold onto their top scorer, who has been linked with Fulham and Wolves, and Jackett may be tempted to switch his phone off between now and the close of the transfer window on Monday evening.

But a new two-and-a-half-year deal is on the table and Jackett said: 'We've talked to Steve. I don't know at what stage those guys are at but we are in negotiations.

'It was a good finish, he kept it down well on his left foot outside the post. It was an easy one to miss on your wrong foot and it was the vital first goal.'

Henry added a second eight minutes before half-time with a 20-yard drive which took a wicked deflection off Tykes full-back Matthew Hill.

The second half was something of a non-event but Jackett was not complaining after a fourth straight home win which moved his side up to eighth, just three points shy of the top six.

'It was a very good start and a good win after the defeat at Leicester last week,' he added.

'The second half was a bit surreal but we saw it through. We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. It's the old adage of taking each game as it comes, and if we are still up there in March then we can start looking in the right direction. You have to look short term in this industry.'

It all added up to a second wasted trip to south London in the space of a month for the 270 hardy Barnsley fans after the original fixture was called off a couple of hours before kick-off.

Their team nearly gave them something to cheer in the 15th minute but Hugo Colace fired over from 12 yards.

Jacob Butterfield could have dragged Barnsley back into the game with 10 minutes remaining, but their chances disappeared along with the midfielder's shot as it flew wide.

'It took us two goals to get going,' said Tykes manager Mark Robins. 'We were lacklustre. You know when you come to The Den about Millwall's energy and that they work hard, but we didn't get to grips with it.

'We were a soft touch, which was disappointed. But it was our third game in six days and it's taken its toll.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1351641/Kenny-Jackett-tells-demand-striker-Steve-Morison-Sign-new-deal-stay-Millwall.html#ixzz1CQpaidqT


White Noise


http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=17810

U18s Face Fulham

Sat 29th Jan 2011 10:02

Town's U18s are in action against Fulham at Playford Road this morning (KO 11am). The young Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways after last week's 1-0 loss at Arsenal.

Northern Ireland U21 international striker Caolan Lavery remains on the sidelines with the knee injury he suffered in the FA Youth Cup exit to Peterborough in November, while Norwegian central defender Nicolay Schrøder is also still out with his knee problem.

Meanwhile, Town are advertising for a new full-time assistant academy manager.


U18s squad: Cody Cropper, Callum Bennett, Joe Whight, Josh Carson, Josh Meekings, Rory McKeown, Cormac Burke, Elliot Scotcher, Jack Simmons, Byron Lawrence, Carel Tiofack, Jide Maduako, Conor O'Donnell, Lewis Acott, David


White Noise


http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/70834.html?CMP=OTC-RSS



Sidwell questions Brady statement

ESPN staff


January 29, 2011


Steve Sidwell is looking to make his mark at Fulham © PA Photos


Enlarge Steve Sidwell has taken a swipe at Karren Brady, insisting the West Ham vice-chair did not contact him to inform him the club had pulled out of a deal to sign him from Aston Villa.

Sidwell was earmarked as a prime target for Hammers boss Avram Grant, but the club pulled the plug late in the day with Brady claiming they already had too many midfielders on their books. The decision caused a rift in the West Ham camp, with Grant angry about the way things were handled, but it allowed Fulham to step in with a bid.

The former Chelsea man is now settled in Mark Hughes' squad at Fulham and has no regrets about not securing a move to Upton Park, but countered Brady's account of events.

"I had to tell Steve that for various reasons - none his fault - we had changed our mind about signing him on loan," Brady wrote in her column in The Sun. "This was a filthy task but in the end it was decided that, with 13 midfielders and most of the injured about to return, we couldn't promise him regular first-team football and he'd hardly be in a better position than at Villa Park."

This chain of events did not ring true to Sidwell, who told the Evening Standard: "She didn't call me. She didn't speak to me directly. She spoke to my advisors. Now I'm just getting my head down and trying to get myself back on track.

"There is no denying that if it could have happened I would have been happy. "There is no getting away from the fact that West Ham are a big club and they try to play the right football."

But the move to Fulham has handed Sidwell the chance to revive his career and he is delighted with how things have worked out.

"It's fantastic, the way it's worked out," he said. "This is about coming to a club where faith has been shown to me by the chairman and the manager who said, 'We welcome you with open arms, come to us and express yourself'."


White Noise


http://www.footylatest.com/mark-hughes-trying-to-stop-blackpool-getting-charlie-adams-replacement/19526

Mark Hughes trying to stop Blackpool getting Charlie Adam's replacement


The Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has been reported as tracking the Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera just in case he has to let Charlie Adam leave Bloomfield Road in the end, but the Fulham coach Mark Hughes is trying hard to hold on to the Hungarian international, who is rumoured to have several other clubs interested in signing him. West Ham are also said to be strongly interested in 31-year-old.

Gera has been unable to hold down a regular place in the Fulham side and would be happy to leave the club to try his luck elsewhere, and if the Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish wins the race to take Charlie Adam to Anfield, Gera would be guaranteed a first team place at Blackpool.

However Hughes is keen to retain the services of Gera and he announced: "I've spoken to Zoltan and I don't want him to go. He's a great player. I like him as a player and I like him as a person".

Go to VCBet and take advantage of great odds and a welcome bonus of £25

The player's contract expires at the end of the season but there is an option of extending it by a year depending on appearances made.

Mark Hughes added: "I've spoken to him about the option we have about games played and said we would take that forward and exercise that option now anyway because we want him to stay. We need more discussion".

Mark Hughes is pretty good at persuading his players to stay if he genuinely believes in them, so perhaps the Fulham boss could be influential in stopping Liverpool from getting Charlie Adam?



White Noise


http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/5015033.Wembley_ticket_auction_to_help_ex_Saint/


Fundraising auction for Johnstone's Paint Trophy tickets to help Kevin Moore

10:50am Thursday 18th February 2010

Comments(2) More stories about: Kevin Moore


By Gordon Simpson

Senior Sports Reporter



FANCY watching the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in style, while helping out ex-Saint Kevin Moore?

Well, now you can, through a fundraising auction in aid of the dementia sufferer and former Dell defender.

Fans are being offered the chance to buy a pair of hospitality tickets to the Saints v Carlisle match on Sunday, March 28.

The two 'Club Diamond Wembley Package' seats will give the winner and their guest a day to remember.

They include a hot and cold buffet brunch, with complimentary beer, wine or soft drinks from two hours before kick-off.

At half-time, freshly brewed coffee and biscuits will be served.

There will be a post-match selection of afternoon tea, sandwiches, gourmet pies and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks for one hour after the final whistle.

The winners will also receive a free programme and two tickets within the Bobby Moore seat block at Wembley.

The auction is being run by the same team that have put together April's golf day in aid of Kevin.

Johnstone's Paint have donated the tickets to them.

However, because the game takes place before the golf day, they are auctioning them off separately.

As revealed in the Daily Echo this month, 51-year-old Moore is suffering from a rare form of dementia.

He was diagnosed with Pick's Disease, which is a form of frontotemporal dementia, about two years ago.

Moore lives with his wife, Mandy, in Otterbourne, but requires round-theclock care, visiting the White House, in Curdridge, seven days a week.

The Daily Echo is backing the drive to raise funds for his care.

Moore was the last Saints player to score at Wembley, netting the second in the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the 1992 Zenith Data Systems Cup final.

The auction will close at midnight on Monday, March 1.

Bids start at £400 for the pair.

To enter, you must submit a sealed bid, complete with your name, address and contact details. These must be sent to JPT competition, c/o 1 St Simon Close, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 6DH.

The winner will be contacted by the organisers and also announced in the Daily Echo. Please note, this is not an Echo competition.

For any further information, please email organiser Richard Becheley at [email protected].


White Noise

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

Up for the Cup

Posted by Phil Mison 2 hours, 20 minutes ago



Expectations are high ahead of the 4th round Cup clash with Spurs this Sunday, This will be our 8th attempt to down Tottenham in the FA Cup, we've won none of the previous seven.
There's a sobering statistic for starters. Added to the superstition that says Spurs always win the Cup when the year ends in a 1, that they've already nicked 6 points off us this season, and that they ended our dreams of Wembley last seaon in a 5th round replay - how many more reasons do you need to suggest fate is against us?

As a club Fulham do seem to have an Achilles heel in coming up short on the big occasion - defeats in the only two big finals in our history to date, '75 and last May. 2nd best at Villa Park v Chelsea in our one semi final appearance of the last decade, and going back through Cup history we failed four times at the semi-final stage before at last making it to a Wembley Final - in epic fashion - back in 1975.

For followers unaware of this footballing curiosity, Fulham's record of games needed to progress in 1975 can never be topped. In the days before penalty shoot outs Alec Stock's team required 11 games to make that Wembley date with West Ham. I was reminiscing about that campaign earlier this month after a dinner in the Riverside with Les Barrett, John Mitchell, John Lacy, Barry Lloyd and John Fraser from that team.

This nearly but not quite theme has also cast its shadow this season. We've come as close as anyone to beating United, and would have done so had the officials done their job and penalised the assault on Dembele by Vidic. Narrow defeats at Chelsea and Arsenal, Spurs both home and away, then more heartbreak just this week at Anfield, where Torres was made to look ordinary and Liverpool rode their luck.

But, they do say the good teams create their own luck in football, and there's a case for suggesting for some reason Fulham do seem to hit a pyschological barrier when it matters. The exception to this perhaps our European adventures last spring. If Hughes can invoke the spirit of the Europa nights for Spurs, we have every chance of putting out one of the big teams. It goes without saying, Fulham fans would relish getting the better of their London rivals.

'Arry intends to play a strong side. But we know that won't include Bale, and what a bonus that is. With two meetings against Inter Milan and a derby clash with Arsenal coming up next month, I suspect the Spurs camp won't lose too much sleep should they exit the FA Cup here.
Their priorities will be Europe and pushing for league points, while for Mark the FA Cup is all Fulham can now win. On current form there's little between the sides. Let's hope it's Fulham who get the rub of the green and that we for once do ourselves justice on the day.

Rounding out the month, it appears FFC activity in the transfer market is done. Despite the pressing need for more strike power, and the declared intent to acquire it, I see no names on the horizon. That's not to say enquiries haven't been made. At some point down the line we may learn more. On paper we seem to have enough about us squad wise, though its marginal, while injuries and suspensions can derail the best laid plans at any time.

We must salute Mark Schwarzer's record 88th cap for Australia at the Asian Cup. He returns without a winner's medal, but no blame attached for Japan's winner. Well done to Danny for getting another year on his contract. With younger legs around him Murphy still has something to offer a Fulham side firing on all cylinders, though he may not find himself an automatic starter from next season.

The last word this week goes to our friends on the Kop. We know you don't take kindly to being tagged a rather ordinary mid-table side in decline, but even Fernando's heard the drums now and can't wait to become Drogba's successor at Chelsea - where he might stand a realistic chance of winning medals...

COYW - Let's rock da house Sunday and outsing the Spuds!
Twitter@fulhamphil


White Noise


http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=17812

U18s Defeat Fulham

Sat 29th Jan 2011 17:04

Town's U18s got back to winning ways with a fine 3-2 victory over Fulham at Playford Road on Saturday morning. Josh Meekings (pictured), Cormac Burke and Jack Simmons were on target for the young Blues.

Town started well and Welsh U17 international striker Jack Simmons blazed over early on. The first half was a fairly even affair but it ended on a sour note when Fulham skipper Josh Pritchard had to be stretchered off after he had fouled Byron Lawrence.

The Cottagers came out strongly for the second half and took the lead within two minutes of the restart. Alex Brister curled in a freekick to the back post where centre-half Robert Maloney beat keeper Cody Cropper with a powerful header.

The dangerous Brister came close to doubling Fulham's advantage soon after when his looping header rebounded off the crossbar.

Town started to come back into the match with Northern Ireland U21 international midfielder Josh Carson and Simmons both having powerful efforts which were well saved by Grant Smith in the Fulham goal.

With 20 minutes remaining, Town did score a deserved equaliser when central defender Josh Meekings headed home after being left unmarked from a corner.

Substitute Tommy Winter and right-back Callum Bennett both came close to giving Town the lead from a Joe Whight cross before the Cottagers somewhat fortunately went ahead again on 77.

Youngster Lawrence conceded possession just outside the Town area and Fulham took full advantage with Brister slotting home.

However, the young Blues' determination paid off with 10 minutes remaining when Winter laid the ball off to midfielder Cormac Burke on the right and the Northern Ireland U19 international hit a sweet low drive into the far corner of the net.

And Town grabbed all three points five minutes later when Simmons scored a poacher's goal from inside the six-yard box following a corner which wasn't dealt with by the visitors.

Skipper Meekings survived a penalty appeal against him for handball in the dying seconds and Town held on for a well-deserved and hard-fought three points. Meekings, who produced resolute defending throughout, and Simmons, who never stopped causing the Fulham defence problems, were probably the standout performers on a bitterly cold morning.


Town: Cropper, Bennett, Whight, Carson, Meekings, McKeown, Burke, Scotcher (October 67), Simmons, Lawrence and Tiofack (Winter 67). Unused: Maduako, O'Donnell and Acott.



White Noise


http://mcnamarasband.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/sunday-afternoon-at-the-cottage-fulham-v-tottenham-fa-cup-preview/

Sunday afternoon at the Cottage: Fulham V Tottenham FA Cup preview


Posted on January 29, 2011 by mac


With the year ending in 1 all Spurs fans will be hoping for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the first time of asking but a Fulham side who acquitted themselves extremely well at White Hart Lane earlier this month stand before us on their own turf. Therefore a tough challenge but easier than the normal away fixture at Old Trafford in these early rounds.

We are without Gareth Bale whose back injury whilst not requiring surgery needs further rest so having checked whether Pienaar played in Everton's third round victory (he didn't) I would expect him to start out left. As we stand Kranjcar is available to take that position but Werder Bremen have made a bid for his services. Despite having hardly played him at all this season Harry appears not to want to lose his services – apparently Niko does not want to play in Germany either.

That poses a problem for Spurs. We have a heavy roster of players and need to clear out as well as adding. Already this month Keane did not leave for Birmingham with a question of increased wages being suggested. Keane denies this and Birmingham's record in the market allows it to be swept away. Now West Ham are prowling and suggest that "no stone will go unturned" in an effort to sign him. That shouldn't be a problem as we already hold an open door for him but what of the wage demands? Will personal terms be possible to agree?

With Niko if it's Germany or the bench the bench appears to be favourite. At least David Bentley wanted to play football when going out on loan.

Last week we were surprised by the Gomes injury and Cudicini stepped in and provided a capable performance. I would expect him to continue for this game as Gomes only returned to training on Friday.

If we are to make changes on the field for this game right back might be one position. Corluka or Hutton? I would expect Hutton but if Charlie was given the nod it would not be a disaster for us. With Ekotto fit to return at left back it allows for Gallas and Dawson to continue with Bassong dropping back to the bench.

Earlier in the month Seb had suggested he might be ready to move on but after a discussion with Harry he is once again committed to the cause. As it stands a decent decision, but with Woodgate nearing fitness things might get tough if he makes the 25 man squad for the second half of the season. If he could play I would rather it was for us – maybe from the bench – than for another Premier League outfit.

Palacios has not yet recovered from his injury so that leaves Jenas or Sandro competing for the shirt. I think Jenas is the man for this game with his longstanding experience and fourth rating for midfield passes this season. Sandro will make the bench and may get a chance of the game is secure.

Lennon and Modric will play their normal roles and Van Der Vaart will support the lead man. Pav is available once more after injury but I expect Defoe to continue with Crouch available from the bench should the change be required.

Without Zamora Fulham are not the same side but Dempsey is a useful player and Andy Johnson caused us problems as an Everton player so we need to be wary. Last time out they contributed to their downfall with a pantomime own goal but we shouldn't expect them to bear us similar gifts. Therefore a tough test at Craven Cottage that we can win if we play to our potential. If not I expect a draw and return to the Lane as we did last year before Spurs go through to the fifth round.

My side for the game is:

                             Cudicini

     Corluka       Gallas       Dawson       Ekotto

Lennon            Jenas           Modric        Pienaar

          Van Der Vaart          Defoe

Prediction: I'm hopeful of a clean sheet and a goal from Defoe.


White Noise

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/japan-down-socceroos-in-asian-cup-final-20110130-1a9a5.html

Japan down Socceroos in Asian Cup final

Liam Fitzgibbon


January 30, 2011 - 4:59AM

The Socceroos suffered heartbreak in their bid to lift the Asian Cup for the first time as Japan won Saturday's final 1-0 in extra time in Doha.

Substitute Tadanari Lee struck in the 109th minute to shatter Australia's hopes and give Japan a record fourth Asian Cup title, their third in the past four tournaments.

The Socceroos were gallant in an enthralling contest played in front of 37,174 fans at Khalifa Stadium but it was a single defensive lapse that cost them.

Advertisement: Story continues below Yuto Nagatomo beat off Luke Wilkshire on the left flank and sent in a curling cross and Lee, a 99th minute substitute, was left totally unmarked to smash a well-taken volley past Mark Schwarzer.

It was a cruel blow for an Australian defence which had until that point been brilliant in deflecting Japan's attack, with captain Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski particularly impressive.

The loss revived memories of Australia's first Asian Cup campaign in 2007, when they were dumped out by Japan in the quarter-finals.

It also cruelled a chance for veterans such as Neill, Schwarzer, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton to claim a piece of silverware for a golden age of Australian football that included qualifying for back-to-back World Cups.

The match went to extra time after a scoreless but entertaining 90 minutes in which both sides created several good opportunities.

Australia started brightly with Matt McKay, who kept his place in the starting line-up ahead of Emerton, squandering a chance in only the second minute after some impressive build-up from Tim Cahill, Brett Holman and Carl Valeri.

The Socceroos suffered a scare when Schwarzer fell awkwardly while making a clearance off the goal line but the gloveman, who broke Alex Tobin's caps record in his 88th appearance, played on.

Some brilliant service from Wilkshire and David Carney created a host of chances in the air, with Cahill ever present and Kewell forcing a great reaction save from man-of-the-match Eiji Kawashima in the 19th minute.

Japan kept the ball well to take the sting out of Australia's momentum and also looked the part going forward, with brilliant midfielders Keisuke Honda and Yasushito Endo pulling the strings.

Australia thought they had taken the lead three minutes into the second half when a Wilkshire cross struck the bar and was almost bundled in by Cahill and referee Ravshan Irmatov rightly called play on despite Socceroos claims the ball had crossed the line.

Holger Osieck introduced Emerton in the 65th minute for a tiring Holman and Japan should have taken the lead a minute later with their best chance.

Yuto Nagatomo found Shinji Okazaki with a pin-point cross, but the striker glanced his header agonisingly wide with Schwarzer beaten.

It was then Australia's turn to miss a golden opportunity when Kewell cleverly beat Daiki Iwamasa to get one-on-one with Kawashima but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save with his feet.

The end-to-end action continued in extra time, with Emerton scuffing a good chance in the 103rd minute before Osieck handed Kruse a enormous opportunity off the bench in place of Kewell.

The Melbourne Victory striker almost scored with his first touch, forcing another brilliant save out of Kawashima with an inch-perfect header.

But with the match seemingly heading for penalties, it was Japan who made the breakthrough, breaching Australia's defence for only the second time in the tournament.

Socceroos young and old sank with agony and were visibly devastated when the final whistle blew and the Japanese camp exploded into celebrations.