Tuesday Fulham Stuff (01.03.11)

[White Noise]

Hughes: Hangeland is up there with the best

Published 15:59 28/02/11


By MirrorFootball




Mark Hughes feels that Brede Hangeland is the equal of any central defender in the Premier League.

Hughes was an admirer of the giant Norwegian even before he was appointed as Roy Hodgson's replacement at Fulham last summer.

However, the opportunity to work at close quarters with the 29-year-old has allowed Hughes to realise just how good Hangeland is.

At Manchester City yesterday, not only did Hangeland produce a towering defensive performance that kept Carlos Tevez and company at bay, he also played the delicate pass to Andrew Johnson that released the Fulham striker to cross for Damien Duff's opener.

"Brede is one of those players that you don't realise how good he is until you actually work with him," said Hughes.

"There are a number of those players at Fulham. In that sense, I was delighted with what I discovered there.

"As a ball-playing centre-half, Brede is as good as they come.

"He can see the type of passes he played in the build-up to our goal. He doesn't just want to clear his lines."

So willing is Hangeland to play, he can land himself in bother with his manager.

"On occasion he will get a little bit of criticism from me because we can sometimes overplay," said Hughes.

"But it is great to see the kind of pass he played to Andy Johnson."

Yesterday's draw extended a remarkable run for Fulham at Eastlands.

The Londoners have lost only once in eight league visits.

Their latest result followed on from an equally spirited point against Chelsea a fortnight ago, which really should have been three given Clint Dempsey missed an injury-time penalty.

It means the Londoners are still only four points off the drop zone, although Hughes insists he is not losing any sleep over the threat of relegation.

"We are looking up rather than at what is behind us," he said.

"We feel there are a number of teams in front of us that we are capable of catching."

Saturday's opponents Blackburn have already been caught and overtaken - admittedly only on goal difference - and Fulham should be bolstered for that encounter by the return of star striker Bobby Zamora, who missed yesterday's game with a minor ankle injury.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-Brede-Hangeland-is-up-there-with-the-best-article709005.html#ixzz1FKY53maN

[White Noise]

Bristol hoping to cash in on crocked Maynard


Published 22:35 28/02/11


By James Nursey




Bristol City may cash in on star striker Nicky Maynard after his return to fitness.

Maynard, 24, scored 21 goals last season for the Championship side, sparking Premier League interest.

But he missed out on a potential move to Fulham after surgery on a knee injury last August.

Maynard has netted twice in two starts after his February return and from this summer has a year left on his contract.

He has been scouted by Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton and Newcastle.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Bristol-City-to-cash-in-on-Nicky-Maynard-when-he-returns-to-fitness-article709239.html#ixzz1FKa264ps

[White Noise]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/2/28/2020602/hughes-is-no-hodgson

Hughes is No Hodgson

by Kristian Balkin on Feb 28, 2011 6:35 PM GMT




Jamie McDonald - Getty Images

Had Roy Hodgson been on the receiving end of Roberto Mancini's lackluster handshake on Sunday afternoon, I'm sure a swift removal of the hand and a press-conference-rant would have been the last thing on his mind.

It just goes to show how personality shapes a manager. Hodgson was always reserved, quiet and humble in his demeanor, which worked. To an extent.

Mark Hughes, however, has a wealth of fire in his belly. He may have told the media that vengeance was not on his mind on Sunday, but we all know that deep down, this was probably the most important game of his inaugural season at Fulham.

Yes, personal matters shouldn't really provide the means for a top notch performance, but, if it gets the results, who really cares?

I for one am more than delighted that we have, in Hughes, appointed a man who can and will speak his mind on any given occasion. He has an unrivaled passion for the game which extends from his arduous days as a player and his brief but extensively successful spells at Wales, Blackburn and Man City as gaffer.

I'm not saying Hodgson didn't have that same passion, as every football manager in the World has a degree of it, yet, less of it was exposed to public. With Hughes we have a man who is youthful, yet experienced, outgoing, yet popular and brutal, yet disciplined. He ticks all the boxes.

That's not to detract from Hodgson either. (Sir) Roy was so experienced, so cool headed and so tactically knowledgeable that almost every Birtish manager in the land was envious of his innate ability. However, Hughes can easily rival him with his recognition of the beautiful game. He understands football as well as El-Hadj Diouf understands what it's like to be hated.

There's no other way to see our appointment of Hughes than as a huge step in the right direction. Hodgson was good, brilliant in fact, but you got the sense that his talent as a manager had been saturated once he was awarded with a runner-up medal in Hamburg. There was no way he, himself, could better Fulham. Not with his methods. Not with his ways.

Al Fayed responded accordingly and brought in a man who still encourages nice football, still instills that winning mentality, and most importantly, still has years of petrol left in the tank.

And where did Hodgson end up? West Brom.

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11676_6786411,00.html

Dunn to miss Fulham clash


Short stint on the sidelines for Rovers ace


Last updated: 28th February 2011

   

Dunn: Hip muscle tear

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that playmaker David Dunn will miss this weekend's clash with Fulham.

The former Birmingham midfielder suffered a hip muscle tear that ruled him out of their trip to Aston Villa.

The 31-year-old missed Rovers' 4-1 defeat to Villa on Saturday and will also be unavailable against The Cottagers.

The club do not believe the injury is a long-term problem and hope with a few days' rest that he will be on the road to recovery.

"David has a small tear and it will take a few days for it to settle down, ruling him out of this week's action," a spokesman confirmed on the club's official website.

[White Noise]

http://www.goalcity.com/?area=home&sezione=news_esplosa&id_news=50523&titolo=Newcastle%2C+offerti+16+milioni+al+Fulham+per+Dempsey


Newcastle, offered 16 million for Dempsey to Fulham



The Magpies want at all costs the attacker and the U.S. are ready to madness just to win the bids.

Newcastle wants at all costs the U.S. striker Fulham, Clint Dempsey. The Magpies are ready to offer up to 16 million €.

[White Noise]

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23927226-mark-hughes-has-turned-us-into-a-fighting-machine-says-aaron.do

Mark Hughes has turned us into a fighting machine, says Aaron

David Smith


28 Feb 2011




Aaron Hughes today held up Fulham's fighting draw at Eastlands as proof of the progress the team are making under boss Mark Hughes.

Last November, the defender was in the side crushed 4-1 by Manchester City at Craven Cottage.

That game came in the middle of a month when Fulham failed to win any of their five Premier League fixtures, causing questions to be asked about the manager's ability to repeat the success enjoyed by predecessor Roy Hodgson.

Yesterday, only winger Simon Davies was missing from the starting line-up for that first game against boss Hughes's former club. Yet the performance was so much better that Fulham were unfortunate not to have come away with all three points.

What was especially impressive was the manner in which they recovered from Mario Balotelli's opener for City to equalise three minutes into the second half, when Damien Duff turned in Andy's Johnson's whipping cross.

Balotelli's 26th-minute goal, a long-range snap shot, was totally against the run of play but Fulham were not fazed.

Centre-half Hughes said: "What's important is your reaction afterwards. You have to get on with it, not panic or suddenly try to change your style of play.

"We got the early goal in the second half, which gave us something to build on and try to add to, although at the same time staying wary that they did pose a big threat, especially with the lads they had up front. It was a case of keeping the balance right and I thought overall we did that well.

"It's something the manager has been getting us to do more over the course of his time here. It has been a development of the team and it's slowly but surely come together, which is why we've been getting some good results over the past couple of months.

"This game was another good example of what happens when we do the things the manager is asking us to do. If you stay on the front foot, then you do get positive results."

Manager Hughes agreed that the draw, which lifts Fulham to 13th in the table, is a fair reflection of how his players have responded to his methods since that setback three months ago.

"You saw a different type of performance," he said. "In that first game City were excellent and we didn't have any answers. But in the return we restricted very good players to very few opportunities. That's a reflection of the work we've done and the commitment the players have shown me."

No Fulham player exemplified that commitment more than Duff, who showed an energy and fighting spirit that was distinctly lacking among a flat City side.

Hughes said of his team-mate: "Duffer works hard in every game, he gives everything, so when he gets a goal it's a nice reward for him."

With Dickson Etuhu returning from injury to replace Steve Sidwell, out for at least another fortnight with knee ligament damage, there was not one weak link in Fulham's side. Deserving of special mention, however, was goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who made stupendous saves from Carlos Tevez and Aleksandar Kolarov.

Those stops ensured Hughes had a satisfying return to City, even if he did lose his cool at the end. The Welshman wheeled away in a display of theatrical indignation after Mancini failed to look him in the eye as they shook hands at the final whistle.

Hughes had a touchline spat with Stoke's Tony Pulis earlier this season and admits he went overboard this time. He said: "I apologise, it's probably my fault again. I'm a little bit old-fashioned, I always think if you offer your hand then it should be accepted, regardless of the circumstances."

[White Noise]

http://astonvillablog.com/villa-to-lose-fxpro-sponsor-record-annual-37m-loss/


Villa to Lose FxPro Sponsor, Record Annual £37m Loss


February 28, 2011


by martinlaurence



Please do not take this as me being down beat about the club after a fantastic high-point in the 4-1 win at the weekend, just reporting the recent revelations that FxPro have decided to make use of an apparent clause in the record contract agreed last summer, to pull out of the affiliation early, despite staying on with Fulham. Also the club's holding company revealed the annual figures for the season ending 2010 over the weekend, posting a £37m loss. However, don't fear too much as this number has decreased from £46.2m the year previous. The recent figures do not taken into account this seasons transfer dealings, with the Darren Bent deal representing a significant hit financially, but moves away for the likes of Davies, Sidwell and Carew alleviating the club's wage bill. For a full report on FxPro's decision and the financial details released by holding company Reform Acquisitions Ltd.

Reports suggested towards the end of last week that Villa were set to see their record shirt sponsorship deal with Russian-owned currency traders FxPro, withdrawn after just one season.

Sources from the Daily Mail claimed that the company had an option to do this upon signing three-year deals with both Villa and Barclays Premier League rivals Fulham.

The newspaper stated that FxPro have continued their affiliation with Fulham and sources have touted that the London club agreed to a decrease in their £3.5m annual sponsorship in order to ensure this.

Sources close to the Midlands club revealed that the company attempted to do the same with the Villa deal after the club had disappointed the firms expectations this season, but the club refused to do so.

Aston Villa chief General Charles Krulak, right hand man to owner Randy Lerner confirmed the decision, stating;

"This sponsorship issue (the end of contract with FX Pro) took place awhile back. Not sure why the papers just picked up on it. It is probably not a good idea to go into what has transpired other than to say that we will be paid throughout this season and that we already have sponsorships on the table."

In other news, the clubs accounts were released this weekend from holding company Reform Acquisitions Ltd. revealing a £37m loss from last year.

Despite hefty losses, this figure is down from the year previous when the club made an annual loss of £46.2m.

Key figures from the report included a turnover increase from £84m to £90m due to match receipts being £2m higher, media – £2.5m higher and ommercial £2.4m higher

Operating expenses increased from £105m to £111m and a loss of £30m was made due to player transactions, but perhaps most worryingly for the club bank loans increased from £9m to £20m.

Lerner's abundant need to reduce the club's wage bill was backed by the relevant figures which revealed that total wage costs amounted to £79m (including pension and social security costs) a rise of £9m from the previous year.

Join the new Facebook group and follow our new Twitter page for regular updates on all things Villa at;http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aston-Villa-Blog/193085960709067

http://twitter.com/#!/astonvilla_blog

[White Noise]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/50930/Kean_gives_Nelsen_green_light_for_NZ_trip.aspx


Kean gives Nelsen green light for NZ trip

Author:  Nigel Brown


Posted on:28 February 2011 - 12:40 PM


Chris Samba's fitness has seen Ryan Nelsen given permission by Blackburn boss Steve Kean to return home to earthquake hit New Zealand.

The Rovers chief made the decision following Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa in which Nelsen was sent off late on to rule him out of this weekend's clash against Fulham due to suspension.

And, with Kean set to welcome Samba back from illness for the game against the Cottagers, he felt it was the right decision to let his captain return home to visit his family and friends.

"It has been a really tough week for Ryan obviously with all the commotion back home," Kean told Rovers' website.

"The sending-off rounded off a bad week for him but his general play and manner in which he has conducted himself and trained has been tremendous.

"I've already said to Ryan that if he wants to go back to let me know. The good thing is that all of his family are okay."

On Samba's fitness, Kean added: "We'll have Chris back next weekend. The doctor tells us he's making good progress."

[White Noise]

On The Front Foot

Monday 28th February 2011




Brede Hangeland took a lot of positives from Fulham's attacking play at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday afternoon, where the Whites came back from a goal behind to clinch a well-deserved draw.

Having fallen behind to Mario Balotelli's first-half strike, Mark Hughes' men demonstrated their resilience by maintaining their attacking intentions. Fulham earned their reward just after the interval when Hangeland started the move that led to Damien Duff's equaliser.

"I thought we really tried to be positive in the game and not just defend," Hangeland told fulhamfc.com. "It was a very nice goal, AJ looked sharp and so did Duffer so it's a good thing that those two were involved for us.

"We tried to cause City problems and go forward with numbers, the draw is probably fair but I still felt that with a bit of luck we could have won it. Coming away from a place like Man City with that feeling is good.

"The Gaffer talked at half-time about the need to be brave, to try and affect the game and try to get something out of it.

"So we're really happy with having taken the game to Man City on their home ground. We talk a lot about playing to our strengths and I think we've shown at a few places this year, even though we haven't got points at places like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea – we can cause problems for the big teams and we'll try and do that in the future as well."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/HangelandManCityReaction.aspx

[White Noise]

A Team Performance

Sunday 27th February 2011



Aaron Hughes was pleased with a point away at Manchester City on Sunday after what he described as "another solid team performance".

The Whites impressed throughout, overcoming a one-goal deficit with a stirring display, especially after the break.

"We came out well, taking a lot of confidence from the things we did well in the first-half, because their goal had come from nothing and really, up until then, they hadn't caused us too much trouble," the centre-back reflected. "So we just said, "more of the same and we'll get something," and we did."

Mario Balotelli's opportunist 26th minute strike could have knocked the stuffing out of Fulham's bright early endeavour, but Mark Hughes' side appeared unfazed by the goal from nothing, continuing just as they had been with the confidence that something positive would come from their efforts.

"It happens," considered Aaron, "And what's important is your reaction afterwards. You have to get on with it, not panic or suddenly try and change your style of play or anything, so we just kept going.

"We got an early goal in the second-half, which gave us something to build on and try and add to, although at the same time staying wary that they do pose a big threat, especially with the lads they have up-front. So it was a case of keeping the balance right and I thought overall we did that well."

One admirable characteristic of the Whites' display was the way they took the game to their illustrious hosts, refusing to rest on the back foot, and instead asking questions of the City defence. It was an approach that so nearly garnered more lucrative rewards, and one that seems to be becoming a regular feature of this Fulham side's play.

"It's something the Manager has been getting us to do more over the course of his time here," explained the Northern Ireland Captain. "It's been a development of the team and it's slowly but surely come together, which is why we've been getting some good results over the past couple of months.

"Today was another good example of what happens when we do the things he's asking. If you stay on the front foot, then you do get positive results."

Damien Duff was Fulham's goal scorer with a fine strike at Eastlands, but the Irishman was worthy of credit for more than just his fine equaliser – the Republic of Ireland international was at the heart of every good Fulham move, and Aaron agreed that the midfielder was fully deserving of his afternoon in the spotlight.

"Duffer works hard in every game," opined Hughes. "He gives absolutely everything, so when he gets a goal like that it's a nice reward for him – especially for the amount of mileage he notches up, because he does cover a lot of ground.

"It's not just his running that deserves credit, but his quality as well – bringing people into play, his touch on the ball, the way he holds it up for others... He's certainly a big part of our team and a big part of what we do."

But equally as instrumental in achieving the result were Aaron and his fellow defenders who were kept on their toes by one of the most potent attacking line-ups in European football.

"We were disappointed to concede a goal, obviously, as we are in any game, but you get yourself back into it and you think "okay let's make sure we don't concede anymore,"" he reflected. "After that we held firm – not just us as the back four – Schwarzy again was a safe pair of hands and the lads in front of us were working hard to protect us, so it was another solid team performance and we thoroughly deserved the point."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/AaronCityReaction.aspx#ixzz1FFTufwMl

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/its-not-maths/

It's not maths

Filed under: General — rich @ 9:52 pm

Good profile on Bill James here.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_9a55d71f-dd48-5c2a-b251-e55425ed77c5.html


James is a baseball writer – without him in the 70s there'd be no moneyball in the 00s, etc.   I have his self-published annuals from the late 70s, and his properly published annuals from the 80s, and cherish them greatly.

Anyway, the key quote:

"When I write something, I start with a question. ... The answer tends to be in terms of math, which was just an accident. Take the most obscure question: Do different first base umpires have an impact on stolen base rates because of the way they call balks? I would print columns and columns of math, perhaps unwisely. So people perceive it as math, but it never was."It was an answer."

Without wishing to compare CCN to Bill James, which would be preposterous, that's sort of what I'm on about here when we go off the beaten track a bit.   It's not stats I love, but trying to find answers.   We never really find them but I keep trying because it feels like it ought to be possible, and anyway, sometimes you find something. Whether anyone's reading at that point is another matter, but it makes me feel like some effort's gone in.

[White Noise]

http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/harrison_is_like_a_young_bobby_zamora_westley_1_815706

Harrison is like a young Bobby Zamora - Westley


Liam Osborne, Sports reporter


Tuesday, March 1, 2011
9:35 AM



Boro boss likens top goalscorer to Fulham and England striker


BORO boss Graham Westley has likened striker Byron Harrison to a young Booby Zamora.

The 23-year-old scored his sixth and seventh Boro goals on Saturday after moving from non-league outfit Carshalton Athletic on New Year's Day and his manager believes he has all the ingrediants to become a top striker.

However, he also acknowledges that his young forward still has plenty to learn after spurning a glorious chance of a hat-trick in the second half against the Robins when he walked the ball straight to Scott Brown after being put through one-on-one with the Cheltenham goalkeeper.

"He's an improving player there's no question about that," said Westley.

"He's scored a poacher's goal and a very good striker's goal for the second. I said when he came here that he had everything about him that reminds me of Bobby Zamora.

"He's got a fantastic ability in the air to drift in above people and at a younger age Zamora lacked the physicality that he's got now but Byron's got great potential, make no bones about that.

"He got beaten senseless that day (in his first match against Gillingham) and I think the physical aspect shocked him and surprised him but he still managed to earn himself a chance that day and that's what he's all about.

"He's been a great learner, he's working very hard, he's had a couple of months now to develop his physicality and he's looking better and better all the time and he's a real prospect.

"He'll learn won't he, which is the important thing (speaking about missing the chance for a hat-trick).

"When you've got two, goal difference could be very important in any league and you must never be complacent and must always seek to damage a team as much as you possibly can.

"When you get that one-on-one and there's a goal to be scored there's no need to dance around the goalkeeper to put it in the net, and being clinical is an important thing for any centre forward to learn.

"He'll go away and think about that, though, and will be a better player for it."

[Alternative]

Hangeland and Dempsey have both been at Fulham longer than I expected.

There will be more bids in the Summer. £16 million is not bad for Dempsey. I would be happy to keep both players but it seems unlikely.

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/hodgson-word-of-the-day-and-the-curious-handshaking-problems-in-football-today/

Hodgson word of the day and the curious handshaking problems in football at the moment


Filed under: General — rich @ 12:45 pm

Roy's back on form:

"I think one of the players had a bit of a fight with a picture and unfortunately won."

Hodgson added: "There was a slight contretemps at the end of the game with the player being upset with one of their players not wanting to shake hands and he was a bit emotional.

"I am pretty certain that a team that plays with so much heart and determination as Stoke will probably forgive us for breaking a picture.

"We will happily pay for [any damage] but I hope it will not take the gloss off what I think was a very good performance."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis was critical of Olsson's antics and said: "Olsson smashed some memorabilia and that is very disappointing when it happens.

He added: "If you can't control yourself by not smashing someone else's property because someone refuses to shake your hand, that is not an excuse.

"That has been paid for by this club and he has no right to break things like that."

Comedy all around.   "He has no right to break things like that."   Indeed not.

Interestingly, the BBC has removed the "contretemps" paragraph now.    Had Hodgson used the word while at Liverpool he'd doubtlessly have been accused of alienating the fans with pretentious southern-speak, just another example of how he doesn't "get" them.

Also, what is it with hand-shaking at the moment?    I quite liked what Mark Hughes did at City on Sunday:   I once read that baseball managers get themselves thrown out of games for arguing with umpires not because they think it will do them any good, but to establish some energy into the team, a sense of "us against them";  Hughes (like Jose Mourinho) seems quite good at this.   He shows a steel, a passion, suggesting that his team won't be walked all over by "the man", whoever that man might be.     It's a bit silly, and it's not like the team's lack of outward shows of passion held us back under Hodgson, but it does add a certain something to the side.

(random and delicate excursion:  Sidwell and Etuhu:  special one white man hurtles around looking very busy; laid back appearing black man is more languid but doesn't obviously let us down – how much do these outward appearances colour our perceptions of their work on the field?)

[White Noise]

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/boss-insists-cottagers-are-looking-up-1174240.html


Boss insists Cottagers are looking up


Last Updated: Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:34

Mark Hughes is adamant that he is looking up the table as opposed to over his shoulder after Fulham's draw at Manchester City.

The former City chief took his side to Eastlands on Sunday and witnessed Damien Duff cancel out Mario Balotelli's first half strike to earn the Cottagers a share of the spoils.

The point moved the Cottagers four points clear of the relegation zone following a run of four games without defeat. And, as Hughes prepares his side for the visit of another former club in Blackburn this weekend, he is looking at sides who they can catch ahead of them.

Hughes said: "We are looking up rather than at what is behind us.

"We feel there are a number of teams in front of us that we are capable of catching."

[White Noise]

Fulham v Blackburn tickets


Barclays Premier League


Saturday 5th March


Kick-Off 15:00

All tickets for this match have now sold out.

Tickets may periodically become available due to returns – supporters are advised to check availability.

Check availability|

Matchday Hospitality
While tickets now sold out there are a few remaining hospitality packages for the Whites' match against Blackburn Rovers. 

Further information on hospitality packages| for this match are available online or you can contact a member of the sales team by email [email protected]| or calling 020 8336 7555.

Matchday Info

Seat Moves & Upgrades
Seat moves are not available on the day of the game. Upgrades can be obtained by visiting the Ticket Office.

Refunds
Refunds will only be given on tickets if the match is cancelled or postponed. The ticket must be returned to the Ticket Office within 7 days of the rescheduling announcement, which shall be made on fulhamfc.com

Postponements
Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged match.

Lost Season Tickets / Match Tickets
Fans must report to Ticket Office where valid ID must be shown. £5 is charged to replace a lost access card.

Concession Ticket Holders
Supporters with junior and concession tickets are reminded to bring ID to the stadium in the event of being asked for proof of age on matchday.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/BlackburnHome.aspx#ixzz1FLvreIcD

[White Noise]

Briggs Contract Extension


Tuesday 1st March 2011




Fulham FC can confirm that Matthew Briggs has signed a contract extension with the Club that will see the defender remain at the Cottage until at least the summer of 2014.

Briggs made history in 2007 by becoming the youngest Premier League player in history when he made his senior debut at the tender age of 16 years and 65 days against Middlesbrough.

The promising England U19 international was handed his first start for Fulham on the 25th August 2010 as Fulham recorded an emphatic 6-0 win over Port Vale in the Carling Cup. Briggs' impressive performance at the Cottage included an assist for Zoltan Gera's opening goal of the game.

Briggs' display against Port Vale was rewarded with a start against Chelsea in the West London derby at Stamford Bridge before injury interrupted his spell in the First Team during Fulham's game against Arsenal at the Emirates in December 2010.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/BriggsContractExtension.aspx#ixzz1FMKmTHCe

[White Noise]

Baird Praises Team


Tuesday 1st March 2011



Fulhamfc.com caught up with defender Chris Baird at the Training Ground on Tuesday afternoon and the Northern Ireland international defender spoke of his happiness at Fulham's performance on Sunday against Manchester City, despite not claiming all three points that Mark Hughes' Team arguably deserved.

"We should have gone on to win it on Sunday," Baird told fulhamfc.com. "I saw the highlights again yesterday and I thought we were excellent.

"All the commentators who covered the game noted how good we were. We knew we could create a lot of problems and we went there with confidence. Credit to everyone involved because we caused them a lot of problems.

"We kept them restricted to long range efforts and apart from the goal they scored Mark Schwarzer didn't have a lot to do on Sunday. It was a good performance and a good result."

Fulham's impressive performance at Eastlands came on the back of a Team training camp in Portugal, which clearly paid dividends in Manchester on Sunday as Fulham claimed another crucial point on the road.  

"It was a very nice trip and it was good to get away. The Manager decided that we would go there [Portugal] and everyone enjoyed themselves and the weather was fantastic.

"I've been here four years now and it's not something we've done before but it was nice for the boys and it was something different. All in all it was a good week."

This weekend Baird and company take on Blackburn Rovers at the Cottage and with all tickets for the match now sold out, Baird is hoping to send Fulham's loyal supporters home with another three points to push the Team back towards the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.

"We're playing at the Cottage and we'll be looking to take all three points. The support has been fantastic again this season - we've got the fans behind us and they've been great. I'd like to think we've been performing well this season and that's why people want to come and see us play.

"We're looking forward to Saturday. Blackburn are a big, physical and strong team and it's always tough against them. I'm confident we can get the results we need to climb up the table. Could we get to Europa League again? You never know."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/BairdBlackburnPreview.aspx

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6787691,00.html



Prem clubs trail Swedish keeper


Young keeper set to leave Sweden


By Richard Torgerson   


Last updated: 1st March 2011
   

Noring: Set to leave Trelleborgs


Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Noring is still attracting interest from the Premier League after his agent confirmed a contract extension with his current club is off the cards.

The 20-year-old Trelleborgs shot-stopper was close to agreeing a switch to Fulham during the January transfer window but a deal never materialised.

Noring will soon be available for a free transfer and his agent Martin Klette has revealed he will not be staying in Sweden.

On interest from abroad, Klette told Fotballdirekt: "It's another Premier League club.

"Contact was made with this club in December through our partners in England.

"The clubs had more contact by the end of January but there was little time to finish anything then.

"Viktor is open for most clubs in the highest division in England and Italy that have a good squad and reasonable competition on the goalkeeping side."

On why the young Sweden Under 21 international will not be committing to Trelleborgs, Klette added: "It's primarily due to irritation from Viktor and me as the club have been in the media saying things."

[White Noise]

Defender commits future to Fulham


By Jacob Murtagh


Mar 1 2011




MATTHEW Briggs has signed a contract extension to keep him at Craven Cottage until 2014.

The Fulham defender became the youngest Premier League player in history when he made his debut as a 16-year-old at Middlesbrough in 2007.

However, he has found his opportunities limited until Mark Hughes took over in the summer.

The Whites boss handed Briggs his first start against Port Vale in the Carling Cup, and his performance meant he kept his place against Chelsea and Arsenal.

But he suffered a setback when he was forced to have an operation on his calves, while he also been dogged by an ankle injury.

However, Hughes has seen enough of the England U19 international, who has returned to full fitness, to hand him a new three-year deal in SW6.


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/01/defender-commits-future-to-fulham-82029-28257563/#ixzz1FMpwddUX