Wednesday Fulham Stuff (02.03.11)

[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

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http://www.algerie360.com/sport/equipe-nationale-algerie/wenger-defend-halliche/


Wenger defends Halliche




"I wonder why he does not play at Fulham"

According to the bureau chief of Aljazeera Sport in Spain, the Algerian Lakhdar Berriche, the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger the French, who worried about Rafik Halliche not playing at Fulham.

The friendly Berriche has informed us that the interest of Wenger for Fulham defender did not start today, as the Gunners' manager was impressed by the qualities of the Algerian international in the last World Cup in South Africa . Consultant on behalf of several satellite channels, including Al Jazeera Sports, Wenger has followed all the matches of the Algerian team at the 2010 World Cup. But the game that is undoubtedly marked the confrontation that pitted the Greens with the Americans on behalf of the last first round match of World Cup 2010. Wenger has made no secret, that day, his admiration for the Algerian defender. Besides, he told Lakhdar Berriche.

Wenger has discovered during the match Rafik Algeria-USA

"But who is this player who is number 5? Frankly, it is a classy defender, he made an excellent performance, "Wenger had started to address Berriche who was at his side. Our compatriot was immediately instructed to give details on the course of Halliche, emphasizing the fact that he is a player trained in Algeria and is considered a pure local product. Wenger then took a lot of information on former player NAHD. The English press has referred to, thereafter, the interest of Arsenal for the Algerian player, but the information was quickly denied by the Arsenal manager. But as we know Wenger is known to always act with discretion in the transfer.

The Gunners coach always acts in the discretion

Lakhdar Berriche remembers the time when he covered the Euro 2008 with Arsene Wenger. He had already been built on secrecy cultivated by the French when he is interested in a player. At the time, Wenger has been subjugated by the Russian Arshavin. Berriche When asked if he were to enroll, Wenger had immediately responded in the negative.

A few weeks later, the Russian international found himself at Arsenal and he wears the jersey of the London club since the 2008-2009 season. "I talked with him at Euro 2008 Arshavin and about the possibility of recruitment at Arsenal. Wenger did not hide his admiration for the former Zenit striker, but he would not spread too much on this subject. He simply said he would not bring him to Arsenal. The rest is history.

This is to say how Wenger prefers discretion when it comes to recruiting players, "said Berriche.

The French soon on Aljazeera Sport

Moreover, Lakhdar Berriche made us a secret crispy. He showed us that he recently met with Wenger to prepare him a show that will air soon on Aljazeera Sport. Besides this issue, Wenger was asked about the fate of Algerian international at Fulham where he played almost ever. "I wonder why Halliche not playing at Fulham, it worries me and I find no explanation. I think this player has the means to aspire to more Fulham, "suggested to the coach of Arsenal Lakhdar Berriche.

We see, the Algerians are not the only ones who think Halliche deserves a chance to play at Fulham, a technician dimension Wenger also believes. Does this mean that Halliche to rethink next summer? That's all the evil that wishes to our brave defender who could probably blow up under the thumb of a coach Arsene Wenger also stalled.

[White Noise]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/03/big_ten_to_decide_season.php


Big Ten to Decide Season


Posted by Phil Mison 2 hours, 4 minutes ago


It seems like only yesterday I was inducted onto this auspicious blog page for the club whose name is engraved on my heart till death's release. Just 10 games now left to determine our fate

The first thing to say is that we remain very much masters of our own destiny. That was a terrific point Sunday in Manchester, and who's to say we can't duplicate the feat across town on April 9th? I would back our defensive unit to go up against anybody in the league at present.

It was clear from 20 minutes in City came into the game looking lethargic and disinterested. Mancini obligingly had Tevez playing too deep. Instead of being the focal point of their attack he became peripheral to City's forward play and decided to do what Carlos does best for the afternoon - he sulked. Balotelli conjured a deadly strike out of nothing, but his attitude stinks. For the money some of these prima donnas pick up I would have them shovelling manure at the training ground all week with the apprentices. Only when Viera came on did I see signs of professionalism from the City ranks. Barry looked ordinary, Dzeko a waste of space...it was a very poor performance from so-called title aspirants. But credit Fulham for their organisation and tenacity in making Citeh appear as washed out as their blue kit.

We were well worth our point, Duff's equaliser a lightning break of real quality. I've been waiting all season to see that simple move unlock a defence. We all know Brede is entirely comfortable on the ball, reads and anticipates play superbly, and can also deliver a quality pass. When he forages over half way too often this season the ball has been chipped up to the 'D' and our forwards have invariably lost out in the aerial challenge. Here was the perfect early ball arced down the side of defenders for Andy to fasten on to. An instant cross with pace and Duff arriving to hammer home before Hart, Toure and co knew what hit them. Superb!

I hope we see more of this in the weeks to come. With both Dembele and Dempsey having the same inclination to weave inside we still play too narrow. Without Sidwell we immediately lose the option of shooting from range. Solid though Etuhu was at winning the ball and moving it along the midfield line, he lacks that extra dimension Steve now gives us in the final third. You saw at Eastlands clear instances where Dickson doesn't posses the quality to ask questions of an opponent coming forward nor has the vision to thread a killer ball.

Having said all that, we played as a cohesive unit, Mark was barely stretched, and it was a very professional performance - especially without BZ and SS - to come back and level. With a little more belief we might even have gone on to nick it. Still another long trip up there where we've taken something from the game, and when you consider the outlay on players at Man City from the owners, no wonder Mancini couldn't look Hughes in the eye at the final whistle. It was the Whites who left the pitch with the last laugh as the away end mocked the big spenders.

Now let's make sure we build on that point with all three against Rovers at the weekend. The game's already sold out, Blackburn skipper Ryan Nelsen is suspended and this may be a good time to take on Steve Keen's mob on his first trip back to the Cottage in charge. We certainly cannot afford a flat performance ourselves - I think supporters all see this as one of the three must win games we still have at home that will guarantee survival. Who wants to be going into the final two fixtures at the Cottage (Liverpool and Arsenal) with pressure on us to win?

Of course, the team can still surprise us all, and remove any lingering pressure at a stroke, by picking up a win on the road. But do you really see it coming at Everton, Man U or Sunderland? All grounds where we habitually suffer. And trips to Wolves and Brum still to come...didn't they both have a weekend to remember?

It was 2008 when Hodgson conjured four wins from the last five to preserve our status. Someone from the basement is bound to do something similar. West Ham would be my guess. All the teams currently sitting below us in the league are still full of fight in this strange season.
You only have to examine our GD to see we are possibly in a false position, but Hughes now has to deliver on his promise that Fulham would finish stronger with all their big players fit. A few more big performances still required to dispel any doubts.

More news later in the week in the build up to Saturday, hopefully with Bobby back and fit.


COYW!

[White Noise]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/cottagers-deserved-more-from-excellent-eastlands-s

Cottagers deserved more from excellent Eastlands showing

Chris Baird sings the praises of his Fulham pals – and Portugal trip


By Dave Smith  March 01, 2011



Sunshine break was just the tonic for Chris and Co. (©PAphotos)Picture GalleryNew

Fulham are continuing to make healthy progress under Mark Hughes, as they proved in a hard-earned and much-deserved win at Manchester City at the weekend.

Fulham's performance was perhaps overshadowed, certainly by the media, by Hughes and Roberto Mancini's touchline spat and post-match comments.

The Cottagers were impressive, and looked suitably refreshed – and slightly tanned – from their mini break in Portugal prior to the match.

Full back Chris Baird reckons 'we should have gone on to win it on Sunday' and he added: "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, and Baird added: "It was a very nice trip and it was good to get away. The manager decided that we would go there 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."

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/loaner-report-3111/

Loaner Report 3/1/11


Filed under: General — timmyg @ 4:36 pm

Eddie Johnson came off the bench in the 68th minute in Preston North End's 2-1 loss to Burnley on Saturday. He registered one shot on goal. Last Tuesday he started and played 57 minutes in PNE's 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest. Preston North End are currently sitting 24th in the League Championship, 11 points from safety (nor have they won a game since a 1-0 win over Ipswich on December 11; back when Roy Keane was a manager).

Bjorn Helge Riise started and played 90 minutes in Sheffield United's 1-0 loss to Derby County on Saturday. He registered two shots on goal. Last Tuesday he started and played 90 minutes in the Blades' 3-2 loss at Scunthorpe. Sheffield United are currently sitting 23rd in the League Championship, 6 points from safety.

Kagisho Dikgacoi started and played 90 minutes in Crystal Palace's 3-3 draw with Reading on Saturday. Last Tuesday 'The Evidence' started and played 90 minutes in Crystal Palace's 1-0 loss at Portsmouth. Crystal Palace currently sit 21st in the League Championship, 4 points above the drop.

Keanu Marsh-Brown had his initial month-long loan spell at MK Dons extended to the end of the season. On Saturday he started, played 77 minutes, and registered two shots on goal in the MK Dons' 1-0 win over Brighton. Last Tuesday he started and played 90 minutes in the Dons' 0-0 draw with Oldham. MK Dons currently sit sixth in League One.

Courtney Harris did not play as Bromley's match against Thurrock was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Bromley currently sit ninth in the Blue Square South.

[White Noise]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/carlos-salcido/defending-salcido.html


Defending Salcido Defend


By: samg | March 1st, 2011

Firstly, some bad news as Jason Gatties is leaving the Offside. The good news, however, is that he found a new job for himself – so best of luck Jason!

That means the Fulham Offside site will be left in my hands. I'll try to up the ante and post on a regular basis. So, without further ado, here's one for today and it's all about Carlos Salcido.

Sunday's away draw against Manchester City was Carlos Salcido's third start in a row. Is it fair to say he'll be a regular left-back from now on? If so, has his game changed?

Salcido's game plan is to sprint down the flank and whip in dangerous crosses. They can often be a bit too dangerous and whip over heads and out of play for a goal-kick to the other team. His defending can be an issue as well. Sometimes he's left too much space for him to track back and even when he is back he can be defeated too easily by opposition players.

However, Salcido does have the quality to be a first-team regular. The trick for him, perhaps, is to guard his territory better and become more reserved – both defending and thumping those crosses into the opposition box.

Here's a comparison of Salcido's passing in the two Man City games this season: *

http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/comment-permalink/9765909

The comparison shows Salcido is more reserved in his crosses these days. He played seven unsuccessful crosses from the edge of the Man City box at Craven Cottage, while at Sunday's Eastlands game he made two. His passing and movement, determined through his successful passes, seems tighter and more controlled in the away draw than the home defeat.

This could be an effect of Fulham's tactics. The team plays a passing game and like to work the ball steadily. This philosophy is being used more confidently now that Fulham are going through a good run of form. The philosophy will help Salcido fit into the squad.

Fulham however, can become too steady and rack up draws when wins were possible. If Carlos Salcido is to stay at left-back he could see his job as deliverer of dangerous crosses as a useful asset to the squad – much like what Konchesky did for Fulham.

Mark Hughes says Chris Baird has the best shot of the ball in the Fulham squad. But maybe a wild shot or two from Salcido can be useful? He has a powerful strike of the ball – remember his shot in last year's World Cup? A wonder goal from Salcido would help him keep left-back too. But he must, of course, work on not firing them too far or leaving behind his defensive duties.

* = I still have to learn how to embed these chalkboards. I'll work on it asap.

[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

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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]

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.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/mar/02/adel-taarabt-qpr-playmaker?INTCMP=SRCH

Alec Stock signed Marsh in 1966 from Fulham and faced the same scepticism that Warnock endured at the start of the season, when he persuaded Taarabt to leave Spurs. In his autobiography, A Little Thing Called Pride, Stock remembered the derision his decision brought but there are echoes of the Moroccan's attributes for a team in Stock's explanation of his recruitment policy. "Immediately he [Marsh] had signed there were people in the game who took great delight in telling me what was wrong with our new player," he wrote. "'He's a clown', they said. 'He doesn't like hard work and he isn't consistent.' I wasn't particularly looking for consistency. I wanted style and imagination."

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/tackles-or-the-rise-and-rise-of-the-special one-midfielder/



Tackles: or the rise and rise of the special one midfielder

Filed under: Analysis — rich @ 8:12 am



See, this is why you sometimes needs stats.  While we might have used our eyes to tell us that Steve Sidwell's added some bite to midfield, the numbers confirm this beyond any doubt:   not only is he tackling at about twice the rate of Etuhu (and more often than Murphy, too), he's winning almost every challenge he goes into.  Wow.

[White Noise]

Briggs Exclusive

Wednesday 2nd March 2011



Academy graduate Matthew Briggs signed a contract extension with Fulham FC on Tuesday afternoon and the England U19 captain spoke of his delight at having secured his long term future with the Club following a number of impressive performances for the First Team this season.

"I'm really pleased," Briggs told fulhamfc.com. "I've been at Fulham since I was ten years old. I was offered the contract last week and we've been doing a medical. It was a case of getting that sorted and then signing on the dotted line."

Briggs made history back in 2007 when he became the youngest Premier League player in history, making his senior debut at the tender age of 16 years and 65 days against Middlesbrough. Briggs admits his memories of his debut at the Riverside are somewhat hazy but his recent start in the West London derby at Stamford Bridge was a moment he truly savoured.

"I vaguely remember my debut against Middlesbrough to be honest," Briggs explained. "I remember being told to warm up and getting butterflies in my stomach – I just couldn't wait to get on.

"I thought I was going to be in the squad a bit more the following season after making my debut against Middlesbrough, but it wasn't to be. It's been a bit frustrating with different managers, having to prove myself again and again.

"Since Mark Hughes has arrived I've pushed my foot through the door a little bit. If Mark Hughes likes you as a player and you're performing well in training then he will play you and starting against Chelsea was a great experience for me. Playing against the likes of Kalou and Drogba was a great test for me."

Briggs' spell in the First Team was brought to a shuddering halt at the Emirates in early December when injury forced him from the field of play. Briggs has needed much patience in recent months but now the defender is injury free and looking forward to a bright future at the Cottage.

"It was against Arsenal that I got a problem in both calves. The muscles swelled up and there wasn't a lot of room for them to move together, so I had to have an operation to release the pressure in both calves. That prevented me from running or doing anything for a while. It was gutting for me but the Manager told me it was one of those things and to keep my head up and get the problem sorted out.

"I'm hoping to get back in the match day squad again before the end of the season and get a few games. I've had a few set-backs along the way with injuries but that will make me stronger in the long run."
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/BriggsContractDeal.aspx#ixzz1FRf6r7Yu

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http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/5631/0/exclusive-%E2%80%93-roberts-admits-fulham-clash-crucial-blackburn


Exclusive – Roberts admits Fulham clash is crucial for Blackburn

By Alex Varney


Wednesday, March 2


Blackburn striker Jason Roberts has told talkSPORT this weekend's trip to Fulham is crucial for the club.

Rovers are just four points above the drop zone after a run of five games without a win and Roberts admits they have to get something out of Saturday's game.

Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: "It really is [a big game]. We've come to the point where we need to win a few games and shoot up the table.
"
We're at that stage where we really need to win games
"
Jason Roberts

"There's a lot of clubs in that clutch where if you lose a few you find yourself right down there but if you win a few you find yourself shooting up the table. We're at that stage where we really need to win games."

Roberts also claimed the fight for survival, which involves as many as half the league, has once again proved why the Premier League is the best league in the world.

He added: "We're getting to the business end of the season now and there's a lot of exciting situations coming. It's just as exciting at the bottom as it is at the top.

"It just shows why we have probably the best league in the world - I'm excited to see what's going to happen."

[Alternative]

The midfielders tackling stats are an interesting one and comparatively easy to understand (compared to say diagrams of the pitch with lines all over it)

What is the source of these stats please?

I must admit Murphy has always looked fairly robust to me, in the tackling department and I had not noticed Sidwell's success rate.

[White Noise]

The midfielders tackling stats are an interesting one and comparatively easy to understand (compared to say diagrams of the pitch with lines all over it)

What is the source of these stats please?

I must admit Murphy has always looked fairly robust to me, in the tackling department and I had not noticed Sidwell's success rate.

The midfielder stats come from the excellent 'Craven Cottage Newsround' or CCN for short -

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com

It is a fantastic Fulham site and the comments at the bottom of this and other artciles on there illuminate the issue further.

We are also discussing them on FoF here -

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=10507.0

[White Noise]

Matthew Briggs eyes Fulham return


By Jacob Murtagh


Mar 2 2011




MATTHEW Briggs has set his sights on a place in the Fulham first-team after committing his future to Craven Cottage.

The England U19 defender this week signed a contract extension that will keep him in SW6 until 2014.

Briggs became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut as a 16-year-old against Middlesbrough in 2007.

But he found opportunities limited under Lawrie Sanchez and Roy Hodgson before being given his chance by new boss Mark Hughes.

The left-back was handed starts against Chelsea and Arsenal after impressing against Port Vale in the Carling Cup, only to suffer a setback after being forced to have an operation to release pressure in his calves.

However, Briggs is now back to fitness and hopes to force his way back into Hughes's plans.

He told the official site: "It's been frustrating with different managers having to prove myself again and again.

"Since Mark Hughes has arrived I've pushed my foot through the door a little bit.

"I'm hoping to get back in the matchday squad before the end of the season and get a few games.

"I've had a few setbacks along the way with injuries but that will make me stronger in the long run."


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/03/02/matthew-briggs-eyes-fulham-return-82029-28264547/#ixzz1FSc2isoY

[White Noise]

Duff's Top Half Target


Wednesday 2nd March 2011



Damien Duff's equaliser at Eastlands on Sunday afternoon earned Fulham another valuable point on their travels and Fulham's Republic of Ireland international was clearly delighted to have put the finishing touch on a well worked Fulham move in Manchester.   

"It's always nice to score a goal, and help contribute to a positive result and performance," Duff told fulhamfc.com. "I wouldn't say that I'm in the side to score goals, but if I can then that's a good thing.

"It was more pleasing for the team though, because it was a valuable point for us. Who knows, perhaps we could have taken more? We certainly gave a good account of ourselves at the City of Manchester Stadium and more than held our own against one of the league's top sides.

"It was a great cross from AJ and one that any winger would have been proud of. But he has that quality, he's a clever player. He took up a great position and put the ball into a very dangerous position.

"I was there to turn the ball home, but it was a terrific delivery. It came from a great move and pass from Brede Hangeland – and that's the type of football we are capable of and want to be playing."

For the second season in succession Duff has been a revelation on Fulham's right flank, and his ability to perform on both flanks gives manager Mark Hughes valuable attacking options. As for the player himself, Duff professes to enjoy his role on the right whilst highlighting his ability to perform the duties of a more traditional winger.   

"To be honest, I'm probably more comfortable on the right these days. Of course, throughout the majority of my career I've played on the left, but I certainly don't feel out of place on the opposite flank.

"I switched to the right last season, and it's a move that has worked well. I like to cut inside and either get a shot on goal or pick a pass to a team-mate. That said, I still feel that I have the ability to go on the outside and get a ball into the box. It's good to have those options."

Fulham return to Barclays Premier League action at the Cottage this weekend when Mark Hughes' Team challenge Duff's former side, Blackburn Rovers. Duff clearly has great affection for Rovers but his heart now rests in SW6, where the winger is hoping home advantage pays dividends on Saturday afternoon.   

"Of course, that's where it all began for me," Duff explained. "I left Ireland at 16 and I went on to have seven or eight very happy years at Ewood Park. There were some good times, notably the League Cup win in 2002. They're a good side and like ourselves, one that should probably be higher up the league table. I may still look out for their results, but these days I'm Fulham through-and-through.

"It's still all very tight at the minute, at the top and the bottom. We're still only talking seven points separating the 13th place we currently find ourselves in and sixth-placed Liverpool. Both teams will be looking at three points on Saturday, but we have to have confidence that it can be us that makes the difference when it matters.

"We know how strong we can be at Craven Cottage – which has become a bit of a fortress for us in recent seasons, and with the fans behind us I can see no reason why we can't get the three points and push further up the table."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/March/DuffRoversPreview.aspx#ixzz1FScTuMJK

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6789356,00.html


Coulibaly welcomes interest


Nice's versatile Ivorian pleased to have caught the eye of scouts


By Giscard Gourizro   



Last updated: 2nd March 2011   



Coulibaly: In the spotlight


Kafoumba Coulibaly is delighted to hear that Premier League scouts are keeping tabs on him.

The Nice midfielder was reportedly watched by a number of English clubs over the weekend, with Wigan, Wolves and Fulham said to be among those leading the chase.

Coulibaly did his hopes of securing a summer switch no harm in a meeting with St Etienne, as he bagged a 25-yard wonder goal.

The Ivorian, who can also operate at full-back, was pleased to have made his mark in that particular game and hopes he caught the eye of the interested spectators in the stands.

"The goal was a bit of a surprise," he told skysports.com.

"I heard through the press that I was being watched, so it was good to score in front of them.

"Hopefully now I can score a few more before the end of the season."

[White Noise]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/3/2/2024932/the-future-looks-bright-the-future-looks-white

The Future Looks Bright - The Future Looks White

by Kristian Balkin on Mar 2, 2011 4:47 PM GMT



Craven Cottage was more sombre and quiet on the eve of 4th February than normal. Not through lack of football, as there was indeed a game, but, through an academy defeat that ended a hopeful run in the FA Youth Cup.

The 11 boys in white were left in despair as the youth team of Watford booked their place in the quarter final, ahead of Kit Symons' valient side.

Still though, much could be taken from a team of youngsters who outwitted their Chelsea and Arsenal counterparts with 5-1 and 3-1 wins, respectively.

As always with all things Fulham, though, our academy system is somewhat underestimated. We may not be on par with Arsenal's flawless set-up just yet, but we have a rigid efficiency to our academy that only allows the very best through, and we have, in Hughes, a manager who is willing to 'risk' playing them too.

In fairness, it's easy to understand why the Fulham academy is considered 'nothing special'. We've produced little since our promotion to the Premier League, with the likes of Elliot Omozusi, Zat Knight and Robert Milsom being our only notable (I use that term very lightly) successful graduates. Of course, you could count Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in that mix, but he did gain a fair amount of his footballing knowledge at non-league Maidstone.

Only recently has the quality of our youth system become noticeable. With Matthew Briggs' new deal comes a signal of intent that manager Mark Hughes is looking to the future, but, I wouldn't say his installation as manager was the turning point; more Roy Hodgson.

Really, it shouldn't take a manager to crate a youth team. It should be down to the coaches and the staff at that lower level who make the difference, but, I think the influence of Hodgson helped kick start a revolution for an overly fruitless academy. He was, however sporadicly and however sparsely, prepared to play them, and he installed a confidence in their play that made it simple for them to adapt to first team life; perfect for any youngster.

Hodgson's guidance of our youth team is fairly evident when you look at the players who have recently emerged from it. Smalling had a brief spell there, Briggs has flourished of late, Keanu Marsh-Brown is showing promise and Alex Smith is only steps away from Premier League football. What's the link? They're all defenders under what was a defensive regime.

But with Hodgson gone, what does it spell for our youth team? If anything, it's a good sign. Hodgson helped nurture the current team and in the process introduced a very capable team of staff, a very demanding work ethic and, crucially, a fantastic desire within the team.

His departure will not dispel those credentials. They will stay for the foreseeable future. Instead, the appointment of Hughes will allow a vaster array of talent to hit the big time. The likes of Marcello Trotta, Danny Hoesen and Richard Peniket will all be given their chance before long and will blossom in doing so.

Of course, youth isn't everything, but it's the basis on which football is fed. Big money signings may make the back pages but it's the young that should be developed, nurtured and cared for. Let's hope Hughes shares that same opinion.