Friday Fulham Stuff (01.04.11)

[White Noise]

Absolutely Wacko! Fulham stars ordered to perform Moonwalk goal celebration on day of Jackson statue unveiling


By Justin Abril


Last updated at 12:10 AM on 1st April 2011


EXCLUSIVE

In the countdown to Fulham's controversial unveiling of the Michael Jackson statue, Sportsmail can reveal the extraordinary lengths the club are going to in order to mark the occasion.

Club officials have secretly organised a series of mini tributes for Sunday's match against Blackpool at Craven Cottage that could further anger the Fulham fans who are already fuming over the statue that has been erected outside the ground.

Although the match is hardly the highlight of the weekend's Barclays Premier League fixture list, the special Jacko plans could ensure it is talked about for years to come.


Off The Wall: Fulham's players have spent the week honing their dance moves

Sportsmail can reveal that every member of Fulham's first-team squad have been told they must celebrate any goals in Sunday's clash by performing the Moonwalk in front of the home fans.

Although the order initially went down like a lead balloon, it is believed the players have now warmed to the idea and have been enthusiastically practising behind closed doors at their Motspur Park training base.

Huge Jacko fans Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey have taken charge of the sessions, with coaching staff barely able to hide their amusement while watching on.

Zamora has even called in Dagenham & Redbridge player Bas Savage, who is a YouTube sensation for his Moonwalk celebrations, to help out.



Legend: Michael Jackson

Bas Savage's goal and celebration against Crewe
Bookmakers have now stopped taking bets on the Moonwalk being used by Fulham against Blackpool - despite initially offering odds of 16/1.

Yet, it is not just the players who are being roped in for the Jackson tributes.

Every home fan arriving at Craven Cottage on Sunday will find one white glove under their seat.

At the moment the two teams walk out before kick-off, each supporter will be asked to pull on the glove and point to the sky as a mark of respect to the late singer.

This will be the climax of an hour-long Jackson celebration leading up to the opening whistle.
They will scrap the usual pre-match entertainment to play an uninterrupted sequence of the star's greatest hits.

It is unclear whether long-serving matchday announcer 'Diddy' David Hamilton will now attend the game after his usual warm-up duties were scrapped for the day.
However, Fulham officials - who are anxious over a potential fans backlash - will be reassured by the response of the visiting team after an unnamed Blackpool player got whiff of Sunday's plans.

After informing manager Ian Holloway - who is renowned for his sense of humour - they have decided to celebrate any Blackpool goals with the legendary zombie walk from Jackson's Thriller video.

To cap it off, Holloway also has a bet in place with his assistant manager Steve Thompson over how many Jackson song titles he can drop into the post-match TV interview.

With the match being screened live on TV at Sunday lunchtime, it is threatening to go down as the most bizarre in the history of the Premier League.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1372031/Fulham-ordered-perform-Michael-Jackson-Moonwalk-goal-celebration-statue-unveiled.html#ixzz1IFLc9r4v

[White Noise]

Managerial Sack Race -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1371942/The-Firing-Line-Houllier-hanging-Aston-Villa-fans-losing-faith-Gerard.html

[White Noise]

http://www.blackpool-mad.co.uk/feat/edx1/match_of_the_day__with_george_best_663002/index.shtml

Match of the Day - with George Best


Feature by INOIT


Updated Thursday, 31st March 2011



The BBC Match of the Day cameras were at Bloomfield Road for Blackpool's Second Division clash with Fulham on 27 November 1976 and, as it turned out, they could hardly have picked a more exciting match to focus on


MATCH OF THE DAY - WITH GEORGE BEST

by Peter Gillatt & Gerry Wolstenholme





Gerry Wolstenholme recalls that afternoon which also gave the Pool faithfull (which included the editor!) a final glimpse of the fading magic that was George Best whose contribution to Fulham's two goals helped to make this a thrilling encounter.

The BBC Match of the Day cameras were at Bloomfield Road for Blackpool's Second Division clash with Fulham on 27 November 1976 and, as it turned out, they could hardly have picked a more exciting match to focus on. Blackpool were sitting comfortably in third place in the table with 20 points from 16 games while Fulham were only six points worse off but were languishing eighth from the bottom.

In the game itself, Blackpool initially looked as though they had put the result beyond doubt when they took a two-goal lead but Fulham hit back to score twice themselves. But then Blackpool struck back within a minute of the Fulham equaliser to score a decisive goal which in the end proved to be the winner.

Blackpool announced an unchanged eleven from their previous game but did make a change at substitute where Alan Suddick was welcomed back after a two-week absence through illness. The side was Wood, Gardner, Harrison, Ronson, Hart, Suddaby, Weston, Spence, Walsh, Hatton and Bentley.

Meanwhile Fulham had kept the fact that Rodney Marsh would not play a closely guarded secret until it was time to hand in the team sheet; Marsh had suffered an ankle injury in training which necessitated a plaster cast on his leg. Teddy Maybank was brought across from Chelsea on loan to take his place. George Best, the other half of Fulham's dynamic duo, was, however, in the starting line-up which was Teale, Cutbush, Strong, Slough, Howe, Moore, Best, Evanson, Mitchell, Maybank, Barrett and Greenway as substitute.

Blackpool were the first to attack when Walsh intercepted a ball in midfield and pushed it through to Spence but Teale was quickly out from his goal to clear the danger. And then, after two minutes, Fulham almost took the lead; Gardner failed to clear a cross which fell to Mitchell but the striker's shot flew over the bar. Action was fast and furious and Teale was once again in action as he raced out to whip the ball from Bentley's toes when he chased a through ball from Hatton.

Fulham had a narrow escape after just five minutes when a shot from Hatton was only half stopped by Teale and Strong had to run back to clear off the line. But two minutes later Blackpool did take the lead. More pressure led to a corner on the left and Ronson swung over a deep cross which Hart, at the far post, rose majestically to head into the net for his fourth goal of the season and his second in successive matches.

And Blackpool continued to look dangerous; a Gardner volley surprised the goalkeeper by its pace, and then the same player crashed in a shot from almost 40 yards which Teale could only parry and desperately grab at the second attempt. Spence then shot wide under challenge from Cutbush before, at the other end, Barrett sent a volley just wide following a corner from George Best the former Manchester United legend. The ex-Blackpool player Evanson also had Seasiders' hearts fluttering when he sent a left foot shot just wide of Wood's post after a neat one-two with Maybank.

But after 20 minutes Blackpool took a 2-0 lead. Walsh won a challenge with Strong out on the right wing and sent over a curling cross which Bob Hatton, under challenge, rose to head into the net for his first goal at Bloomfield Road since his transfer from Birmingham. It was no more than Blackpool deserved but Fulham had not given up and a powerful shot by George Best was knocked down by Wood who gathered the ball before any Fulham forward could take advantage.

Blackpool then returned to the attack and after Hatton had gone close, Gardner, again displaying his shooting prowess, fired into the side netting from long range. Fulham's answer was to find some attacks of their own as Evanson fired wide, an acrobatic overhead kick from Best was nearly touched in and Mitchell shot over the bar after being set up by Evanson. As the half came to a close, with Blackpool comfortably in control, the referee had to have a word with Blackpool officials about the blowing of a whistle somewhere in the crowd. And at half time he felt the need to broadcast a warning to the phantom whistler to stop disrupting the game.




Fulham went onto the attack immediately the second half started and with five minutes gone they reduced the deficit. George Best pushed a free kick from the edge of the penalty box across to the right wing where Cutbush centred for Mitchell to get in a header. Wood managed to get a hand to the ball but could not prevent it hitting the post and rebounding into the net. Fulham then took control of the midfield and Blackpool suddenly looked far from impressive and were defending grimly to hold onto their lead.

On 59 minutes the lead disappeared. George Best had a shot saved by Wood and then slotted a pass through for Mitchell to take the ball in his stride and shoot calmly past Wood. But Fulham's joy was short-lived. Within a minute Blackpool had remarkably restored their lead and the goal came from their best move of the second half. Ronson took the ball out on the right, got round the back of the defence and sent over a hanging cross to which Walsh rose magnificently and planted a header in the back of the net.

Fulham pressed for an instant equaliser and Barrett shot just wide. But Spence looking to increase Blackpool's lead had a shot blocked at the other end after a fine cross by Walsh. Bentley was then Blackpool's saviour; George Best jinked his way past Gardner and into the penalty box but Bentley charged across and robbed him at the expense of a corner. The resultant header went straight into the arms of a grateful Wood.

The thrills continued through to the end and the final chance went to Fulham when George Best beat Gardner and crossed for Wood to just beat Mitchell in the race for the ball as the centre forward closed in for his hat-trick. And when the whistle went, Blackpool had won an outstanding game 3-2 which had been enjoyed by the 16,779 crowd and was to be enjoyed by the BBC's Match of the Day audience that evening.

Blackpool vs Fulham November 1976

[White Noise]

Southampton eye a move for Plymouth's Jack Stephens after teenager turns down Fulham


By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 1:20 AM on 1st April 2011


Southampton are talking to Plymouth defender Jack Stephens after he rejected Fulham.

The 17-year-old can join now, outside the transfer window, for £125,000 as he is an apprentice.

Sunderland, Newcastle, Everton and Bolton have also shown interest.


In talks: Stephens


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1372105/Southampton-eye-Plymouths-Jack-Stephens-teenager-turns-Fulham.html#ixzz1IFRmGipq

[White Noise]

Ancelotti trusts Fulham boss with Kakuta


Mar 31 2011



By Paul Warburton




CHELSEA boss Carlos Ancelotti is hoping Gael Kakuta gets more game time at Fulham – but has ruled out any move to recall the winger.

Kakuta has totalled only 46 minutes in three matches as a Fulham sub since his January switch from the other end of the Fulham Road, but Ancelotti insists Fulham manager Mark Hughes carries the can for the teenager's development until May.

"We hope Kakuta is involved in the next few games, but he will stay at Fulham until the end of the season and then come back to us," said the Italian.

"We have to have a respect and trust in Mark Hughes – and it's his decision and his player."

The Whites boss reckoned that when he signed the 19-year-old in the winter transfer window he would use him only in 'certain' games.

"Some matches will suit Gael's talents better than others," he added back then.

[White Noise]

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/charlie_fit_for_fulham_clash_1_3236954


Charlie fit for Fulham clash


Blackpool's Charlie Adam


By Steve Canavan


Published on Thursday 31 March 2011 11:12


CHARLIE Adam is fully fit to face Fulham on Sunday.


The Seasiders skipper gave Pool cause for alarm when he required lengthy treatment after a heavy challenge during Scotland's friendly defeat by Brazil last weekend.

But he has joined in training without any problems since reporting back to Bloomfield Road and will lead the team out at Craven Cottage.

Assistant boss Steve Thompson said: "Charlie had a clash of knees in the Scotland game but he hasn't reported to (Pool physio) Phil Horner, so there should be no problems there.

"Both Charlie and Stephen Crainey (who also played against Brazil at Arsenal) were a little bit stiff and leggy in their first training session back. We are monitoring them, and (Wales') David Vaughan, to make sure we get the balance between rest and work right.

"That is important when lads come back from international duty. You have to make sure they don't pick up any silly pulls, but at the same time you have to make sure they are ready to go again on Sunday.

"Charlie, Vaughan and Crainey have been training non-stop with their national squads for the last fortnight, so we'll be careful with them but they all seem fine."

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6843951,00.html

Pantsil hopes for Fulham stay

Out-of-favour defender hopes for run in side


By Pete O'Rourke



Pantsil: Contract hope

Defender John Pantsil is refusing to give up on his chances of winning a new deal at Fulham.

The Ghana international is out of contract at the end of the season and he has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.

Pantsil has struggled to hold down a regular place in Mark Hughes' side this season, but he could earn a run in the side due to an injury to Aaron Hughes.

The 29-year-old is ready to grab his chance to impress as he looks to secure his future at the club.

"I know that there is competition at Fulham," Pantsil told the Fulham Chronicle.

"We have a big squad and everybody deserves to play, so I have to wait for my chance to come again.

"But I have enjoyed my time at Fulham and I want to stay."

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7944163/Fulham-v-Blackpool-match-preview.html


Fulham v Blackpool: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and Blackpool at Craven Cottage on Sunday April 3, kick-off 13.30 GMT.
      
PREVIEW

FULHAM V BLACKPOOL Sunday, April 03 13:30

Premier League

Craven Cottage



Confident: Fulham manager Mark Hughes will be confident of victory against Blackpool, having won 24 of their 35 points this season at Craven Cottage Photo: ACTION IMAGES

By John Ley 5:12PM BST 31 Mar 2011


Sunday, April 3

Fulham v Blackpool

Craven Cottage

Kick-off: 13.30 BST

TV: Live Sky & Highlights, BBC2 Match of the Day2.

Fulham (Possible, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey; Johnson, Zamora.

Blackpool (Possible, 4-3-3): Kingson; Baptiste, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey; Vaughan, Adam, Varney; Puncheon, Taylor-Fletcher, Grandin.

Referee: Stuart Attwell. Matches: 11. R2 Y42.

Tale of the game

Fulham have won 24 of their 35 points this season at Craven Cottage. Blackpool have the fewest home points in the Premier League, just 15, and 18 away.

Fulham's defeat at Everton, their last game, was their first loss in six.

Blackpool, meanwhile, have gone three games without a win and have only one victory in their last 10 in the Premier League.

At Bloomfield Road in August Dickson Etuhu stole a late equaliser for Fulham to earn a 2-2 draw.

Blackpool have lost on their last four league visits to Craven Cottage and have failed to score in their last five. They last won there in April 1990.

Fulham are still without Steven Sidwell, Philippe Senderos and Matthew Briggs. Blackpool have lost Paul Rachubka, Chris Basham, Matt Gilks and Billy Clarke, while DJ Campbell completes a three-match ban.

This season: Blackpool 2 Fulham 2.

Last season: N/A.

Stat of the game: In three Premier League visits to London Blackpool have lost 6-0 at Arsenal, 4-0 at Chelsea and drawn 0-0 at West Ham.

Betting tip: Another capital failure for the Tangerine Dream; a 1-0 home win at 15-2.

[White Noise]

Burn linked with Fulham


It has emerged that Premiership side Fulham have been watching Quakers young central half Dan Burn. Burn who recently broke into the first team has impressed at centre half alongside club captain Ian Miller in recent outings. The 18 year old defender has only started 4 games for Darlo this term however his potential has obviously been noticed as the teenager is already attracting the attention of cottagers boss Mark Hughes.

Burn initially came into the first eleven to deputise for the cup tied Adam Quinn in Darlington`s F.A Trophy games however the youngster kept his place the side after looking comfortable at the heart of the Quakers defence. Darlo have only conceded 1 goal in Burn`s 3 recent appearances and the 6ft6 defender looks set to remain in the side for the immediate future.

Darlo travel away to Forest Green Rovers this weekend and the Londoners could well send a scout to watch the young defender at the New Lawn ground in Gloucestershire. Darlington boss Mark Cooper has given a number of the clubs youth team players first team opportunities this campaign and it certainly seems that his decision to introduce Burn to senior football has been great success for all concerned.

It would appear that Fulham have a first class scouting network across the whole of England as it was the side from Craven Cottage who spotted David Stockdale`s potential back in 2008. The Cottagers paid Darlo an initial fee of £350,000 (rising up to £600,000) for the talented custodian who has recently been included in Fabio Capello's England squad. I believe that Quakers would be looking for a similar figure for Burn as the tall central defender come left back has a great deal of promise.

Read more: http://www.darlington.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=232099#ixzz1IFUurRUn

[White Noise]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6843445/Elm-happy-in-Holland-for-now

Elm happy in Holland for now

Wednesday 30th March 2011 21:07


Elm: Not ready to move, says agent


Rasmus Elm's agent insists he has not talked with any clubs about a possible summer move following reported interest from West Ham and Fulham.

The Swedish international is currently plying his trade for AZ Alkmaar and his performances have been drawing a great deal of attention.

Elm rejected a host of clubs to join AZ in 2009, and his agent Patrick Moerk insists he will not necessarily be moving on this summer.

Reports had claimed that talks had already taken place with West Ham, Fulham and Werder Bremen - but Moerk insists that is not true.

"There are many clubs in Europe who have told me that I should call when Elm is ready to move," Moerk told Sportbladet. "He is enjoying himself and does not feel that he is finished with Dutch football.

"He is choosing his clubs very carefully."

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/12906489.stm

Darlington boss Cooper tips Dan Burn for higher level


Page last updated at 11:04 GMT, Wednesday, 30 March 2011 12:04 UK




Burn made his Darlington debut in December 2009 Darlington boss Mark Cooper believes defender Dan Burn is good enough to play in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old academy graduate has made eight appearances this season.

"If I were a Premier League manager I would sign him straight away, whatever the cost," Cooper told BBC Tees.

"You'd think he was 25, not 18, the way he handles himself, how comfortable he is on the ball, he knows where to put it under pressure and can head it."

Burn added to his growing reputation with an assist for Liam Hatch in Tuesday's 1-0 win against Grimsby at Blundell Park.

Cooper added: "The kid has got half a chance, every week now scouts are here, there would have been numerous people watching him tonight.

"He's got a fantastic left-foot, he could play anywhere on the pitch with that left foot.

"He could play at full-back, play in midfield or up front, he's that comfortable with the football.

"It was a great little ball into the box for Liam Hatch."

[White Noise]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/agent-warns-chelsea-english-rivals-genk-star-de-bruyne-1542181


Agent warns Chelsea of English rivals for Genk star De Bruyne

31.03.11 | tribalfootball.com


Chelsea are battling an increasingly crowded field to land Racing Genk attacker Kevin de Bruyne.

Genk say they rejected an offer from Chelsea for the 19 year-old in January.

And now De Bruyne's agent, Patrick de Koster told TMW: "I can confirm that the player is followed in England, where, in addition to Chelsea, he's liked too by Manchester City and Liverpool, who have recently been added to by Fulham and Everton.

"At the moment, however, the only concrete offer has come from Chelsea. "

[White Noise]

Chris Baird on captaining his country


Wed, 30 Mar 11

Duration: 8 mins

Available: 29 days remaining

In another week of internationals, Chris Baird talks about taking the Northern Ireland captaincy from Aaron Hughes as he claims his 50th cap, and Simon Davies is questioned by some Welsh school children about Mark Hughes, management and his favourite player, ahead of England's 2012 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/iffc

[Oakeshott]

Excellent story about the celebration of goals at Sunday's match. But one needs to bear in mind today's date.

[Tom]

Absolutely Wacko! Fulham stars ordered to perform Moonwalk goal celebration on day of Jackson statue unveiling


By Justin Abril


Last updated at 12:10 AM on 1st April 2011


EXCLUSIVE

In the countdown to Fulham's controversial unveiling of the Michael Jackson statue, Sportsmail can reveal the extraordinary lengths the club are going to in order to mark the occasion.

Club officials have secretly organised a series of mini tributes for Sunday's match against Blackpool at Craven Cottage that could further anger the Fulham fans who are already fuming over the statue that has been erected outside the ground.

Although the match is hardly the highlight of the weekend's Barclays Premier League fixture list, the special Jacko plans could ensure it is talked about for years to come.


Off The Wall: Fulham's players have spent the week honing their dance moves

Sportsmail can reveal that every member of Fulham's first-team squad have been told they must celebrate any goals in Sunday's clash by performing the Moonwalk in front of the home fans.

Although the order initially went down like a lead balloon, it is believed the players have now warmed to the idea and have been enthusiastically practising behind closed doors at their Motspur Park training base.

Huge Jacko fans Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey have taken charge of the sessions, with coaching staff barely able to hide their amusement while watching on.

Zamora has even called in Dagenham & Redbridge player Bas Savage, who is a YouTube sensation for his Moonwalk celebrations, to help out.



Legend: Michael Jackson

Bas Savage's goal and celebration against Crewe
Bookmakers have now stopped taking bets on the Moonwalk being used by Fulham against Blackpool - despite initially offering odds of 16/1.

Yet, it is not just the players who are being roped in for the Jackson tributes.

Every home fan arriving at Craven Cottage on Sunday will find one white glove under their seat.

At the moment the two teams walk out before kick-off, each supporter will be asked to pull on the glove and point to the sky as a mark of respect to the late singer.

This will be the climax of an hour-long Jackson celebration leading up to the opening whistle.
They will scrap the usual pre-match entertainment to play an uninterrupted sequence of the star's greatest hits.

It is unclear whether long-serving matchday announcer 'Diddy' David Hamilton will now attend the game after his usual warm-up duties were scrapped for the day.
However, Fulham officials - who are anxious over a potential fans backlash - will be reassured by the response of the visiting team after an unnamed Blackpool player got whiff of Sunday's plans.

After informing manager Ian Holloway - who is renowned for his sense of humour - they have decided to celebrate any Blackpool goals with the legendary zombie walk from Jackson's Thriller video.

To cap it off, Holloway also has a bet in place with his assistant manager Steve Thompson over how many Jackson song titles he can drop into the post-match TV interview.

With the match being screened live on TV at Sunday lunchtime, it is threatening to go down as the most bizarre in the history of the Premier League.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1372031/Fulham-ordered-perform-Michael-Jackson-Moonwalk-goal-celebration-statue-unveiled.html#ixzz1IFLc9r4v

:tom:! You have to be kidding me. This is embarrassing!!!

[Tom]

Excellent story about the celebration of goals at Sunday's match. But one needs to bear in mind today's date.

I hope you are right and this is a April fools joke.

[Tom]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6843951,00.html

Pantsil hopes for Fulham stay

Out-of-favour defender hopes for run in side


By Pete O'Rourke



Pantsil: Contract hope

Defender John Pantsil is refusing to give up on his chances of winning a new deal at Fulham.

The Ghana international is out of contract at the end of the season and he has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.

Pantsil has struggled to hold down a regular place in Mark Hughes' side this season, but he could earn a run in the side due to an injury to Aaron Hughes.

The 29-year-old is ready to grab his chance to impress as he looks to secure his future at the club.

"I know that there is competition at Fulham," Pantsil told the Fulham Chronicle.

"We have a big squad and everybody deserves to play, so I have to wait for my chance to come again.

"But I have enjoyed my time at Fulham and I want to stay."

Well I hope to make a million dollars this year.

[cebu]

Excellent story about the celebration of goals at Sunday's match. But one needs to bear in mind today's date.

I hope you are right and this is a April fools joke.

Yes, it really sounds like an April fools joke!   :013:

[Oakeshott]

Tom

The mark of a good April Fool's joke is that it does leave one in slight doubt as to whether it is a joke.

[Fletchino]

Got to be an April fools joke
I would not be surprised if a player done the moonwalk taking the piss but no way have there been ordered too