Monday Fulham Stuff (18.04.11)

[White Noise]

[White Noise]

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/04/17/SOCCER_Barnet.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165



LAWRIE SANCHEZ TAKES BARNET ROLE


Lawrie Sanchez has joined Barnet in a consultancy role until the end of the season as the club bid to avoid relegation from the Football League.

The 51-year-old former Wycombe, Northern Ireland and Fulham boss will assist caretaker manager Giuliano Grazioli in the Bees' last four matches of the season.

Barnet are second-bottom and lie three points from safety but Sanchez said: "I've come in to help Giuliano, who is a football acquaintance, with the big task of helping Barnet off the bottom rungs of League Two."

Grazioli added on the club's website: "This is an opportunity for me to learn from someone with experience at Premiership and international level. He has so much to give and there is a lot I can learn.

"We've got a job to do and three weeks to get it done."

Ex-Barnet striker Grazioli was placed in charge last week following Martin Allen's shock departure to Notts County.

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/winning-winners/

Winning Winners

Filed under: General — timmyg @ 9:55 pm

(I originally wrote this post over two weeks ago. But for whatever reason I sat on it, and then sat on it some more. It may be a little dated — the NCAA Championship game was the worst ever — but Arsenal's continuing incompetence which gave United the title without even playing brought this back to life. Enjoy.)

Joe Posnaski penned (http://joeposnanski.si.com/2011/04/03/the-madness-of-march/) a great piece about March Madness earlier today two weeks ago. To him, the tournament bucks the trend of basketball's dynastic nature. He writes:

Basketball is probably the most predictable of all our team sports. Well, it only makes sense. Everything is on a smaller scale in basketball. The court is smaller. There are fewer players on each team. There are fewer players on each roster.

There are fewer angles, fewer moves, fewer countermoves. One great basketball player can make a larger impact, I suspect, than one great player on any other team sport.

If you need proof of basketball's predictability — look at the NBA...

Here are three NBA facts that might blow your mind:

1. Of the last 59 NBA Finals, 38 of them featured either the Celtics or the Lakers, often both.

2. Since 1984, only seven different teams have won an NBA title. Seven! And only one of them — the Miami Heat — won only one title.

Let's put this in a little bit of perspective:

Number of teams that have won their championship since 1984:
World Series: 18
Super Bowl: 14
Stanley Cup: 13
NBA Finals: 7

We often hear how predictable footy can be (which is one big reason MLS uses the playoff system, and is subsequently ridiculed). To put this in more perspective, here is the number of teams in the big four leagues that have won a championship since 1984:

England: 7
Spain: 6
Germany: 6
Italy: 8

Unless something wild happens in Italy or Germany, those numbers aren't on course to change this season.

In England, only Blackburn and Leeds United have won one title (and Leeds won it before the Premier League so that doesn't count, right?) In Spain and Italy there have been three solitary winners: Deportivo La Coruna, Atlético Madrid, and Atletic Bilbao; and Lazio, Sampdoria, and Hellas Verona.

Numerically, Germany is probably the worst culprit with Wolsburg being the only team to win just one title. Proportionally, Spain is probably the worst considering they've had three clubs win the title once yet have just 6 unique winners.

Okay, so perhaps this is apples and oranges as there are no playoffs in footy. Nor are there revenue sharing, draft picks, or any other form of sporting socialism that drive the franchise-model here. So, let's also account for (the major) Domestic Cup winners since 1984 in each nation for good measure:

England: 9
Spain: 12
Germany: 13
Italy: 11

Add a +1 to England and possibly in Germany and Italy (right? I don't know who are in the cup finals there) and it's a bit more on par with what we see here stateside.

So, what's the point of all this? Well, we travel traveled to Old Trafford on last Saturday and United have another title basically locked up. But rather than gallop to the title like they've done in the past and like we're seeing with Barcelona, this season resembles more of a slow, laborious stutter akin to a zombie. A hallmark of Romero films wasn't the zombies killing the protagonists, it was what the protagonists did to themselves to be devoured by the zombies.

And it's that fact is most maddening to me. Shouldn't we want more out of this game? Shouldn't we demand bread and circus considering the exorbitant costs following the game now requires? If sports are now deemed entertainment, well, dammit, I'd like to be entertained. What made our European run last year so darn exciting, beyond that the fact we beat Juve and played in a Cup final, is that it was so unpredictable. Who in their right mind thought we could do what we do?

No one, and that naivety per se is what made it so special.

Overall, if it wasn't for the unpredictability (to a point) of the Champions and Europa League, would soccer exist as it does now? Or would we have tuned it out like we now do with the ever-predictable various forms of auto racing? I'm fully aware a tournament/playoffs–which the Champions League basically is–doesn't reward the "best" team like a reason season does; so I'm not suggesting that the EPL, or La Liga, or any other non-MLS footy league adopt that wholesale.

But what's the answers? Financial fair play? Salary caps?

I don't know.

I'm going to watching playoff hockey, even though I'm fully aware 6 months of regular season play (and high ticket costs) can be undone in just 4 games. But dammit, I'm entertained.

[White Noise]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/aberdeen/2011/04/17/a-brown-trouser-job-86908-23067583/

Scottish Cup semi-final: After Preston I was too embarrassed to apply for a job as manager anywhere else, says Aberdeen boss Craig Brown

Apr 17 2011 Scott Mcdermott, Sunday Mail

CRAIG BROWN feared he'd never be a boss again - because he was too EMBARRASSED to apply for jobs.

While working as a football consultant at Fulham the former Scotland manager had contented himself with the fact his time in the dugout was up.

But after reinventing himself at Motherwell last season the 70-year-old is now relishing life as Aberdeen gaffer and admits he sees the job at Pittodrie as a long-term project.

Brown was almost lost to the game seven years ago after his sacking from Preston but was brought back into football by Chris Coleman - who was then manager at Craven Cottage.

During that time the veteran coach turned down jobs in England but revealed he could never bring himself to actually apply for one he wanted.

As he prepared his Dons side to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup semifinal at Hampden today, Brown revealed he came close to becoming the new boss of Australian A-League outfit Perth Glory.

He knocked that back because he didn't believe he was fit enough but is delighted he accepted Motherwell's advances to replace Jim Gannon just over a year ago.

Before that, he admits to accepting he was finished as a front-line manager.

Brown said: "It had been decided for me after Preston.

"I didn't apply for any jobs and didn't think you could get jobs by applying anyway.

"I've never had an agent or anyone working for me. If I wanted a job I could have phoned agents and asked them to get me in but I didn't because I felt a bit embarrassed to go begging, looking for a job.

"I was waiting for jobs and I was totally surprised when Motherwell phoned. I was happy doing media stuff for Radio Five Live and Sky.

"Then someone asked me if I would like to be involved in the front line again.

"I had turned down jobs like Perth Glory because of this knee.

"I thought of Australia being all sporty and all action - then me limping about with this knee. I should've had it replaced years ago.

"I didn't want to limp my way back into the game but it wasn't so bad limping my way back to Motherwell because they knew I was a cripple!

"I nearly took the Perth Glory job - I had two days with the chairman in London but I didn't think I was fit enough and I was worried that my knee wouldn't last.

"I was at Fulham at the time and one or two English clubs approached me as well."

Brown loved working alongside Coleman at Fulham where he scouted players all across Europe before reporting back to the Welshman and madcap owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

At that point he was convinced he wouldn't be a manager in his own right again - until Well chief John Boyle asked him and Archie Knox to turn Well's fortunes around.

After achieving that, Aberdeen came calling and Brown insists he regards it as a "privilege" to be manager at Pittodrie.

And despite his age he is adamant he's in it for the long haul in the Granite City.

He said: "It was a great job at Fulham as a consultant. If there was a foreign player recommended I would go and watch him.

"Chris wanted me there to give an independent, detached view of things.

"We would have a mini football board meeting every week which Al Fayed tried to be at.

"It was meticulous and I saw the whole of the French, German and Italian leagues.

"I also had contacts like Bobby Clark who would recommend players like Ryan Nelsen, now captain of Blackburn.

"At my age I thought I'd had a great innings and I still feel that I've had a great time in football. To still be involved in the game is a privilege and to be manager of Aberdeen is an honour for me.

"This is a fantastic club. When your hobby is also your job it's brilliant.

"I was surprised when Motherwell asked me to help them and thankfully myself and Archie managed to do that.

"Then Aberdeen approached us. But I never get upinthemorning and thinkIhavea Godgiven right to be involved in football  it's an honour.

"As long as we are wanted here and doing a turn I think we'd be happy to be here. We've another two years on our contracts.

"Is this a two-year job? Every manager says, 'Give me time' but I have to be realistic - we've got to get things going quickly."

And that begins with today's crucial cup semi-final against Neil Lennon's side. The Dons crashed and burned in the Co-op Cup when Celtic hit four past them in the first half hour of the game.

And Brown has urged his side not to let their loyal fans down in the same manner again.

He said: "What the support didn't deserve was a letdown like that because they're so loyal.

"Our support are like a mini Tartan Army. The Dons fans don't deserve another disappointment.

"That defeat at Hampden was as low as I've felt in a long time. I was disappointed because of the manner of our defeat.

"At half-time and 4-0 down you would have thought it could go on to be six. Not many people would have thought we would go out and win the second half 1-0.

"The lads deserve credit for that. If they had not gone out and won the second half then they would have lost ALL credibility.

"Celtic came up here in the SPL in the next match and we had Andy Considine sent off in the first minute which was harsh and lost 3-0.

"I know what we have to fix from the game at Hampden and because we only had 10 men in the league match we weren't able to do that."

[White Noise]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/bruce-admits-sunderland-must-only-focus-survival-1576181


Bruce admits Sunderland must only focus on survival

17.04.11 | tribalfootball.com



Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits Premier League survival is all they're now aiming for.

After seeing his team lose 2-0 at Birmingham the Black Cats boss revealed the safety target his strugglers must aim for.

Bruce said: "The lads know we have not got enough points. We have one point from nine games and we've got to try and arrest that slump.

"We've now got back-to-back home games with Wigan and Fulham so it is an opportunity to put things right. Maybe 41 points will be enough to stay up. One win might do it. I think so."

[White Noise]

http://fulhamsfinest.com/2011/04/17/summer-transfer-roundup-fulhams-finest-goes-shopping/


Summer Transfer Roundup: Fulham's Finest Goes Shopping


Posted: April 17, 2011 by Kyle in Opinion


Well, there's nothing to write about, so I'm going to just write about stuff that I make up. Looking ahead to the summer (boy, with the weather 50 degrees and raining outside here in upstate New York, it'd be sure nice to look ahead to the summer), here's what I'd love to see the team do, and what is looking likely at the moment.

I'm guessing MAF will allow for about £10 million of extra money to be alloted to transfers, in addition to anyone that's sold. Seems like a reasonable number to me. First here's who I think will be sold, and then we'll tally the money and spend it to our liking. I love spending money!

Side note: as correctly pointed out by Fulham Kid, many of these players are out of contracts, and therefore would be free. But I decided to keep their "hypothetical value" to represent their cost because rating them on potential contract is too complicated.

Say goodbye to: (most of these are pretty obvious, lots of players who suck and don't play, but think they're good)

-Zoltan Gera: No explaination necessary.
To: Serie A
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £3.5 million

-Kagisho Dikgacoi: He's on loan and likes it better elsewhere.
To: Crystal Palace
Price: £1 million


Diomansy Kamara has made it clear he's going to go somewhere he can get first team time, whether with Leicester or somewhere else

-Diomansy Kamara: Same as Dikgacoi
To: Leicester City
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £2 million

-Eddie Johnson: He's barely played, and is apparently unhappy. Also on loan
To: Preston
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £800K

-John Pantsil: Basically the same situation as Gera. Guy did himself in with own goals. Although he could be saved by the idea that he'd get another shot with Salcido wanting to leave. He's also said in the past he's willing to change positions to finish his career at CC. He's not a lock to leave like the others are, but he's about 95%.
To: West Brom
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £3.5 million

-Carlos Salcido: He's playing well and earned a spot back in the starting XI. However, he's homesick and has made it public he wants to go back to Mexico.
To: Mexico
Price: £3 million

I don't see any more sales than that. Lots of changes to the backups, but that's pretty usual. As much as I wish they would sell Andy Johnson (and there have in fact been rumors about that), I just don't see Hughes parting ways with Johnson. I also personally wish Fulham would go shop Schwarzer to get David Stockdale in at first team goal, but I don't believe that will happen either, especially all the talk with Schwartzer wanting to extend his stay at Craven Cottage.

Now for the fun part! Here's how I would like Hughes to use the £23 million we now have. That's a lot of money, so I'm going to enjoy this  do I think they'll end up using all of the £23 million if they get that much? No. But I like it so here we go. Also, let it be known I'm much more into quality over quantity. Especially since there are a few holes but otherwise this team's base is very solid.

Already secured:

-Dan Burn
-Eidur Gudjohnson (loan -> permenant)
-Alex Manninger

Kyle's £23 million Wish List:


Johan Elmander will be on the market for sure this summer
-Johan Elmander: I've already posted how I want him to come to CC. He's not signing a new contract at Bolton, and although it'd be somewhat of a bidding war with clubs like Liverpool, manager Kyle is winning this one. It's taking a big chunk of the money out, but he would be great next to Zamora.
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £8.5 million

-Artjoms Rudnevs: This one is more realistic, so I'll go for it. He's been rumored to be in at Fulham in the summer, and he's young and relatively inexpensive. I like the move.
Price: £2.5 million

-Gary Cahill OR Steven Taylor: It is of my belief that, with a bunch of defenders leaving, signing one of these would give Fulham an absolute brick wall in defense. They are both center backs, but Hughes has the ability to play the side, plus he and Hangeland aren't getting any younger. Both these 25 year olds would not only provide a solid defense, but they could be the future of the defense along with Briggs and Burn. Both players have proven their worth in the PL and Newcastle and Bolton could be looking to add a little cash. It would be a very smart signing in my opinion. Cahill is more expensive, so I believe Taylor is the better value, but both offer significant upside to the price. Someone I was very tempted to spend money on was Matthew Upson, the captain for West Ham. But these two youngsters' age was the deciding factor for me.
Price: Cahill – £8.5 million Taylor – £5.5 million


Sebastian Larsson improved his stock at the Carling Cup, and could net Birmingham City a good fee if sold
-Sebastian Larsson: The Birmingham City and former Arsenal midfielder was spectacular in winning the Carling Cup. He's been touted by many clubs and officials, and is an extremely good value. This buy would round out my spending to lock down the midfield, which has given Sparky so many injury problems this season. Depth at midfield is an absolute must, and this move would secure that. Also, Larsson is still 25 and very experienced, having played for Arsenal before Birmingham City. The only issue with this move is it would create almost a logjam at midfield, with 7 capable starters (Larsson plus Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Etuhu, and yes, I'm including Dembele). I think it's time Danny Murphy steps aside, as he's not as consistent as he used to be, but as is the same with Mark Schwarzer, it's tough to just throw aside club loyalty for youthful replacements.
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £6 million

The lineup after the purchases:

Starting XI – Schwarzer/Stockdale, Hangeland, Taylor/Cahill, Hughes, Baird, Duff, Dempsey, Larsson, Sidwell, Elmander, Zamora
Bench – Dembele, Gudjohnson, Murphy, Etuhu, Kelly, Halliche, Schwarzer/Stockdale
Youth in the wings – Dalla Valle, Briggs, Burn, Rudnevs

I could see Briggs or Burn coming up very soon, as the defensive bench is very thin. Dalla Valle also will be up very soon, which could put a striker or two in a tough spot. I see Gudjohnson making way for him if someone had to hit the road.

That would be a pretty sweet team, no?

Give me your thoughts. Obviously all those players I mentioned Fulham buying are all who I would go out and get, not what will probably happen. It's just kind of my transfer best-case scenario, if you will.

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-worst-transfer-deals-in-premier-league-history-1706591.html?action=Gallery&ino=23

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/alternative-alf-garnett-lawrie-sanchez-goes-to-barnet/?

Alternative Alf Garnett: Lawrie Sanchez goes to Barnet
Filed under: General — rich

As the temperature drops on the drunks out in Clapham
I turn on my bx and it's like punk never happened
The community's charged up and the West End's alight
And it's Jimmy Bloody Tarbuck on a Saturday night

And I'm sick to the back teeth, frony teeth and tonsils
Of hit making factories and kids niffing Ronseal
The run down, the hard up and the national health
And it's Jimmy Bloody Tarbuck on a Sunday as well

Friends, Romans, country fans
If you're happpy and you know it
You can clap your hands and say yeah!

Yes sir no sir three bags full of newspaper
Sleeping by the greengrocers over by the undertakers
Died in a house fire mummy was at the bakers
Buying broken biscuits, digestives and iced wafers
I've broken my dentures, got senile dementure
And I'm losing my barnet
I'm an alternative Alf Garnett

(Carter USM – Alternative Alf Garnett)

Lawrie Sanchez's ongoing search for gainful employment is over, at least temporarily. He has bounced around the periphery of the football media world, popping up on TalkSport, Radio 5 and the occasional TV spot, but it's fair to say that the offers haven't been rolling in.

It's another example of the perils of ambition. Sanchez had an amazing thing going with Northern Ireland, galvanising what everyone had assumed to be a very ordinary squad into a side that was capable of upsetting some much more fancied opposition (including the always mighty England, slain by the deadly boot of David Healy).

The word is that Fulham got Sanchez after initially asking after Sven: their shared agent pointed out how well Northern Ireland were doing and wouldn't that be just the job for Fulham under the circumstances, and the rest was very nearly history.  For Sanchez the gamble was presumably one he felt he had to take (see Hodgson/Liverpool), but in retrospect he might have been better off staying where he was (ditto). The Northern Ireland gig was going well, he had time on his hands (being an international manager must rule!) and a growing reputation. He didn't need to change anything.

He was lured into taking something bigger than himself, and I suspect realised this quite quickly. The talk of him being arrogant must have had a grain of truth to it, but equally, may have missed the mark, arrogance being what you see when insecurity meets stress. Sanchez was faced with a big situation in which he was employed to be the big man; of course he was going to do all he could to play the part.

In life we spend years trying to be things we're not before realising that we might as well be ourselves. Marilyn Monroe could pull of the Marilyn Monroe thing because of who she was; thousands of others couldn't because they lacked that hard-earned inner depth. The same obviously applies to Kurt Cobain of Nirvana: anyone can try to do what he did, only Cobain could scream from the very depths of his being and transmit it onto record in a fashion that made people want to listen. The imitators look cheap, fake, unbelievable.

So it was with Sanchez, a man who had it in him to be a good football manager, but who  – to my mind – didn't have the inner strength (or ability to organise a defence) to pull it off.  (Look at Sir Alex Ferguson: that's not a man who needs to be liked). Intellectually Sanchez might have been fine: he was open-minded, and like Sam Allardyce, interested in any new idea that might give him and his team an edge. Otherwise, not so much: had Sanchez got a good start with Fulham I suspect he'd have had a decent run; he didn't, and he didn't.

He sounded bitter about this from the moment he lost his job, and his interviews even recently have had the same undertones: "listen to me! I know football! I know football as well as 90% of the people with jobs! Why does nobody understand this!" And he probably had a point. His record with Northern Ireland should probably have earned him another go somewhere. Turns out he's going to be at Barnet, where failure in the Premier League might be seen as a good thing: at least he's been there.

It might not work, but you can bet that he'll be out on the training pitch on day one with tales of how his teams have beaten the odds, won games they had no right to win, and so Barnet really have nothing to fear.  Working in League Two he might feel like the legitimate big man he needs to be.  He might come across as arrogant.  Or it might work, and Barnet might get out of the relegation zone.  Looking at their results there seems to be something to work with, although the scores below suggest a defence every bit as porous as the one Roy Hodgson had to mend after Sanchez left Fulham.

As ever, interesting stuff.

January
Sat 1     15:00    H    Aldershot Town     FL2     L      1-2    1,902
Mon 3     15:00    A    Stevenage     FL2     L      2-3    3,744
Sat 8     15:00    A    Bradford City     FL2     W      3-1    10,514
Sat 15     15:00    H    Shrewsbury     FL2     D      1-1    2,164
Sat 22     15:00    A    Macclesfield     FL2     D      1-1    1,655
Tue 25     19:45    A    Port Vale     FL2     D      0-0    4,112
Sat 29     15:00    H    Southend     FL2     L      0-2    2,867
February
Sat 5     15:00    A    Northampton     FL2     D      0-0    4,573
Sat 12     15:00    H    Torquay United     FL2     L      0-3    2,168
Sat 19     15:00    A    Cheltenham     FL2     D      1-1    2,926
Tue 22     19:45    A    Southend     FL2     L      1-2    5,501
Sat 26     15:00    H    Lincoln City     FL2     W      4-1    2,226
March
Sat 5     15:00    A    Rotherham     FL2     D      0-0    3,566
Tue 8     19:45    H    Wycombe     FL2     L      0-1    1,520
Sat 12     15:00    A    Hereford     FL2     W      2-1    2,517
Sat 19     15:00    H    Morecambe     FL2     L      1-2    2,510
Tue 22     19:45    A    Aldershot Town     FL2     L      0-1    2,420
Sat 26     18:00    H    Chesterfield     FL2     D      2-2    2,012
April
Sat 2     15:00    A    Burton     FL2     W      4-1    2,774
Sat 9     15:00    H    Crewe     FL2     W      2-1    2,212
Sat 16     15:00    A    Bury     FL2     L      0-2    3,082

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/sunderland_skipper_cattermole_focused_on_wigan_and_fulham_1_3299751

Sunderland skipper Cattermole focused on Wigan and Fulham

LEE Cattermole insists relegation won't be discussed in the Sunderland dressing room until the outcome of their home double-header.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Birmingham reduced the gap with the relegation zone to five points and dropped Sunderland down to 15th spot.

But if the Black Cats can end their three-month wait for victory against either Wigan or Fulham in their next two games, both at the Stadium of Light, then Sunderland would be largely free from relegation worries.

Cattermole (pictured) said: "We have two home games coming up and two wins would put us back in the top half. That has to be where we are looking.

"Perhaps if those games don't go our way, then we may have to start looking the other way.

"We didn't expect to be down in this situation, but we need to deal with it and get out of it as soon as possible.

"Perhaps it does feel that this has happened quite quickly.

"But we still haven't talked about relegation. All we really want to do is put an end to this bad run.

"We're not thinking about getting relegated, all we're thinking about is winning games and trying to finish in the top half of the table.

"The lads aren't deflated at all. They're all looking forward to the challenge.

"We just need to finish the season off as well as we can, then look to go again next year.

"You can't take big steps going from a club that has been a yo-yo team to being a team that qualifies for Europe, you need to build.

"If you look at Everton, they're building and building and finally they are there.

"That's what Sunderland have to aim to do."

Radio phone-ins were again bombarded by angry Sunderland supporters on Saturday night and skipper Cattermole insists he understands the frustration.

But the 23-year-old believes the Wearsiders are almost a victim of their own success after holding down a top-six position at the turn of the year.

"We've only won one out of the last nine games, so I can understand why the fans are getting a bit nervous," he added.

"They want to see us winning. I can't say that we won't get relegated, we still might.

"But we have to produce the goods to make sure that doesn't happen and there is no better way to start than winning the two home games.

"It's just a shame the way the season has gone for us now.

"People were talking about Europe, but then injuries and disruptions in January have made it hard for us.

"In a way, it shows just how far the club has come.

"The expectations have definitely been raised and that is something we have to deal with."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6882486,00.html?

Gera open to Prem offers
Agent admits attractive offer could see Hungarian perform U-turn

Zoltan Gera is not entirely opposed to prolonging his career in England, according to the Fulham player's agent.

Last week the Hungarian revealed his desire to run down his contract at the Cottagers before embarking on a new challenge overseas after seven years in the country.

The 31-year-old spent four years with West Brom from 2004 to 2008 and his agent, Vladan Fillipovic, suggests switching to another Premier League club is not entirely out of the question.

"It is not impossible at all that Zoltan stays in England," Filipovic told Hungarian station Digi Sport Television.

"We're open to any possibilities, it can be that he stays in England in case of a good opportunity. Gera still has a lot in his career, four or five good years.

Filipovic added: "It's a great advantage for him that he can play on two or three positions - as an attacking midfielder, as a second striker and also as a right-sided midfielder.

Gera is a reported target for Greek Super League giants Olympiakos, who are expected to move for the playmaker when he becomes a free agent.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6872622,00.html?

Cottagers agree Burn deal
Young defender to depart Darlington for Craven Cottage in summer

Teenage defender Dan Burn will join Fulham from Darlington in the summer for a record-breaking transfer fee.

The 18-year-old centre-back, who has agreed a three-year deal at Craven Cottage, will move for an initial six-figure fee which has not been disclosed by the clubs, but is reportedly higher than the non-league record of £260,000.

The Quakers, who are through to the FA Trophy final, stand to net over £1million in total for the defender, depending on his development and appearances for the Cottagers first-team.

Burn, who had been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Everton and Newcastle, is the second Darlingtonplayer to move to Fulham in recent years following goalkeeper David Stockdale's switch in 2008.

Quakers chairman Raj Singh was delighted to sew up the move and praised manager Mark Cooper for getting 'the best deal for the club'.

Fantastic

He told the Northern Echo: "This represents a fantastic bit of business for Darlington and we're delighted for Dan that he's joining a top, Premier League club.

"Mark Cooper wanted to make sure Dan joined the right club and he kept me informed of all enquiries, ensuring we got the best possible deal while also looking after the player, so he deserves a lot of credit for that.

[WhiteJC]

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Wolves: Mick McCarthy expecting true character against Fulham

MICK McCarthy has backed his side to show their true character in Saturday's must-win clash with Fulham.

While his side were left kicking their heels, results elsewhere deepened Wolves' plight at the bottom.

The visit of Mark Hughes' side is clearly seen as make or break.

"It could be," said McCarthy. "But the players have always responded when it's been a kind of 'must-win' game.

"There's no better time for a special effort to come than the Fulham game is there?

"Let me tell you, the teams that work the hardest generally succeed. Manchester United, Barcelona – they all do that."

The game needs no extra spice after Danny Murphy's autumn comments aimed at the ''Stokes, Blackburns, Wolves'' whose managers were seen to be ''pumping up'' their players. It followed the September meeting between the sides that saw Karl Henry break Bobby Zamora's leg, albeit with a fair tackle.

Wolves had six bookings and Christophe Berra sent off as Fulham stole all three points with a stoppage time winner from Moussa Dembele.

Steve Sidwell is also likely to line up for the Cottagers having undergone a medical at Wolves on deadline day.

McCarthy says he cannot add to his side's winning mentality.

"It's in themselves to stay out of it (the relegation zone) – I can't put that into them," he said.

"We had this discussion last Monday, but you create an environment that they want to come and work in and enjoy it.

"They fight for each other and there's a good team spirit. But they've got to have that desire in themselves – there's no magic formula for giving players that.

"You look for players who have got that in the first place and I put those players in the team."

At least the omens are good as Fulham have not won in the league at Molineux since 1985 and not in the top flight since 1962.

Wolves have won six of the last seven meetings on home soil.

But defensive errors need to be wiped out.

"When you concede goals like we have, I'm not bothered who's the manager," said McCarthy.

"I looked at Liverpool v Man City last Monday and Roberto Mancini teams are really hard to beat and they got murdered.

''They didn't look like a Mancini team because of the goals they conceded.

"But it's what can happen if you concede the goals in the manner we did at Newcastle, then the first one here against Everton."

Jody Craddock could be recalled but McCarthy admits Richard Stearman and Christophe Berra have been terrific all season.

"They have but such is life," he said. "The two games don't change a season, but it's a big game when we come back."



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[White Noise]

FulhamFC Fulham Football Club

Steve Sidwell has today signed a contract extension with #FFC that will see the midfielder stay at the Cottage until the summer of 2014.

[Mr Fulham]

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Costa Rican eyes England

Albacete goalkeeper Keylor Navas has revealed he would jump at the chance to move to England.

The Costa Rican shot-stopper has impressed for Albacete since moving to Spain last summer.

Navas has been followed closely in recent weeks by a number of scouts, with Premier League clubs taking a keen interest.

It is understood Wigan and Fulham have both taken a close check on his progress.

Navas has now revealed that he has spoken with fellow countryman and former Derby and West Ham forward Paulo Wanchope about the prospect of moving to England.

"I have spoken with Wanchope," said Navas.

"He supports me and has told me to move to England if any offers come in."




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