News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Thursday Fulham Stuff (21.04.11)

Started by White Noise, April 21, 2011, 08:04:00 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

White Noise

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/9237961/fulhams-johnson-could-be-set-for-mls-return/

Fulham's Johnson could be set for MLS return

tribalfootball.com April 21, 2011, 4:05 am


Fulham striker Eddie Johnson could be back in the USA when his contract runs out in the summer.

The 27-year old has had little luck at Craven Cottage since joining in 2008 and rumours suggest he may be on his way back to MLS, where he spent time with FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City (then the Wizards) from 2001 until he landed in London.

In the past two seasons, the USA international has undergone loan spells with Cardiff City, Greek club Aris Thessaloniki (alongside Freddy Adu) and is currently with Preston North End.

MLS clubs will be looking to bring Johnson back into the fray this summer and such is his recent luck, he may be up for a homecoming if he cannot get a fresh deal anywhere in Europe.


White Noise

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/betting/football_betting_fulham_to_tame_luckless_wolves_1_3308474


Football betting: Fulham to tame luckless Wolves  




Bobby Zamora celebrates scoring. PIC: PA



By Andy Taylor


Published on Thursday 21 April 2011 07:41


If it wasn't for bad luck then Wolverhampton Wanderers wouldn't be experiencing any kind of luck at all currently.

Certainly not on the injury front anyway with a host of key players getting crocked at such a crucial stage of the campaign.

First it was Kevin Doyle, the undoubted star striker whose potential to find the onion bag looked as if it would keep Wolves in the Premier League.

Dead right until he damaged knee ligaments whilst representing Ireland a little while back.

Still they had Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher to deputise, didn't they? Well, no because both are now carrying knocks sustained in their last game against Everton.

And that's not all as tricky winger Stephen Hunt was recently forced to undergo a hernia operation.

Now to cap it all during their enforced weekend off – courtesy of Stoke's FA Cup semi-final appearance – their rock-like talisman at the back, George Elokobi, tore his hamstring in a practice session.

Throw in the fact that both David Edwards and Ronald Zubar are also on the sidelines and it's likely that gaffer Mick McCarthy is having to make up the numbers just to get a seven-a-side match off the ground during training.

Not what's needed when you're bottom of the table at Easter and the magnitude of the problem was highlighted when their official website mused that bit-part player Stephen Ward "could be the man to take over from Elokobi for the club's next home fixture against Fulham on Saturday, although he may also be needed up front".

Fulham boss Mark Hughes must be quaking in his boots!

He's in charge of a side that realistically only need one more win to secure safety, a side with good players on the bench as a consequence of great players returning from the treatment room.

With a European berth looking good for next season, courtesy of their standing in the Fair Play league, Fulham will travel to the Midlands with confidence which means they'll probably end up passing it around and keeping possession to the frustration of all things black and gold.

Gael Kakuta, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, will have a big part to play and against a side that have conceded seven goals in their previous two games after changing to a 4-4-2 formation, you'd have to assume that he's got the perfect stage on which to display his knack of unfurling the killer ball.

And you'd have to back either Bobby Zamora or his fellow front men to do the business – of late they usually have done.

Yes, it's clear cut for me – Fulham to win easily and we need to be working out how much of the family silver to pawn and punting the 2/1 available for an away win accordingly.


White Noise

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2011/04/20/mick-mccarthy-missing-out-on-signing-steve-sidwell-from-aston-villa-was-a-blessing-for-us-97319-28554021/


Mick McCarthy: Missing out on signing Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa was a blessing for us

By Bill Howell


Apr 20 2011


STEVE Sidwell's 11th-hour turning down of Wolves may have been a blessing in disguise as it ushered in a move for Jamie O'Hara.

Certainly Mick McCarthy has no regrets about how things have panned out.

Sidwell will be at Molineux with Fulham on Saturday having undergone a medical at Compton on deadline day after agreeing to move from Villa.

"Had Sidwell signed on loan, Jamie wouldn't have come," admitted McCarthy.

"Irrespective of how I felt, or what I said or what I did, it is one of those occasions where things have worked out right for us because we got a really good player."

Sidwell signed a new three-year contract at Craven Cottage this week.

McCarthy revealed: "That's why he went. He lives in London and the agreement was the rest of this season and three more."




White Noise

#3
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1379029/Al-Fayed-hopes-direct-takeover-Pinewood.html


Al-Fayed hopes to direct a takeover at Pinewood

By Daily Mail Reporter


Last updated at 9:41 PM on 20th April 2011


Mohamed Al-Fayed is plotting to take control of the historic Pinewood Shepperton film studios, it has emerged.

The former Harrods owner has launched an audacious bid to buy the movie production site, which has played host to countless British classics, including the James Bond franchise.

City sources said Al-Fayed made a tentative approach earlier this week to the board of Pinewood Shepperton, which is chaired by former ITV and Channel 4 boss Lord Grade.


Shaken, not stirred: Pinewood Shepperton declined to comment, but in a statement to the stock exchange, it admitted it had received an indicative bid

Although he has yet to table a binding offer, Al-Fayed would have to spend around £100m to get his hands on Pinewood.

His move will surprise many in the business world as the Egyptian tycoon was expected to devote all of his energies to Fulham Football Club after selling Harrods to the Qatari royal family for £1.5bn a year ago.

It is understood that Al-Fayed believes Pinewood's current management have not invested enough over recent years to keep up with overseas rivals. He is said to be willing to spend tens of millions of pounds on the latest film production technology.

Pinewood Shepperton declined to comment. But in a statement to the stock exchange, it admitted it had received an indicative bid, which 'may or may not lead' to a firm offer for the company.

It is the second approach in less than a fortnight after Pinewood's largest shareholder, Peel Holdings, tabled a 190p a share offer valuing the studios at £88m.

It is believed that Peel, which is controlled by real estate magnate John Whittaker, wants to re- develop Pinewood's prime site in the Buckinghamshire commuter belt.

With a 29.8pc holding in Pinewood (up 11.13 to 202p), Whittaker has enough firepower to block any counterbid from Al-Fayed.

But the expected bidding war will be complicated by the 28.9pc stake owned by activist shareholder Crystal Amber, which is holding out for at least 220pc a share.

Like Whittaker's Peel Holdings, Crystal Amber believes that Pinewood's property portfolio is worth substantially more than its current stock market value.

Grade and chief executive Ivan Dunleavy are pinning their hopes on the £200m Project Pinewood to create a suite of permanent film lots to compete with the big Hollywood studios. Crystal Amber last year called for Grade to step down as chairman of Pinewood following years of 'poor stewardship of shareholders interests'.

Pinewood, which is home to a raft of hit shows such as Dancing On Ice, increased its pre-tax profits by 31pc to £5.8m last year.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1379029/Al-Fayed-hopes-direct-takeover-Pinewood.html#ixzz1K8iDILoA

White Noise

Chelsea winger happy with Fulham form


By Jacob Murtagh


Apr 20 2011



GAEL Kakuta feels he has improved as a player since joining Fulham on loan.

The Chelsea winger made the switch to their SW6 neighbours in January, but has found his opportunities limited at Craven Cottage.

However, the 19-year-old impressed in his first start for the Whites in the defeat against Manchester United earlier this month.

And Kakuta is enjoying life at Fulham despite the lack of game time, according to France U20 coach Francis Smerercki.

He said: "During our two friendly matches in Peru in March, I talked to Gael and he was fine.

"He feels at ease at Fulham now after initially being wary of going there. He was settled at Chelsea and didn't want things to change.

"He has done well at Fulham, though, and they have started to win.

"Gael has been ill, but it is good to see him playing more again now for Fulham.

"Being at Fulham has allowed him to understand the game better. It has opened his eyes to the job he has to do.

"He believes he has improved on a physical level, and I think that is true.

"He might not be back to his best technically, but he is on the right track and I have faith in him."


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/london-chelsea-fc/2011/04/20/chelsea-winger-happy-with-fulham-form-82029-28555660/#ixzz1K8mg57cz

White Noise

Senderos close to Fulham comeback



Published 23:00 20/04/11


By MirrorFootball





Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland hopes to have Philippe Senderos back in action for the Premier League run-in.

Swiss defender Senderos has been out all season, with first an Achilles injury and then a muscle strain.

He is back in training now though, and Hangeland is looking forward to some competition for places.

"I would welcome any centre-back to the club," said Hangeland. "It means that me and Aaron Hughes, or whoever plays, needs to play well to keep our shirt.


"I think, in football, competition brings out the best in people. There's been times when me and Aaron have been the only centre-halves fit and that's not good if one of us gets injured."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Brede-Hangeland-hopes-to-have-fellow-defender-Philippe-Senderos-back-for-the-run-in-after-spending-almost-the-whole-season-out-injured-article725825.html#ixzz1K8oCYjIP


White Noise

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/albacete-keeper-keylor-navas-asks-wanchope-about-fulham-move-1582491


Albacete keeper Keylor Navas asks Wanchope about Fulham move


20.04.11 | tribalfootball.com


Fulham are interested in Albacete goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The Costa Rica international has impressed Spanish football judges this season and been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Now Fulham are eyeing Navas as a successor for Mark Schwarzer.

Navas is aware of Fulham's interest and spoke to former West Ham United and Derby County striker Paulo Wanchope about a move to England.

"I talked to him and he told me that I should go if an offer ever comes from England," said Navas.


WhiteJC

http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2343456,00.html?

VALE YOUNGSTER TO JOIN FULHAM



Vale youngster Ryan Lloyd will join Fulham on trial in May as the Premiership outfit wish to take a look at him.

Just coming to the end of his first of two years in the Vale Youth team, Ryan is thought by many at the club to have a bright future in the game. He will be at Fulham from May 1st to May 8th.

Mark Grew said: "It is nice to know that Premiership clubs are keeping a watch on our players. Fulham showed an expression of interest and Ryan will spend a week with them.

"We have had lots of interest from both Premiership and Championship in several of our players and it is nice to know we are going in the right direction."

WhiteJC

http://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/newsid=1621642.html?rss=1621642+Finalists+meet+organisers+at+Craven+Cottage

Finalists meet organisers at Craven Cottage
Published: Thursday 21 April 2011, 11.49CET
UEFA Women's Champions League finalists 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam and Olympique Lyonnais met with organisers on Tuesday at the venue for the match, Craven Cottage in London.



UEFA Women's Champions League finalists 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam and Olympique Lyonnais met with organisers on Tuesday at the venue for the match, Craven Cottage in London, as the build-up continues.

Lyon organisation and security director Annie Saladin and Potsdam delegates Nadine Bieneck and Björn Laars were given information they need about all arrangement for the final, taking place at 20.00 local time (21.00CET) on Thursday 26 May, two days before the men's decider at Wembley.

They discussed arrangements for the final including ceremonies and kits, received information about London, and were shown around the stadium, the training facilities at Brentford FC and their accommodation. They also spoke about plans for the promotion of the showpiece game. It was the follow-up to a meeting in February involving all the quarter-finalists.

Also on Tuesday, the official match ball for this season's UEFA Women's Champions League final was presented at Craven Cottage. The Finale London, which is supplied by adidas, comprises the same technology as its men's counterpart, including a homogenous star panel shape for improved flight path and a seamless surface structure for increased boot-to-ball contact. It has already been used in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Last season Turbine and Lyon also played in the first UEFA Women's Champions League final in Getafe, Potsdam taking the trophy on penalties. The pair set up a rematch at the weekend – Lyon, aiming for a first title, beating Arsenal LFC and Potsdam, hoping to take the trophy for the third time, overcoming FCR 2001 Duisburg.

Supporters wishing to attend the 2010/11 UEFA Women's Champions League final in London can purchase tickets now priced at £3 for under-16s and £5 (€5.90) for adults. They can be bought via a portal on Fulham's official website or by calling +44 (0)843 208 1234 (option 1) 24 hours a day, seven days a week (no booking fees apply online).


WhiteJC

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2011/04/21/karl-henry-glad-to-see-zamora-back/?

Karl Henry glad to see Zamora back



Wolves captain Karl Henry has thrown down the welcome mat to Bobby Zamora and insisted the Fulham striker will be back in the England squad soon.

Zamora faces Wolves on Saturday for the first time since suffering a broken leg in a challenge with the Molineux skipper in Wolves' 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage in September.

The England international has since made a full recovery from the injury with three goals in four Premier League games – his latest outing being his 350th League appearance – since his return to senior action in February.

And that has been applauded by Henry, who is pleased to see Zamora fully fit again, even though he poses a significant threat to Wolves this weekend.

The Wolves skipper said: "I'm delighted to see him back, even though he's clearly going to be a threat for Fulham on Saturday.

"It's never nice to see any player pick up a broken leg or another nasty injury.

"I'm really pleased to see him back looking sharp and scoring goals and I'm sure he'll be back in the England squad soon."

Henry admits Wolves need to be much tighter on Zamora than they have been in their last two outings, after heavy defeats against Newcastle and Everton.

He added: "We need to tighten up after leaking goals in the last two and we'll be looking to do that."



Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2011/04/21/karl-henry-glad-to-see-zamora-back/#ixzz1K9nnFyfb

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/BobWilsonSoccerCycle.aspx?

Bob Wilson's Soccer Cycle

Cycling 500 miles to every Premier League Club in England is what Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson, is taking on. Bob will cycle to each club and visited Fulham FC on Monday 18th April, meeting old rivals along the way, and aims to raise more than £250,000 for his charity, the Willow Foundation.

Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper, and TV presenter, Bob Wilson, founded the Willow Foundation, which provides empowering and memorable special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds. The charity was founded with his wife Megs in memory of their daughter Anna, who died of a rare cancer aged just 31.

Backed by the Premier League, Bob will take on the tough challenge and kicked off the 500 mile trip at Fulham's Craven Cottage on Monday April 18 then on to London clubs, Chelsea, West Ham, Arsenal & Tottenham, before heading north. Bob expects to complete his adventure in Scotland on Friday April 29.

The tough cycle aims to highlight the difficult emotional challenges of daily life experienced by thousands of seriously 16 to 40 year olds and their families throughout the UK. Money raised will go directly towards the Willow Foundation's quality of life experiences, making a real and positive difference at a time when people need it most.

"Turning 70, I wanted to achieve something special in my 71st year with this 500 mile cycle. 70/71 is already a significant number for me as it was my greatest year in football - winning the European Fairs Cup in 1970 and one year later , the coveted League Championship and FA Cup 'double'. Combining another big achievement some 40 years later with a chance to support so many young people living with serious illness means so much to me," said Bob Wilson.

Bob Wilson's Soccer Cycle is sponsored by major property company, Frogmore and Ireland's biggest and most successful bookmaker, Paddy Power.

Donations can be made online, in support of Bob, or in memory of a loved one at
Or text WILLOW to 70050 to donate £1.50 during April, in association with 02.

The £1.50 donation will be added to your next phone bill, plus your standard network text charge. Willow will receive your donation net of charges applied by mobile phone operators. Full terms & conditions at www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com 

Follow Bob's progress online at www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com and www.twitter.com/bobwilsonBWSC 

For more information about the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk or telephone 01707 259777.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/BobWilsonSoccerCycle.aspx?#ixzz1K9o7e9DX

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/SeasonTicketPositions.aspx

Tunnel Vision

The Club is delighted to offer fans the chance to buy Season Tickets in new, exciting areas for the 2011/12 campaign.

The new areas are located either side of the tunnel in the Putney End and the Johnny Haynes stand. With season tickets selling fast, these new locations won't be available for long so make sure you get you application in soon.

Cottage Corner – The Putney End

Season Tickets are available to buy now in blocks P1 and P2 under the famous cottage and next to the tunnel; these seats give fans a great view of all the action on match days.

With the seats so close to the tunnel, you will get the first look at the players emerging for battle before the match and after half time.

Join the growing number of fans in Cottage Corner which has proven to be a hit with supporters who try it out for the first time come back for more. Season tickets in Cottage Corner are limited and are expected to be snapped up quickly.

Family Area - Johnny Haynes Stand

Extended family areas for the 2011/12 season will now include blocks K and KL, adjacent to the Cottage and tunnel.

Don't miss out on securing your seat in this family friendly atmosphere, dedicated to parents and kids. Billy the Badger visits the family area pre-kick off to entertain junior fans.

Under 8's are even entitled to a free season ticket with one full paying adult season ticket. Why not make it a regular outing for all the family?

With a number of games selling out this season, why not guarantee yourself a seat for all 19 home league games in next year's campaign - you can even save money with our Early Bird prices that remain available until midnight, Sunday 22nd May.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/SeasonTicketPositions.aspx#ixzz1K9oNdvtS


WhiteJC

http://www.sportspromedia.com/guest_blog/richard_sunderland_thinking_outside_fulhams_18-yard-box/?utm_source=Feeds&utm_campaign=soccer&utm_medium=rss

Richard Sunderland: Thinking outside Fulham's 18-yard-box


On 7th April, English Premier League soccer team Fulham announced a partnership with branding agency Heavenly. Under terms of the partnership, which commences from the start of the 2011/12 season, will provide brand strategy ideas and creative services to Fulham. Writing exclusively for SportsPro, Heavenly's founder and chief executive, Richard Sunderland, outlines his plans on how to make the partnership a success for everyone involved.

Sports branding: It's a whole new ball game

Imagine the scenario. You work for a branding agency and one of your clients gives you a call. They want to re-launch one of their products, freshen up the consumer's perspective of the brand and broaden its appeal internationally. A common scenario that happens daily the world over, with a common process to match: understand the product, understand what the consumer thinks of the product (good or bad), develop a new idea for the product and then deliver it to market. In most situations, there will be a degree of consistency in the product itself, whether it's a tin of beans or a sportscar. There will also be a level of emotional engagement between the consumer and brand, ranging from low to high depending on the category. In a nutshell, the basic principles of branding apply.

Now imagine Scenario #2. The brand in question is a football club and the emotional engagement with its consumers is unparalleled. The team's performance of late has been inconsistent, taking the fans on a rollercoaster of emotions and they are now getting restless and developing a real love/hate relationship, not just with the players but also with the owners. There's also huge financial pressure to diversify revenue streams and attract more supporters from emerging markets – a relatively recent concern and why so many football clubs are placing renewed impetus on their brand and its positioning. Not exactly the way most consumers interact with the portfolio of FMCG brands in their kitchen cupboards. Some people might even find it irrational – but rationality rarely applies when supporting a sports team.

Welcome to the world of sports branding.


"To succeed, branding in sport needs to be about telling the truth, not selling the truth (or white, red or blue lies for that matter). Do this and you have a chance of winning"

Heavenly was recently engaged by Fulham Football Club to work on its branding and communications activities. Pleased at emerging victorious in our pitch, we put out a press release to the branding world, congratulating ourselves on winning the project. The number of our followers on Twitter and visits to our website increased dramatically overnight and the club's blogosphere was dominated by talk of who we were, what we'd do and our suitability to do the job. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to sport, passions run high. Fans can often be fanatical and branding in the sports world a bit of a warzone.
So, here are two simple, yet often overlooked, principles that can be deployed to build strong club brands in the world of sport.

Principle #1: It's all about the fans.

The first is to recognise that the true custodian of the brand is not the club, but the fan. One definition of branding is that it is a promise held in the mind of the consumer and in no category is this truer than the world of sport. Every club brand has a succession of temporary 'owners': the proprietor, the manager, the players and the staff. The permanence and continuity is provided by the fans. What this means is that the club imposing a "brand idea" on the fans is unlikely to work. It has to come from within the supporter base.

The supporter base understands and is part of the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the club. It is these traditions and beliefs that an agency must consider; they limit what can be done but also present a unique opportunity to genuinely engage on an emotional level with the brand's existing and prospective consumers.



Principle #2: Tell it, don't sell it.

The second is to understand that, when it comes to sport, honesty is the best policy. Unlike many consumer categories, spin doesn't survive in sport. It's all about truth: what does this club stand for, how well is the team performing or do I believe that the players are giving their all or what the manager is saying. This is an especially critical aspect of branding now that every fan is a commentator, thanks to the power of the internet and the liberation that it has created among the fans.

To succeed, branding in sport needs to be about telling the truth, not selling the truth (or white, red or blue lies for that matter). Do this and you have a chance of winning.

WhiteJC

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/04/21/why-fulhams-transfer-policy-could-be-good-for-the-future-of-eng/

Why Fulham's Transfer Policy Could be Good for the Future of English Football

When Fulham signed Chris Smalling from Maidstone in May 2008, it is fair to say there was little interest.

The 18-year-old defender looked poised to join Middlesbrough after agreeing a two-year deal only to perform a late u-turn and sign for the Cottagers. The initial fee was believed to be just £10,000 - hardly enough to earn a mention on the terraces.

Yet one year later, he made his Premier League debut for Fulham against Everton. Eight months after that, he was sold to Manchester United for £10 million and he was big news.

It was, quite simply, an astonishing rise from non-League to Champions League in under two years.

Fulham have reason to feel proud with their healthy profit, not to mention uncovering potentially a future regular England international.

No surprise then, than when Mark Hughes snapped up Dan Burn from Darlington this April there was more interest in the player.

Such is Burn's reputation that Fulham immediately offered the 18-year-old a three year contract. At 6' 6" the towering defender certainly looks capable of matching his lofty reputation following his progression from the Quakers' academy set-up.

The transfer fee for Burn is undisclosed, yet Fulham, as we have seen, are a dab hand at getting value for money.

It never used to be that way, however. Since chairman Mohamed Al Fayed purchased the club in 1997, he has invested a huge sum of money into the club, believed to run over the £200 million mark.

The majority of that was on transfers with varying success - a certain £11.5 million on Steve Marlet springs to mind.

However, a quick look through the club's academy ranks now shows a list of players plucked from clubs in the lower divisions.

Burn's arrival follows that of Cauley Woodrow from Luton, while goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli was plucked from Crystal Palace.

Could it be that as Al-Fayed tightens the purse strings, Fulham have made the wise decision to look at the young talent in England that is often overlooked?

The club are not famed for their production line of young talent, such as West Ham, but there are signs that they are readdressing that balance.

And as they do, that can only be good news for English football, as they get the opportunity to follow Smalling's footsteps.



White Noise


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/04/21/duff-doubtful-for-wolves-clash-82029-28561821/


Duff doubtful for Wolves clash


Apr 21 2011


By Jacob Murtagh



Wolves v Fulham

DAMIEN Duff is a major injury doubt for Saturday's trip to Molineux.

The Irishman missed the defeat against Manchester United a fortnight ago, and is still struggling with an Achilles problem.

Boss Mark Hughes said: "He's got inflammation around his Achilles. We hope there will be better news for the games in the week."

Hughes has no fresh injury worries as the Whites look to continue their climb up the table.


White Noise




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_6887490,00.html


Agent - Osvaldo staying put

Espanyol striker said to be against summer switch


By Francisco Acedo.   


Last Updated: April 21, 2011 1:09pm



Dani Osvaldo's agent has insisted the sought-after striker wishes to stay with Espanyol.

The 25-year-old has caught the eye this season and been linked with the likes of Atletico, Sevilla, Aston Villa and Fulham in recent weeks.

The Argentina-born striker bagged a brace in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid to take his tally to 10 goals in 16 La Liga starts this term.

He has scored three in three starts since returning from a 10-week injury lay-off in March and his agent, Dario Decoud, has confirmed there has been interest from the Premier League.

Decide

But he claims his client would favour staying with Espanyol for the foreseeable future.

."There is time to consider the situation, there is a month before they open the market," said Decoud.

"His idea is to stay here, but it is his future and he must decide what to do."

Osvaldo signed a five-year contract with Espanyol last summer after impressing during a loan spell from Bologna for the second half of last season.


White Noise


http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/04/21/Fresh-starlet-raid-on-cards-for-Cottagers/gnid-93006/



Fresh Lloyd raid on cards for Cottagers


by Setanta Staff , 21 April 2011   




Port Vale's caretaker boss Mark Grew has confirmed that Fulham will take youngster Ryan Lloyd on a trial spell in May.

Lloyd is set to come to the end of his first two years as a Vale youth team player and has impressed greatly at the League Two side.

The Cottagers, who have already agreed a deal to take Darlington youngster Dan Burn to Craven Cottage from next season, will take a look at Lloyd on a week's trial from May 1.

If he is successful, then boss Mark Hughes could look to try and secure a permanent switch to the Londoners.

Meanwhile, Grew told the Port Vale website: "It is nice to know that Premiership clubs are keeping a watch on our players. Fulham showed an expression of interest and Ryan will spend a week with them.

"We have had lots of interest from both Premiership and Championship clubs in several of our players and it is nice to know we are going in the right direction."


White Noise


Aaron Ramsey 'approached by Fulham for season-long loan from Arsenal'


Fulham boss Mark Hughes is said to have been in touch with Arsenal over the possibility of taking midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a season-long loan in 2011/12.


Aaron Ramsey: Training but not playing games (Pic: Graham Chadwick)

The Welsh international midfielder has only recently returned from a serious leg injury and was loaned out to Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City earlier this season as part of his rehab.

Now Ramsey, 20, is back at Arsenal but has struggled to break into the first-team, and looks certain to continue playing second fiddle to the Gunners' latest midfield starlet - Jack Wilshere.

The newly-capped 19-year-old has been the standout player in Arsene Wenger's squad this season, with impressive displays at home and in Europe.

And Ramsey looks set to be stuck on the sidelines - especially as Wilshere's scintillating form has coincided with Samir Nasri's emergence as one of the Premier League's top playmakers and the increasing likelihood captain Cesc Fabregas will snub Barcelona to remain at Arsenal again next season.


Ramsey is thought to be interested in discussing the possibility of a move to Fulham, as it will offer him a greater chance of regular games as well as the chance to work with one of his boyhood heroes - former Wales captain Mark Hughes.


If Arsene Wenger agrees to the deal, he would likely want assurances Ramsey would play regularly.

However, one possible stumbling block could be Fulham's desire to have a clause inserted in the loan agreement that allows for a permanent move if the temporary switch is deemed a success.



Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/861541-aaron-ramsey-approached-by-fulham-for-season-long-loan#ixzz1KBHDWmpD