Monday Fulham Stuff (09.05.11)

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http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/9343491/schwarzer-lauds-qualities-of-fulham-squad/



Schwarzer lauds qualities of Fulham squad


tribalfootball.com


May 9, 2011, 8:05 pm


Mark Schwarzer has heaped praise on the Fulham squad for producing the season they have in the English Premier League.

The Cottagers find themselves 10th on the league table with three matches remaining and Schwarzer feels that the performances of the side to help steer well clear of a potential relegation disaster have given the club a nice reward for a long, hardworking campaign.

"This season's been unique in that the teams from fifth or sixth, down to twentieth, could have potential relegation candidates at one stage," Schwarzer told the club's official website. "It's only been in the last two or three games that things have changed for a lot of teams.

"As a team we've always been above the drop zone and reasonably comfortable. Obviously you're always looking over your shoulder and there was a period when we were two or three points above the relegation zone at the turn of the year.

"Even though our home record was outstanding and we were still getting points we were only three or five points away from the drop zone and that can play on your mind, but we've got a lot of experienced players at Fulham.

"As a group I think we've dealt with it very well and the confidence and belief was always there.

"We have three games left to play now and I'm sure everyone will be wanting to play their part.

"On Monday we face Liverpool, who are a team in form at the moment and opposition that we know will be tough - but we have every confidence. We have shown on numerous occasions that we are more than capable at the Cottage and it would be nice to underline that once more."

It's kicking off agan! Click here for your No1 source for Fulham transfer market news and gossip.

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http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-vs-liverpool-mon-9-may-2011


Fulham Vs Liverpool, Mon 9 May 2011

Fulham Vs Liverpool: Match Preview


By GMF Editor  May 09, 2011


Fulham Vs Liverpool    DATE:Mon 9 May 2011
TIME:20:00
VENUE:Craven Cottage


Mark Hughes has sought to prevent Fulham slacking off in their final three games of the season by challenging them to secure their highest ever points tally in the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers sealed their top-flight status last weekend when they romped to a 3-0 win at Sunderland and there could be a danger of them relaxing in their upcoming matches against Liverpool, Birmingham and Arsenal.

But manager Hughes is determined to guide them to a top-10 finish and set them a target of winning all of their remaining games, a feat which would see them beat their best ever Premier League points tally of 53.

He said: "If we get maximum points out of every game we have left then I think that's the highest total ever that a Fulham team has reached in the Premier League.

"So that's a challenge for us and that's something that we'll use as a motivation going into these last three games.

"It could've been easy to switch off after the Bolton result, to be fair, because we were safe or near as damn it.

"But I didn't see any inkling that that's what the players were feeling when we went up against Sunderland.

"So it's more of the same for the games we have remaining."

Fulham's current record was set under Roy Hodgson two years ago and beating it would highlight the remarkable turnaround in Fulham's season Hughes has masterminded since the start of the year.

Some fans were calling for his head when the club slipped into the relegation zone in December but now their only fear will be keeping hold of the 47-year-old in the summer.

He said: "It was difficult at the beginning of the season but, as we come to the climax of it, we've been really pleased with what we've be able to produce.

"There are not that many trophies that are up for grabs and they get taken more often than not by the big clubs.

"But it's about making sure that you're still achieving at your own level.

"I think Fulham have only been in the top 10 of the Premier League three or four times, in fact even in the whole of the Football League.

"To do that again would be fantastic for us."

Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland are back in contention for the game.

Midfielder Dempsey (hamstring) - the Cottagers' all-time top scorer in the Premier League - and defender Hangeland (illness) missed the win at Sunderland.

Damien Duff will not play again this season after undergoing Achilles surgery, while Zoltan Gera and Rafik Halliche remain sidelined.

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists he is not even thinking about the prospect of European football - despite the fact they are closer to qualifying for it than they have been all season.

After last weekend's win over Newcastle lifted the Reds into fifth place, their highest position of the campaign, the debate began to intensify about whether the Europa League would be a good thing for a club trying to win back their place in the top four.

Even with three games to play Dalglish knows there are still many variables which could affect the final outcome.

Liverpool's long-term planning will continue regardless but the Reds boss is confident the "problem" of Europa League football is something they will deal with if it becomes a reality.

"I find it very difficult to predict the future," said the 60-year-old Scot.

"We've always said we would get our reward at the end of the season - we never set ourselves any target.

"We don't have that (Europa League) problem yet and so until it arises we don't have to solve anything - the biggest problem I have is Fulham on Monday night.

"There will be problems to be solved at the end of the season and if we get the Europa League that will be one of the problems.

"Planning for next season started a good while ago, that (Europa League) is just one thing which has to be taken into consideration but you cannot predict what is going to happen so there is no point in worrying about that."

Andy Carroll may have to settle for a place among the substitutes again.

The #35million club-record signing came off the bench for a 20-minute appearance in last weekend's win over Newcastle after recovering from a knee injury but the form of Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez may mean the England international has to wait for a starting opportunity.

Forgotten winger Milan Jovanovic (knee) and defender Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) both have a chance of being included.

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/May/BIB.aspx

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http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8710_6923564,00.html


RECORD TV REVENUE FOR PREM TEAMS

Posted 09/05/11 14:18


The Premier League will pay out record sums in TV money this season, with the bottom club guaranteed at least £37million and the champions earning more than £57million.

The bumper new overseas television deals will see top-flight clubs earning on average nearly £5million more a year than last season.

Although the Premier League have never confirmed the overall value of the overseas TV rights, it can now be calculated that they have doubled from £625million during 2007-10 to around £1.2billion over the next three seasons.

That sum is about 10 times the amount Germany's Bundesliga receives for foreign TV rights, five times what Italy receives and three times the amount Spain's La Liga earns.

The Premier League also has the most equitable distribution of the major European leagues - it has the smallest difference between the champions and the bottom club in terms of the split of TV money.

England's top club will earn less than double that of the bottom club from TV money, around 1.6 times as much.

By contrast, in Spain where TV rights are negotiated on a club-by-club basis Real Madrid and Barcelona earn 19 times more than the smallest clubs in La Liga.

The Premier League distributes TV rights money based partly on performance, partly via equal shares of TV income, and partly on the number of times a club's matches are screened live on domestic television.

This season, each club will receive £13.8million as the equal share of domestic TV rights and £17.7million as the equal share of overseas TV rights.

On top of that, every place in the Premier League table is worth £752,000 - the bottom club will get that amount and the top club £15.04million.

Facility fees of £485,000 are paid to a club every time they play in a live TV match - with a minimum income of £4.85million even if a club has been involved in fewer than 10 live games.

The top four clubs usually play in at least 20 live TV games a season, meaning they will earn around £10million in facility fees.

The Premier League will also pay out £16million each in parachute payments to the three relegated clubs.

The figures also show why there has been such interest from the Old Firm clubs in joining the Premier League - Celtic and Rangers only earn around £3million each from SPL television rights.

Football finance expert Simon Chadwick, professor of sports business at Coventry University, said the figures showed the need for balance in football competitions.

Chadwick said: "To have balanced competitions you have to have fair and equitable distribution of revenues.

"What the Premier League have done by allocating this extra £5million from overseas TV is say 'we know we can't increase the disparity between top and bottom'.

"In Spain, there is huge unhappiness with all the La Liga clubs, apart from Barcelona and Real Madrid, now petitioning the Government to change how they distribute television money."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6923025,00.html

Hughes admits Osvaldo interest

Cottagers chief chasing Espanyol hit-man


By Phil Seery.   


Last Updated: May 9, 2011 10:34am



Hughes: Keen on bolstering his striking options for next season

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has confirmed the club are monitoring Espanyol's highly-rated Argentine forward Pablo Osvaldo.

Osvaldo, 25, has scored 11 league goals this season and scouts have been flocking to Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium to watch the striker in action.

Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Sevilla have all been linked with Osvaldo, who completed a permanent move to Espanyol in the summer, having impressed during a loan spell from Bologna.

"We have followed the boy (Osvaldo) for a long time now and I think everyone is aware of this and we are not going to hide it," Hughes said in Catalan newspaper Sport.

"I don't want to say anything else about the topic because he belongs to another club.

"He is a very good player and we will see how this matter turns out."

Espanyol have reportedly placed a €12million price tag on Osvaldo's head to deter interested parties.

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http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3382098,00.html


Fulham v Liverpool preview

Watch Fulham v Liverpool live on SSHD1 & in 3D from 7.30pm


Last updated: 9th May 2011   


Form guide:
Fulham: WLDWW
Liverpool: LWDWW

Injuries:
Fulham: Duff, Gera, Halliche
Liverpool: Kelly, Aurelio, Agger, Gerrard

Sky Bet odds: Fulham 21/10 Draw 9/4 Liverpool 13/10

Opta stat: On average, Fulham concede their first goal after 31 minutes, quicker than any other Premier League side.

Fulham will be looking to halt Liverpool's surge on Monday, with the Reds aiming to clamber into fifth spot.

The Cottagers will welcome Kenny Dalglish's side to Craven Cottage in buoyant mood, having enjoyed a productive run of their own of late.

Back-to-back victories have helped to lift them into the top half of the table and they can cement that standing with another positive result.

Their home form bodes well, with maximum points taken from six of their last seven outings in front of their own supporters.

During that impressive run, only Blackburn have managed to breach a watertight back four.

The Cottagers will, however, be aware that they have struggled to find the target against the Reds in the recent past, drawing a blank in six of their last seven meetings with the men from Merseyside.

Liverpool will be hoping to secure another shut-out on Monday, helping them to move above Tottenham in the table.

A point would be good enough to take the Reds into fifth place, but they will be determined to pick up a third straight league success.

They have scored in 10 consecutive games on the road, suggesting they have no firepower issues, with that run now the joint-longest of its kind in the Premier League this season.

The Reds will also head to the capital in the knowledge that only Chelsea (35) have picked up more points than them (30) since Dalglish returned to the Anfield helm in January.

Team news
Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland come back into contention for Fulham.

Midfielder Dempsey (hamstring) - the Cottagers' all-time top scorer in the Premier League - and defender Hangeland (illness) missed last Saturday's 3-0 win at Sunderland.

Damien Duff will not play again this season after undergoing Achilles surgery, while Zoltan Gera and Rafik Halliche remain sidelined.

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll may have to settle for a place among the substitutes again at Craven Cottage.

The £35million club record signing came off the bench for a 20-minute appearance in last weekend's win over Newcastle after recovering from a knee injury but the form of Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez may mean the England international has to wait for a starting opportunity.

Forgotten winger Milan Jovanovic (knee) and defender Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) both have a chance of being included.

Martin Kelly (hamstring), Fabio Aurelio (thigh), Daniel Agger (knee) and Steven Gerrard (groin) all miss out, but defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher is in line to make his 666th appearance for the club - edging him above Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence and into second place on Liverpool's all-time appearance list.


Possible starting XIs
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido, Davies, Sidwell, Murphy, Kakuta, Dempsey, Zamora.

Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Maxi, Kuyt, Suarez.

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/49096/fulham-vs-liverpool/preview


Fulham - Liverpool Preview: Cottagers aiming to maintain formidable home form against resurgent Reds


Mark Hughes' men are unbeaten in eight at Craven Cottage but face a stern test against Kenny Dalglish's much improved side, who will move up to fifth with a victory


By Jonathan Birchall


PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Sidwell, Murphy, Kakuta; Gudjohnsen, Zamora.
 
Brede Hangeland is set for a return to the Fulham line-up having missed out on the 3-0 win at Sunderland due to illness, and Clint Dempsey may also be fit after being sidelined with hamstring trouble.

Damien Duff has undergone successful Achilles surgery and will therefore not play again this season and Zoltan Gera is also likely to miss out once again for the Craven Cottage outfit.

Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina; Flanagan, Skrtel, Carragher, Johnson; Maxi, Spearing, Lucas, Meireles; Kuyt, Suarez. 

£35 million man Andy Carroll will be looking to build on his 20-minute cameo against former club Newcastle eight days ago but is likely to start on the bench due to the fine form of striking partnership Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez.

Milan Jovanovic may also be fit for a return from the bench having been plagued with knee trouble in recent months. A run out at the Cottage would be the Serbian's first appearance since the beginning of February.


DID YOU KNOW?


•Fulham are unbeaten in seven at home, picking up six victories and conceding only to Blackburn during that period.
•Mark Hughes' men are top of the Premier League disciplinary table, with only 40 yellow cards and not a single red awarded to his side in the league this season.
•The Craven Cottage outfit have played in more 0-0 draws than any other side this season, taking part in five.
•The hosts have only managed one win in their last seven meetings with the Merseyside giants.
•That said, if the home side were to pick up a win over the Reds, then it would leave both sides with nine victories over the other at Craven Cottage in the league.
•Liverpool have scored in each of their Premier League games in 2011, finding the back of the net in their last 17 games, the best record in the Premier League.
•Martin Skrtel (pictured right) is the only outfield player to feature in every Premier League game for Liverpool this season and has played a full 90 minutes each time.
•Less than 60 per cent of the Reds' passes have been made in their opposition's half this season - the lowest in the league.
•Kenny Dalglish's men have more 3-0 victories than any other side in the division, having secured the result five times in the league this season.
•The impact of Dalglish has been heralded as an absolute triumph and it is easy to see why. The visitors have the second best record in the league since the Scot was appointed in January, picking up 30 points. Only Chelsea have collected more.

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2011/05/09/2478170/goals-anticipated-at-craven-cottage-between-fulham-liverpool

Goals anticipated at Craven Cottage between Fulham - Liverpool

The Reds are chasing a European place but will have to breach the Cottagers' mean defence



May 9, 2011 2:00:00 PM


Match Odds: Fulham 3.10, Draw 3.25, Liverpool 2.30 (William Hill)

Two of the Premier League's form sides meet this evening at Craven Cottage boasting seven matches unbeaten between them. Goals look likely in what promises to be an engaging contest in London.

Fulham are eyeing up a top 10 finish and are in excellent form at Craven Cottage. Mark Hughes' team have a W6 D1 record at home keeping clean sheets in six of those games. They are chasing a club record-equalling four straight home wins in the Premier League.

Liverpool have enjoyed a renaissance since Kenny Dalglish took charge at the start of the year. Only Chelsea (35) have racked up more points than the resurgent Reds (30) who can smell a Europa League place.

The Reds have scored in ten consecutive away league games which bodes well for this contest which has a habit for being low scoring - four of the last games between these sides have gone under 1.5 goals.

An away win would set Liverpool up for the visit of Tottenham on Sunday with an advantage. Kenny Dalglish has yet to be handed the Anfield reins on a full-time basis and will do his case no harm by qualifying for European football next season.

An open game looks the forecast with over 2.5 goals an inviting bet @ 2.05. This game has had six red cards in the past eight games so don't discount another this evening. Jamie Carragher will make his 666th Liverpool appearance this evening and is worth a small punt to score.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.05

Value Tip: Red card in the game @ 6.50 

Long Shot: Jamie Carragher to score first @ 51.0

Match Odds: Fulham 3.10, Draw 3.25, Liverpool 2.30 (William Hill)

Expert Eye
P.J. Murrary, William Hill Sportswriter

"I think both teams are on a fantastic run at the moment, but Liverpool just have that bit more of an incentive to take all three points. I would back them to win at 2.30 and possibly a correct score of 2-1 @ 9.50 ."



William Hill offer
Dirk Kuyt is in excellent scoring form at the moment, finding the back of the net in Liverpool's last four matches. As our Monday Match Winner, back Dirk Kuyt to score and Liverpool to win at this enhanced price.
Dirk Kuyt to score & Liverpool to win @ 6.0

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Fulham U-18's play their Premier Academy League semi-final game against Sunderland at Motspur park 5pm tomorrow -

http://www.safc.com/news/20110509/ball-ready-for-fulham-showdown_2256213_2356167

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http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=3659459


Kamara aims to improve image 

Diomansy Kamara has refused to rule out a permanent move to Leicester - but he wants to make a better impression if he returns.

The Fulham striker spent the final six weeks of the season on loan at the Walkers Stadium, scoring twice in seven appearances.

Kamara's contract at Fulham expires in the summer and he is resigned to leaving Craven Cottage. The 30-year-old has not ruled out a permanent move to Leicester and has vowed to contribute more if he does rejoin Sven-Goran Eriksson's side.

"I have enjoyed my time at Leicester but I am disappointed with my own performance because I know I can do much, much better," said Kamara. "If next season I come back, I will try to do much better than I did this season.

"It is a possibility. I am a free agent and I know we can have a strong squad next term and can go up. In the next couple of weeks we will see what happens.

"When you are a free agent you can get other options and opportunities. I have never played in France so maybe I will go and play in my own country."

[White Noise]

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23948165-senderos-relishing-chance-to-prove-critics-wrong-by-showing-his-worth-at-fulham.do

Senderos relishing chance to prove critics wrong by showing his worth at Fulham

David Smith


9 May 2011




Philippe Senderos has had to play a game of patience since joining Fulham last summer, a ruptured Achilles tendon having delayed his debut for almost an entire season. But now he is raring to go with points to prove to himself, manager Mark Hughes, and, perhaps, to Arsene Wenger.

Making Fulham's starting line-up for the first time at Sunderland 10 days ago was deserved reward for the dedication and commitment shown by the Swiss defender as he recovered from a injury sustained in the first pre-campaign training session taken by Hughes following his appointment last August.

Senderos, set to retain his place in Fulham's squad for tonight's home game against Liverpool, said: "Getting that first game was a big thing for me. It was a long time waiting and I know I have come back stronger."

The real comeback bonus, however, will be playing a part in Fulham's final Premier League fixture of the season, at Craven Cottage on Sunday week against former club Arsenal and the man who ignited his career.

Wenger's reputation for spotting potential and helping that perceived talent blossom was crucial in a teenage Senderos signing for Arsenal from Swiss club Servette in December 2002 despite Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich professing interest in him.

If an FA Cup winner's medal and being a member of a defensive line that returned a record 10 clean sheets in the Champions League constitute any kind of criteria, then Senderos's career as a Gunner was surely a successful one.

Yet there remain suspicions that Senderos never really hit the heights height under Wenger and a messy parting of the ways involving loans to AC Milan and Everton suggest a breakdown in their relationship.

Senderos said: "I owe a lot to Arsenal and to Arsene Wenger, who brought me from Geneva to play in the Champions League for one of the best clubs in the world. I can't say I have any regrets. I had some great times there and I have great things to look back upon when I am finished in football.

"I tried to give 100 per cent over the years I was there. The fact is that, after seven years, the story with Arsenal finished. That's how it goes. Maybe it was time for me to move."

It was a lack of playing opportunities at Arsenal that principally fuelled a desire to seek pastures new and Senderos could not be happier at Fulham, especially now that his injury has healed. The 26-year-old said: "I'd like to prove that I can play in the Premier League and that's not only to Arsenal but to myself.

"Since the beginning I thought Fulham was a good club for me. I've had a few years where I haven't played so much and I needed a place where I could play more games and become competitive. I thought that Fulham was the right place for this."

So far, so good, now that he is back to rude health. But Senderos is well aware that challenges still remain, principally to convince Hughes of his value to the Fulham cause. He said: "When I got injured I hadn't had time to show anything to the new management. It's hard for an injured player to show that he's part of the team.

"But I tried to do that from the beginning, show that I was committed and that I would be working as hard as the other boys, or even harder."

Hughes appears to have been convinced by that ethic. He said: "Philippe has been frustrated but credit to him, he's a great professional, he gets his work done."

[White Noise]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/columns/1011019991.php



THE ANDY GRAY COLUMN


FULHAM v LIVERPOOL



Andy Gray: 9 May 2011


Fulham and Liverpool are two sides who have found some good form at the back end of the season. Mark Hughes will see this as a decent first season where he has found out which players at the club he likes and trusts and has got them used to playing in his favoured system.

As for Kenny Dalglish, this Liverpool side looks unrecognisable from the one that was flirting with the relegation places and I'm sure the Liverpool fans will be really optimistic over the summer as regards their prospects for next season.

It's not just in attack that everyone looks happier and more up for it; their defence has improved leaps and bounds over the last few weeks and they're defending as well as anyone in the league right now.

We've had some good games between these two clubs at Craven Cottage over the last few years and this could well end up being another. Often at this stage of the season clubs are fighting to stay in the division or qualify for the Champions League and they play with just that little but more tension.

That can result in some matches that mean a lot to all involved but end up being a little cagey. Fulham don't have a huge amount to play for and though a Europa League place would be nice for Liverpool, it's not the be all and end all so we we'll have an atmosphere where everyone is relaxed, yet still pretty committed.

There will be some in-form attackers on the pitch such as Clint Dempsey, Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt and that could result in plenty of goals in a pretty open and entertaining game. I'm going for a 2-2 draw here.

Recommended Bets:

Back the draw at 3.4
Back the 2-2 draw at 20.0
Back over 2.5 goals at 2.22

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Family Barbecue


Monday 9th May 2011


We are delighted to invite supporters to an end of season Family Barbeque, in association with SEAT, on the Riverside Terrace after our final game against Arsenal on Sunday 22nd May.

Tickets are on sale from just £10 for adults and £5 for juniors, which includes food and drink*. Children under the age of 5 will gain FREE** entry with one paying adult. Learn more about the Family Barbeque|  or call the ticket office on 0843 208 1234 (option 3).

So join us to celebrate another successful season in the top-flight of English football, as plasma screens play through the many highlights of 2010/11.

Tickets are limited for this exclusive event, and they are sure to sell out fast, so secure yours today.

Buy tickets now|

* One free drink and food from the BBQ
**Children under the age of 5 admitted free of charge with one paying adult, available through ticket office only and not online



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/May/FamilyBarbeque.aspx#ixzz1Ls0QIqNq

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One Step Away


Monday 9th May 2011


Fulham's Under 18 side face Sunderland in the Premier Academy League Semi-Final play-off at Motspur Park| on Tuesday (kick-off 5pm).

With a place in the Final against Everton at stake, Kit Symons is hoping his side have learnt the lessons from their FA Youth Cup exit at the hands of Watford earlier in the season.

The Whites went into that tie as favourites, but a sub-par display from the Under-18s combined with a determined showing from the Hornets resulted in a 2-0 win for the away team.

"I'm going to ban any talk about the Final in the changing room," Symons told fulhamfc.com on Monday afternoon. "In the Youth Cup the draw was made for the following round on the night of the Watford game – it was either Barnsley or Chelsea away. I think the boys were half looking at a match at Stamford Bridge, rather than focusing on beating a very good Watford side.

"We were disappointed, I felt that we had enough to win the game if we went about it properly. But we didn't do that on the night because we had one eye on the next round."

The Whites recovered well from the disappointment of the Youth Cup and proceeded to embark upon a 12-game unbeaten run to secure top spot in Group A of the Premier Academy League. In itself the run was an impressive achievement, especially considering the fact that the Whites often focused more on developing younger players rather than using their full match allocation of Third Year players.

"We didn't set out to win the league as such," Symons explained. "You can play three third year players and a third year goalkeeper, so certain teams use full that allocation most weeks and try to win the league. We didn't really do that; we set out to develop our players. Quite a lot of our players were up playing with the Reserves and quite often we had a few Under 16 players in our group.

"So it's full credit to the lads that they've managed to get themselves in a strong position by doing the right things. We've got ourselves into a fantastic position. Now that you're in it, you want to win it.

"We have a few niggles, a couple of injuries have cropped up over the last few days but these things are sent to try you. We'll assess the boys in the morning before the game and we'll see where we are from there.

"The build-up's been going well, they were quite bright in training today. We've prepared properly so we'll just have to keep it simple on the day, not over-complicate things and make sure everyone's at it from the word go."

Sunderland will certainly present the Whites with a stern challenge and Symons is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with opposition manager, Kevin Ball.

"He had a short spell at Fulham," Symons told fulhamfc.com. "He's someone I know very well from when I was a kid at Portsmouth. Bally was a 100% character and any team he's taking is going to be very hard working, organised and well-drilled.

"But I'm delighted with what we've got in our group of players, in terms of work ethic, individual ability and team play.

"It's a five o'clock kick-off and it would be brilliant to see people come and support the boys, hopefully we'll be able to put on a good show for them."

Ticket Details
Tickets for this match are FREE.
Entry to the Training Ground will be from 4:15pm onwards.
Should you have any specific accessibility requirements please contact Charlotte Bellamy in the Academy office on 020 8336 7430 or at [email protected] in advance of the fixture.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/May/SymonsAcademySemiFinalPreview.aspx#ixzz1Ls0hUc1Q

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Transfer Tales: Gera, de Laet, Forster, Bennett


Remember last summer when the days were filled with stories about how the Canaries were keen on signing Fraser Forster from Newcastle?

Well it looks as though we might be getting ready for round two, as the Sunday Sun says the giant stopper is on Paul Lambert's shopping list.

Forster has enjoyed a successful season on loan with Scottish giants Celtic, and if Toon boss Alan Pardew decides to keep faith in Steve Harper and Tim Krul next year Lambert may look to offer an escape route - and Premier League football.

If the story of the summer was the pursuit of Forster then January's transfer window was filled with talk surrounding Brighton's Elliott Bennett.

The Seagulls were reported to have turned down a £1million bid for their flying winger in January, but the lure of the top-flight and a cheque for £1.8million is said to be enough to convince Gus Poyet to part with his best player.

Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet was last seen by Norwich City supporters on loan at Portsmouth battling with Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson, but if The People is to be believed the trio could soon be on the same side.

The paper claims that he too is on Lambert's shopping list, and that Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to let him leave Old Trafford this summer.

And finally, City are said to be on the verge of completing a move for 32-year-old Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera, out of contract at Craven Cottage in the summer.


Read more: http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=241320#ixzz1Ls2LK4ht

[White Noise]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6923748/Morison-not-thinking-of-Den-exit

Morison 'not thinking' of Den exit

Monday 9th May 2011 15:12


Morison: Thinking of staying


Millwall striker Steve Morison expects to remain at The Den next season, despite being linked with summer moves to Fulham and Norwich.

The Wales international enhanced his reputation by scoring 17 goals this term to make him a potential target for clubs in the Premier League.

Mark Hughes' Cottagers and the newly-promoted Canaries have been touted as possible destinations but Morison, 27, does not take too much notice of the speculation.

"There might be a bit of interest, but until the manager tells me I don't have to think about it," he said

[White Noise]

http://www.thisisanfield.com/2011/05/fulham-vs-lfc-shamone/


Fulham vs LFC: Shamone!


The optimists among as may well still be looking up to fourth place with the possibility of catch Manchester City and qualifying for the Champions League still a mathematical possibility.

Or maybe dreamers is a better word than optimists.

Still, victory for Liverpool tonight away to Fulham, who boast a strong home record this season, would continue the Reds' surge of form and keep on Man City's toes, pursuing any monumental disaster by our friends from up the M62.

Man City would have to not win one of their last three games, lose at least one, Liverpool win their remaining three games, and then there's still the matter of goal difference coming into it. So let's get on with tonight's team news...

Liverpool's injury list is still very long, with Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly and Steven Gerrard ruled out. No news on Glen Johnson either, whilst Fabio Aurelio and Milan Jovanovic are also carry problems.

But the Reds have picked up form well without some of their stars in recent weeks, and striker Andy Carroll could start tonight after recovering from his latest setback.

Jamie Carragher will make his 666th appearance for Liverpool tonight to put him second in the club's all-time appearances list.

Fulham are without winger Damien Duff, who will miss the rest of the season, but do expect to welcome back Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland from a hamstring strain and illness respectively.

This fixture last season saw Fulham, lead by Roy Hodgson, run out 3-1 winners in dark days for the Reds and Rafa Benitez.

But Liverpool are ten points ahead of the hosts in the league table and come off the back of two impressive victories over Birmingham City and Newcastle with no fewer than eight goals scored between them.

Fulham are in fine form too, with two successive 3-0 victories; at home to Bolton and away to Sunderland.

Liverpool fans heading down to the game can delight in a glimpse of Fulham's infamous Michael Jackson statue, recently unveiled outside the ground. Shamone!

How BAD do Liverpool need to win tonight? Will Dirk Kuyt be a SMOOTH CRIMINAL? Will it be a Premier League THRILLER? Kenny says just BEAT IT.

Kick-off at Craven Cottage is 8pm and the game is live on Sky Sports 1.

[White Noise]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10112535.php

FULHAM v LIVERPOOL

TWO TEAMS WITH ADMIRABLE TURNAROUNDS TO BE PROUD OF


Betfair: 9 May 2011



Fulham and Liverpool's positions were pretty perilous at Christmas, as the two teams that formed half of the final four in last season's Europa League appeared to be heading for unexpected relegation battles, however they have both turned things around admirably in recent months.

In fact, they have been two of the most impressive performers since the turn of the year, with Liverpool delivering the third-highest points haul of any club in the division in 2011 and Fulham the sixth best, their 1-0 loss at Anfield in January one of only three they have suffered in 15 games.

There's little chance of either suffering a sudden dip in form over the final weeks of the campaign either as both have plenty to play for, with Liverpool needing a point at Craven Cottage to return to fifth place, and their hosts very much in contention for their third top-half Premier League finish.

The draw looks the most likely outcome at the intriguing price of 3.4, as Liverpool have remarkably not yet lost to a top-half side under Kenny Dalglish but Fulham won't be rolling over having gone unbeaten at home in seven league encounters, winning six and keeping six clean sheets.

Thanks to our special offer for those opening new Betfair accounts, you can bet up to £25 on this match and have your stake refunded if your punt proves unsuccessful. So if the spoils are shared, you'll gain around £60, yet won't lose a penny if there's a winner. Click here to sign-up and your account will be active within a couple of minutes.

If you do anticipate one of the clubs to get their hands on all three points then you can have a loss-proof wager on that instead, with Liverpool 2.38 favourites and Fulham 3.4.

Given the statistics about Fulham's fine defensive record - the fourth best in the division - and the fact Liverpool have conceded just three in six, under 2.5 goals appears probable at 1.79, while 0-0 (10.5) and 1-1 (7.4) stand out as the pick of the score punts.