Wednesday Fulham Stuff (18.05.11)

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/may/18/tottenham-fulham-europa-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29


Do Tottenham and Fulham have to play in the Europa League?

John Ashdown guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 18 May 2011 00.06 BST




Quite why anyone wouldn't want to get their hands on this sumptuous bit of silverware is beyond us. Photograph: Marcelo Del Pozo/Reuters



"Neither Spurs nor Fulham seem that excited about the prospect of Europa League football next season," writes Julius Scott. "If they qualify, do they have to play in it?"
 
Short answer: No, with an if. Long answer: Yes, with a but. It's all a matter of the Uefa licence. In early spring clubs are invited by the FA to apply for a Uefa licence – essentially a piece of paper that confirms that a club's stadium is up to the job, that their finances are in order, that their vol-au-vents in the directors' box meet Uefa-approved standards, that sort of thing. In order to play in the Champions League or the Europa League clubs have to have a Uefa licence and the list of those who have applied and meet the criteria is sent off to Uefa in June.

A club not wanting to participate in Europe the following season, for whatever reason, therefore has a very simple get-out – just don't apply for a licence. In that case, should a club without a licence qualify in the Champions League or Europa League places then the spot drops one place down the league. Teams have been refused licences in the past, West Ham a few years ago for example, in which case the same rules apply. In short, no licence, no European football. More often than not, though, the FA receives the full 20 applications from Premier League teams.

Spurs and Fulham both have licences. And once you're in, you're in. There's nothing invitational about the Europa League. Although interestingly, in their regulations Uefa do make provision for a team with a licence refusing to play:

If a club refuses to enter the competition, having qualified for it on sporting merit and obtained a licence from the competent national body, no other club from the same national association may be entered in its place and the access list for the Uefa club competitions (Annex Ia) is rebalanced accordingly; furthermore, in such a case, the coefficient of the association concerned is calculated in accordance with the specific rule laid down in Annex II, point 6.
Which basically means that the country's coefficient takes a hit, with the points earned by, say, the six teams left in European competition being divided by seven.

Given the prestige and financial rewards involved, not to mention the pretty unenviable stigma that would accompany a refusal to play in Europe, it's an unlikely scenario – indeed an FA spokesman made the very fair point that, given that licence applications are due only a month or two before the season ends, then it would be a pretty stark volte-face if a licensed club then decided in May that European football was not for them. Uefa were pretty unequivocal when the Knowledge gave them a call. "Does a team who qualifies for the Europa League have to play in the competition?" we asked. "Yes," came the curt response down the line from Nyon.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-happy-for-fulham-to-gain-early-return-to-the-europa-trail-2285410.html


Hughes happy for Fulham to gain early return to the Europa trail


By Jim van Wijk


Wednesday, 18 May 2011


Fulham's manager, Mark Hughes, maintains the club will be "delighted" if they get into Europe next season through Uefa's Respect Fair Play ranking, despite the prospect of playing qualifiers next month.

Uefa announced on Monday that three countries had earned additional places in the Europa League next season – Norway, who finished top of the fair play table, followed by England and Sweden.

Fulham, the only team not to have had a player sent off in the league this season, look the most likely beneficiaries as they are in second spot in the Premier League's fair play table behind Chelsea, who have already qualified for the Champions League, with one match remaining.

Fulham, who host Arsenal on Sunday, reached the final of the Europa League last season under Roy Hodgson. Hughes, appointed in July after Hodgson left for Liverpool, would relish the opportunity of another crack at Europe, having guided Manchester City to the quarter-finals of the 2009 Uefa Cup.

"If we get into the competition, we will be delighted and we will try and progress as far as we can," Hughes said yesterday. "We are very close, but a lot of things have to fall into place before we can say we are playing in Europe next season, but if we are, we will give it a go.

"It is a difficult competition to negotiate because of the time frame and the amount of games you have to play. If you want to progress you have to come back very early and start playing football almost immediately when you come back."

Fulham's Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes played in last season's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid, which the English side lost 2-1 in Hamburg. The 31-year-old defender would relish another crack at the competition, even if it means an early return to pre-season training.

"To play in Europe again would be a massive thing – the whole European experience was fantastic," he said. "Last time pre-season was basically competitive Europa League games and we came back very early."

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Play fair for a shot at the Europa League: Fulham set for a good guys' prize


By Matt Barlow


Last updated at 1:20 AM on 18th May 2011


Ignore, for a minute, the fact that Tottenham and Fulham appear to consider it the season's booby prize and the Fair Play League is a triumph of old-fashioned English manners and courtesy.

Reinforcing crude national stereotypes across Europe, the top of UEFA's ranking table is dominated by the Scandinavian nations famed for their ice-cool temperament, with Norway at the summit on 8.293 points.

The passionate, impulsive Greeks, meanwhile, find themselves at the bottom.

So, English football can point to UEFA's Fair Play table and claim to produce a cleaner, more orderly spectacle than the rest of Europe, outside Norway.


Yellow peril: Fulham's Danny Murphy (second right) is booked by Lee Mason

The top three are rewarded with an extra place in next season's Europa League. In the Barclays Premier League, fair play leaders Chelsea are in the Champions League, so this honour will be bestowed upon either Fulham or Tottenham, even if they are not turning cartwheels at the prospect of starting the campaign at the end of June.

It is a complicated process but this is how it works. This month UEFA will publish their final ranking table, based upon marks awarded through the season by match delegates.


European wish: Mark Hughes would be happy to qualify for Europe via Fair Play

After each UEFA game (Champions League, Europa League or Euro 2012 qualifier), delegates fill in a form with the help of the referee, awarding marks in the following six categories.

Red and Yellow Cards (maximum 10): Minus three points for a red, minus one for a yellow. Real Madrid would have scored four in the first leg of their Champions League semi - f inal against Barcelona. Some teams could end up with a minus score.

Positive Play (max 10): This includes playing attractive football, minimising stoppages, going for goals even when the game is won. Points deducted for things like time-wasting, playacting and dull tactics.

Respect Opponents (max 5): Points gained for positive things like helping an injured opponent. Points lost for naughty gestures like imaginary cards or screaming abuse at an injured player.

Respect Officials (max 5): Accept doubtful decisions without protest, is the advice. Don't intimidate the referee, don't accuse officials of cheating and don't rage down the lens of a live television camera.

Team Officials (max 5): That's managers, directors, etc. Their conduct should be calming, not provocative. From the touchline antics of the manager (take note, Jose Mourinho) to the smile from the man on reception, these little things count. Also includes media co-operation, such as turning up for press conferences.

Crowd Behaviour (max 5): Points for singing in support of your team but points lost for antagonising or abusing opponents, their fans or the referee. Flying a biplane trailing an insult would presumably be frowned upon, too. This section is ignored if no fans turn up.

These marks are added up, divided by the maximum total (usually 40), then multiplied by 10 to three decimal places to produce the team's score for that game. Simple.

The average is worked out at the end of the season depending on how many games each country has been involved in.

English teams played 148 UEFA games in the year ending April 30, 2011, more than any other country.

At the same time, the Premier League compile their own Fair Play table, based on marks from their own delegates on the same six categories. So when UEFA send out the invite for an extra Europa League place, they can inform the relevant club to cancel their summer holidays.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388175/Play-fair-shot-Europa-League-Fulham-set-good-guys-prize.html#ixzz1MgCQAcZz

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FULHAM TAKE THE LONG VIEW



Final chance: Zinedine Zidane in a action against Bayern Munich


In line for the extra place in the Europa League for fair play, but doomed to kick off their first qualifying game on June 30, there is some sympathy for Fulham, who must now endure an elongated and exhausting season.

Never forget, though, that Girondins de Bordeaux of France began their 1995-96 UEFA Cup campaign on July 1 and finished it in the final that season on May 15, having qualified through the much-maligned Intertoto Cup.

Their first game was against IFK Norrkoping of Sweden and was followed by fixtures with Bohemians (Ireland), Odense BK (Denmark), HJK Helsinki (Finland), Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany), Heerenveen (Holland), Karlsruhe (Germany), FK Vardar (Macedonia) RotorVolgograd (Russia), Real Betis (Spain), AC Milan (Italy) and Slavia Prague (Czech Republic).

Bordeaux lost to Bayern Munich in the two-legged final, having played 20 games. It was an immense achievement.

In the noisy semi-final home leg, fans held up the flags of the 10 different nationalities they had defeated en route, and the team included future World Cup winners Zinedine Zidane, Bixente Lizarazu and Christophe Dugarry.

One worrying portent: Bordeaux finished the season just four points off relegation. But what a ride.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1388132/Martin-Samuel-Life-road-Gazza-went-wrong.html#ixzz1MgETEHNl

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A managerial short-list is already being compiled to include O'Neill, Allardyce, Paul Lambert of Norwich City, Steve McClaren - although he tried to distance himself from the job last night - and Dave Jones of Cardiff City.

O'Neill remains a contender, but has unfinished business with Aston Villa due to be heard at a tribunal this week, while Allardyce may still be smarting at being overlooked in January, particularly as the job has just been made so much harder by relegation.
Indeed, West Ham may get a rude awakening to accompany their diminished status. Better Premier League jobs might come up this summer, perhaps at Everton, Fulham or Aston Villa, catching the eye of their preferred candidates.

Lambert may rather a Premier League future with Norwich, or Jones with Cardiff, play-offs permitting.

Having made such a fuss about his return to the top division, it is hard to see Neil Warnock leaving Queens Park Rangers, or the West Ham board being rash in appointing him, considering that few managers would have as little immediate rapport with the supporters, given Warnock's background with Sheffield United.

The selling point, of course, is potential. A 60,000- capacity stadium in 2014 could transform the fortunes of the club. Yet, the imperative is a swift return to the Premier League and this is not as easy as it sounds.

Since the Football League play-offs were introduced, 22 of 30 relegated Premier League teams have found no way back at the first attempt. For this reason, Sullivan and Gold's next appointment needs to be a considerable improvement on their last.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1387752/Martin-Samuel-Avram-Grant-hopeless-buck-stop-Gold-Sullivan.html#ixzz1MgFRLNH7

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Fulham to move for Paul Konchesky with Carlos Salcido set to return to Mexico


By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 1:19 AM on 18th May 2011


Fulham defender Carlos Salcido looks set to join Monterrey after promising his family he will go home to Mexico this summer.

The World Cup star, 31, joined less than a year ago in a £1.6million move from PSV. Fulham are considering a return for Paul Konchesky.


Home time: Carlos Salcido has promised his family he will return to Mexico


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388127/Fulham-Paul-Konchesky-Carlos-Salcido-set-return-Mexico.html#ixzz1MgFoC9Ld

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Belgian starlet Kevin de Bruyne watched by Everton, Fulham, Sunderland and West Brom


By John Edwards


Last updated at 1:08 AM on 18th May 2011


Everton have joined the list of clubs monitoring the form of teenage prospect Kevin de Bruyne after sending a scout to watch him in Genk's top-of-the-table Belgian League clash with Standard Liege.

The 19-year old has already attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, and Genk are bracing themselves for a summer bid after Everton, Sunderland, Fulham and West Brom were all represented at their latest fixture.


Hot property: Kevin De Bruyne is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs

West Brom were also believed to be casting an eye over Genk's 22-year old striker Jelle Vossen.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388108/Belgian-starlet-Kevin-Bruyne-watched-Everton-Fulham-Sunderland-West-Brom.html#ixzz1MgHTfifg

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Neil Warnock has warned QPR fans not to expect a spending spree at Loftus Road, distancing himself from a move for Joe Cole.

Rangers may be backed by mega-rich owners Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and Lakshmi Mittal but Warnock has laughed off a potential swoop for Liverpool's England international.

'I see we have been linked with Joe Cole but I doubt we could afford a quarter of his wages,' said the QPR boss.

'What we have here is perceived money. I don't think anyone wants to splash out fortunes.'

And Warnock has warned Hoops fans that the Hoops' first season in the top flight for 15 years could be a money saving exercise.

'I think the Premier League will be a great league to be in, and I think the owners will really enjoy it, but they will want me to be as thrifty as I have been in the Championship, getting value for money and entertainment as best as we can without spending millions.

'I can't see them throwing money around with 18,000 crowds. I don't think they want to be self-sufficient, as that is difficult, but they don't want to be throwing money around stupidly,' he told the Evening Standard.

Instead, the likes of Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown and Fulham forward Zoltan Gera seem more realistic targets.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388056/Neil-Warnock-says-Liverpools-Joe-Cole-unlikely-QPR-prepare-frugal-summer.html#ixzz1MgJV1iDh

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/05/17/2491532/fulham-eye-return-for-liverpools-paul-konchesky-as-carlos


Fulham eye return for Liverpool's Paul Konchesky as Carlos Salcido nears exit - report


Mexican understood to be moving back to his native land this summer after promising his family, whilst Cottagers see former player as ideal replacement after poor year at Anfield


By Ryan Benson


17 May 2011 22:54:00

Fulham are searching for a replacement for Mexico international full-back Carlos Salcido as he sets his sights on a return home at the end of the season.

The former Chivas Guadalajara man has reportedly promised his family that a return to his native country will come to fruition this summer, just a year after joining Fulham from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven for a fee of around £1.6 million.

The Daily Mail believe Mark Hughes will look to Paul Konchesky as Salcido's replacement, with the Mexican understood to be close to agreeing terms with Monterrey, where he would link up with national team colleague Ricardo Osorio.

Konchesky is seen as an ideal replacement as he would represent a cheap solution after failing to establish himself at Anfield and eventually being shipped out on loan to Championship club Nottingham Forest.

It is believed Konchesky would welcome the chance to return to Fulham after reaching the Europa League final with them the last season, months prior to following Roy Hodgson to Liverpool.

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/our-potential-europa-opponents/


Our potential Europa Opponents


Filed under: General — timmyg @ 6:23 pm


I may be putting the cart before the horse a bit here, but there seems to be some worry about the extremely early start our squad will have to endure if we make it to the Europa League. Yet upon further examination, I wonder how many of the First XI, if not XVIII, will even be needed until August.

This year the First Qualifying Round, where we enter if we earn the Fair Play spot, starts June 30. Second leg is July 7. If we advance, the Second Qualifying Round starts July 14 and ends July 21. Third Qualifying Round starts July 28 and finishes August 4.

So let's look at who won the Fair Play the past two seasons and chart who they faced and how they fared for the first two rounds. I'll stop at the Third Qualifying Round as its where we entered the competition two years ago, and its when things start to take shape per se heading in to the Group stage.

Last year's winners were MYPA of Finland, Randers of Denmark, and Gefle of Sweden. They faced Narva Trans of Estonia, F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg, and NSÍ Runavík of the Faroe Islands respectively. MYPA won 7-0 on aggregate, Randers 7-3, and Gefle 4-1.

In the Second Qualifying Round, MYPA faced UE Sant Julià of Andorra, Gefle faced Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia and Randers were drawn with Gorica of Slovenia. MYPA advanced with an 8-0 aggregate, and Randers on a 4-1 aggregate. Gefle ended up losing by a 4-2 aggregate to the Georgian side.

Two years ago, the Fair Play Winners were Motherwell, Rosenborg, and Randers (again — those polite Danes!). In the First Qualifying Round Motherwell faced Llanelli of Wales (of the Welsh Premier League), Rosenborg took on NSÍ Runavík, and Randers played Linfield of the IFA Premiership. Motherwell advanced 3-1 on aggregate, Rosenborg 6-1, and Randers 7-0.

In the Second Qualifying Round, Motherwell spanked Flamurtari Vlorë of Albania 8-2 on aggregate, Rosenborg lost 1-0 to FK Qarabağ of Azerbaijan, and Randers beat FK Sūduva Marijampolė of Lithuania 2-1.

I'm not going to spend the time researching whether or not each Fair Play team fielded their First XI, something we probably won't, but the Scandinavian clubs were probably buoyed by the fact that the beginning Europa stages are in the middle of their season.

So in summary, the nations from which clubs were drawn against Fair Play opponents are: Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Estonia, Andorra, Georgia, Slovenia, Wales, Northern Ireland, Albania, Azerbaijan, and Lithuania.

Now, a lot of this depends on who you draw. Two years ago Galatasaray and our Group-Mates Basel were in the in Second Qualifying Round. Last year, it was Olympiacos. This year, FC Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova — champions 10 straight years until now — start off in the first round.

But I think my point about the depth of competition, or the lack thereof, remains even if the club's summer vacation is non-existent. That's not to insult any future opponents, but just a statement of fact. And I'm pretty sure Hughes' et al are aware of that.

So we may just get to see the likes of Lauri Dalla Valle in a Fulham shirt after all.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8519318/How-does-the-Premier-League-Fair-Play-Table-actually-work.html


How does the Premier League Fair Play Table actually work?


Fulham stand to benefit with a Europa League place this season for their fair play rating, but it's not just calculated by totting up yellow and red cards.



Good behaviour: Chelsea sit at the top of the Premier League fair play table Photo: PREMIER LEAGUE


By Thom Gibbs 5:45PM BST 17 May 2011


The full table, which can be viewed on the Premier League website includes categories such as "respect towards officials" and the mysterious rating for "positive play".

Every top flight game is watched by a referee's assessor who works alongside a Premier League match delegate.

Usually a former player or manager attuned to the nuances of football, the delegate marks each team in four categories: positive play, respect towards their opponents, respect towards the match officials, and the behaviour of their own staff on the sidelines.

The delegate will not make a judgment in each category until he has spoken to the match officials after the game to gain an improved perspective on how the players were behaving on the pitch.

A referee can point out good or bad behaviour that the delegate may have missed from the stands.

The respect towards officials and opponents categories are marked out of seven, with the behaviour of officials marked out of six.

Teams can score a maximum of 10 points for positive play, which is a largely subjective decision for the delegate.

Delegates will give a high mark for for teams playing an attacking, free-flowing game but time-wasting, rough-house tactics and simulation likely to cost them marks.

This rating exists to help the Premier League monitor the quality of its footballing product, with the organisation keen to encourage exciting matches over grim 0-0 draws.

Another category exists within Uefa - but has not yet been adopted in the Premier League's fair play calculations - which is the behavior of the crowd. In this category noisy support wins marks, but persistent standing and offensive chanting is frowned upon.

Chelsea have the highest average rating in the fair play table, which also takes into account the more prosaic measure of sportsmanship - the number of yellow and red cards received.

Birmingham are the league's poorest performers in the positive play category, with Chelsea at the top of the pile followed by Arsenal and Blackpool.

Chelsea are also rated as the best in the behaviour of officials category, with the pitchside antics of Ian Holloway hurting Blackpool who have the lowest rating.

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http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/7525/3/dortmund-beat-villa-and-fulham-race-sign-basel-ace


Dortmund beat Villa and Fulham in race to sign Basel ace




By talkSPORT


Tuesday, May 17


Aston Villa and Fulham look to have lost their battle to sign Basel's highly-rated midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri after he agreed a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Shaqiri has been outstanding for Basel this season and he has been chased by a number of clubs across Europe.

Both Villa and Fulham were expected to make a move for the Swiss international during the summer, but they look to have been beaten by Dortmund.

Reports in Germany suggest a deal has already been finalised and he is expected to complete a £6m move in the next two weeks.

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Villa eyeing Moyes and Hughes as next boss


Published 23:01 17/05/11


By James Nursey





Aston Villa are closely monitoring David Moyes and Mark Hughes as the ­likelihood increases Gerard Houllier will not return as boss.

Houllier has not been back working at Villa since his latest heart scare last month as Gary McAllister remains in charge.

The Frenchman, 63, has avoided surgery but his wife Isabel is firmly against him returning to the pressures of full-time management.

Houllier has continued to take a keen interest in Villa and is working from home, advising McAllister.

But it is doubtful he can even attend Sunday's Premier League game at home to former club Liverpool to observe in the stands.

The club are refusing to make a definitive decision on Houllier's future or make any comment until after the season.

But with doubts remaining about the Frenchman's health, Villa owner Randy Lerner is keeping a close eye on both Everton boss Moyes and Fulham's Hughes.

Moyes is getting frustrated at the lack of investment at Goodison, but while it would cost Villa around £3million in compensation to acquire him and his staff, it is believed Hughes' contract allows him to leave for nothing with summer.

Former Middlesbrough and England coach Steve McClaren is out of work and is also very keen on the post.

Villa need rebuilding this summer - Ashley Young is certain to be sold this summer, with Manchester United favourites for him - but underlined their potential with a superb 2-1 win against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

Defenders James Collins and Richard Dunne looked back to their best after an indifferent season in which Villa have conceded 59 goals, compared to 39 last term.

"I'll admit there's been a few wobbles," said Collins. "As a team and individually we know we've made errors that we didn't last year, which we need to cut out.

"I think me and Richard have shown we still can do it, we are still good defenders. We enjoy playing with each other so we're looking forward to next season."

Villa were under the cosh for long periods against the Gunners, but Collins, Dunne, keeper Brad Friedel and full-backs Kyle Walker and Luke Young were resolute.

"I think it's a sign of how well we can defend," added Collins. "You saw it last season. I know we haven't been at the levels we were last year but I think we showed signs of it again on Sunday."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Aston-Villa-are-closely-monitoring-Everton-manager-David-Moyes-and-Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-as-the-likelihood-increases-Gerard-Houllier-will-not-return-to-dugout-after-latest-heart-scare-article737471.html#ixzz1MgMqb42d

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Neil Warnock has warned QPR fans not to expect a spending spree at Loftus Road, distancing himself from a move for Joe Cole.

Rangers may be backed by mega-rich owners Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and Lakshmi Mittal but Warnock has laughed off a potential swoop for Liverpool's England international.

'I see we have been linked with Joe Cole but I doubt we could afford a quarter of his wages,' said the QPR boss.

'What we have here is perceived money. I don't think anyone wants to splash out fortunes.'

And Warnock has warned Hoops fans that the Hoops' first season in the top flight for 15 years could be a money saving exercise.

'I think the Premier League will be a great league to be in, and I think the owners will really enjoy it, but they will want me to be as thrifty as I have been in the Championship, getting value for money and entertainment as best as we can without spending millions.

'I can't see them throwing money around with 18,000 crowds. I don't think they want to be self-sufficient, as that is difficult, but they don't want to be throwing money around stupidly,' he told the Evening Standard.

Instead, the likes of Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown and Fulham forward Zoltan Gera seem more realistic targets.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388056/Neil-Warnock-says-Liverpools-Joe-Cole-unlikely-QPR-prepare-frugal-summer.html#ixzz1MgJV1iDh

WHAT?? With the mega sized crowds at the Loftadrome ( full of bitters and 1000's locked out) ... this surely is an error by Colin???

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http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/5/17/2175770/forget-the-anti-europe-talk-and-have-some-fun


Forget the anti-Europe talk and have some fun


by Kristian Balkin on May 17, 2011 7:36 PM



It's about time someone from Fulham actually stood up and declared an interest in entering Europe. Ever since the possibility was mooted, players and even, somewhat bewilderingly, some fans have suggested that the Europa League is an unwanted burden - a catalyst for decline.

Anybody in a sane frame of mind, however, will know they couldn't be further from the truth.

My reminiscent tones of the past week or so have all but worn out now, with it being a year on from our European exploits, so, let's not 'remember the good old days' and, rather, view things from a contemporary perspective. Mark Hughes himself was the first to condemn the prospect of qualifying in June, claiming "it won't be easy" and there'll be a "concern you won't have the players coming back fresh." Thankfully, he vetoed these comments with a statement to the official site stating it would be a 'delight' to be in Europe again.

Hangeland chipped into the debate too, but with a far more worrying degree of contempt. "It is bad if you get that Europa League spot," Brede said bluntly, before defending his speech with fitness concerns that revolved mainly around sunning it up on the beach.

Whilst a proportionally decreased tan may concern our Norwegian centre-half, what distresses me to a far greater degree is the lack of guile and determination shown by the 29 year old. After all, he knows what it feels like to travel on a European journey of splendid defiance and notoriety.

It's not just Hangeland and it's not just Fulham that seemingly have these abhorrent traits, however. All over England, managers complain and pick weakened teams in cup competitions. Even Harry Redknapp, a man who lavishly criticised all who treat cups as secondary and the Premier League as essential, stated he'd 'rather finish 6th than 5th' in order to avoid the Europa League. Hypocritical of course, but more to the point, pathetic.

Because, as the traditional elements in the game we all love begin to dwindle, as money begins to dominate the minds of all those who partake in any aspect of football, those in control fail to recognise the foundation behind any sport is entertainment.

Matches are as much an opportunity to relieve Saturday afternoon boredom as they are a sporting spectacle.

The fans have built this wonderful sport to what it is today. We've thrown money at it on a more-than weekly basis, we've travelled the depth and breadth of the land to follow our team and, in frequent cases, we've devoted our lives to supporting our respective clubs.

And, all we've every asked for in return is a bit of fun. Perhaps the opportunity to brag to our work colleagues. Maybe even a reward for a well placed bet. But just a bit of fun, really.

After all, (I know I said I wouldn't reminisce, but who cares?) what was more fun than our Europa League escapade?

There has been no greater example in recent history of a time when the fans of one club have pulled together so heartily and bathed in, as a famous commentator once put it, 'such disbelieving joy'. And, for a player who took part in that very - as it has aptly been titled - adventure to claim, forthright, that it's not really worth it, makes me ashamed to be a fan.

F.A Cups, League Cups, European runs; for a club like ours, they're all the fans have got. We're, admittedly, not going to win the league soon and while consistent top ten finishes are nice, what do they have in the way of a nourishing bit of fun?

Very little is the answer. So when something turns up on our door with such potential of merriment, let's, please, not turn a blind eye to it. Let's welcome it in and offer it a cup of tea, in the hope that Diego Forlan won't run in and nick our biscuits.

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http://tribalfootball.com/articles/atletico-madrid-move-beat-fulham-espanyol-striker-osvaldo-1637141


Atletico Madrid move to beat Fulham for Espanyol striker Osvaldo


17.05.11 | tribalfootball.com



Atletico Madrid are set to beat Premier League clubs for Espanyol striker Dani Osvaldo.

Osvaldo is a confirmed target for Fulham boss Mark Hughes and is also interesting Tottenham and Everton.

However, AS says Atletico are in advanced negotiations with Espanyol over a deal for Osvaldo.

Atletico are close to striking terms for around €10 million over Osvaldo.
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[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-kickoff-new-season-next-month-1637281



Fulham to kickoff new season next month!


17.05.11 | tribalfootball.com


Fulham's new season is set kick off next month!

Fulham could play in the Europa League next season, but the club's campaign would have to kick off on June 30 - just 39 days after this Premier League season ends.

Norway, England and Sweden have each gained an extra place through UEFA's Fair Play Ranking and Mark Hughes's side are likely to benefit.

Fulham are second in the Premier League's Fair Play table behind Chelsea - who have already qualified for the Champions League - with one match remaining.

Last year's Europa League runners-up are the only side not to have a player sent off this term, although Hughes was ordered to the stands at Wolves last month.

But Fulham would have to play eight matches - three two-legged qualifying rounds and a play-off home and away - to reach the group stage.

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/coyle-factor-boosts-bolton-home-attendances-1637351


Coyle factor boosts Bolton home attendances


17.05.11 | tribalfootball.com


Bolton Wanderers have enjoyed an increased home gate this season.

Average attendances at the Reebok Stadium are expected to top 23,000 for the first time in four years.

Only Fulham have shown a greater gate increase than Wanderers, who are currently reporting a 3.65 per cent rise in crowd figures with one game remaining this season.

That will increase with the visit of neighbours Manchester City next weekend, with a full house swelling average attendances to their biggest number since the club last qualified for Europe.

"This year we have to recognise that performances on the field have been turned around," Bolton chief executive Alan Duckworth told the Bolton News. "Everyone sees the fantastic job Owen and his team have done.

"The fans have responded well this last 12 months and we're one of the few Premier League clubs who can boast an increase in average attendances.

"That's a fantastic achievement considering where we were, boosted by how we play.

"I think it's also been helped because the club have tried to recognise the economic difficulties and kept ticket pricing sensible."

[White Noise]

http://www.fansfc.com/Fulham/story/32285/8.html


Gera presented with QPR opportunity


09:30 AM 17 May, 2011


Zoltan Gera could be heading to Queens Park Rangers Football Club this summer.

The 32-year-old is currently in his third season at Fulham, but he has failed to nail down a regular starting place under manager Mark Hughes this season.

Although Gera has featured for the Cottagers on 26 occasions during their Premier League campaign, only ten of these have come from a start.

The Hungarian midfielder is out of contract when the transfer window reopens, and whilst Hughes wants to keep him, it looks likely he will on his way.

One possibility for the former West Bromwich Albion man could be a move across the capital, where top-flight new-boys Rangers are willing to offer him a deal.

[White Noise]

http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/05/17/Cottagers-ace-eyes-beach-over-Europe/gnid-94832/


Hangeland eyes beach over Europe


by Setanta Staff , 17 May 2011   






Brede Hangeland says he should be on the beach in June and not facing the prospect of playing in a Europa League qualifier with Fulham.

The Norwegian central defender made the admission following the confirmation from UEFA on Monday that the Premier League would be awarded an extra place in Europe next season, having finished in the top three of their Fair Play rankings.

If, as expected, Tottenham secure a fifth-placed finish on Sunday, Fulham will be the highest-placed side in the Premier League's Fair Play table not to have European football secured next season.

That would see them offered a spot in the first round of qualifiers of the Europa League at the end of June, which would severely cut short their summer break.

Therefore, rather than being excited at the prospect of playing in Europe less than two years after reaching the Europa League final, Hangeland feels it could have a negative impact on their entire season as many players could suffer with fatigue if they do not get a sufficient break.

The stopper also called on the authorities to start taking into account the amount of football players are being forced to play in the modern game.

Hangeland told the Mirror: "For Premiership teams, we play 11 and a half months a year. You can't ask teams to play in the middle of the summer, or at the time when the players should really be on the beach resting.

"The people running football need to look at the demands on the players sooner rather than later.

"It's all very good playing games week in, week out but, especially at the end of the season, you need to recover and we're stretching it a little bit too far."