Friday Fulham Stuff (20.05.11)

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hughes-future-up-in-the-air-2652768.html


Hughes' future up in the air


Friday May 20 2011



Fulham have just 12 days to sign Mark Hughes on a new contract or risk losing their manager.

Hughes has a break clause in his two-year deal which can be activated on June 1. He could, in theory, leave the Premier League club as a free agent on June 30.

A number of other clubs are aware that Fulham have not yet carried out their stated intent to sign Hughes, who arrived last August, to a new extended deal.

According to sources, there have been only initial discussions but no offer has been made.

Fulham deny there is a problem. A spokesman said last night: "Mark has made it clear he is happy here and looking forward to the next campaign. We, and he, are looking forward to building on what has been achieved in the past nine months. We are adamant that he will be staying at Fulham."

There is also understood to be concern from Hughes as to whether he will be given the funds he was promised -- £20m has been mooted -- to improve the squad.

Aston Villa, who considered making a move for Hughes last year when Martin O'Neill left, are waiting to hear whether Gerard Houllier will continue as their manager following his health problems.

If not then they might be interested in Hughes -- who has enjoyed an outstanding campaign despite severe injury problems at Fulham -- who now sit eighth in the Premier League table and are set to qualify for the Europa League through the Fair Play League.

[White Noise]

That victory against Stoke took City into third place and a win over Bolton on Sunday at the Reebok Stadium will ensure automatic entry to the Champions League group stages.

Arsenal would be condemned to qualifying, no matter their result in the London derby with Fulham.

It would be a fitting finale to the campaign for City, according to De Jong, after they lifted the FA Cup for the first time in 42 years at the weekend.

Bolton have lost four successive matches and the Dutch midfielder is intent on inflicting more pain on Owen Coyle's side.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388657/Carlos-Tevez-mad-Manchester-City-tries-leave-says-Nigel-De-Jong.html#ixzz1Mry0K9vc

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Sven Goran Eriksson wants Paul Konchesky to help Leicester promotion bid



By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 11:12 PM on 18th May 2011


Leicester are willing to give Paul Konchesky a route out of Liverpool.

The left back has endured a dreadful first season at Anfield after being heavily criticised by his own fans and shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest.

Kenny Dalglish has put a new left-back at the top of his shopping list and Konchesky, 30, has been linked with a return to Fulham but Leicester boss Sven Goran Eriksson is looking to build a squad capable of promotion next season.


Red or dead: It is unlikely Paul Konchesky will play for Liverpool again


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388535/Sven-Goran-Eriksson-wants-Paul-Konchesky-help-Leicester-promotion-bid.html#ixzz1MryDGZb0

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The Managerial Sack Race -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388815/The-Firing-Line-Carlo-Ancelottis-time-Chelsea.html

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http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/tottenham-hotspur/tottenham-hotspur/why_spurs_look_likely_to_overtake_fulham_in_fair_play_league_1_896665



Why Spurs look likely to overtake Fulham in Fair Play league


By Ben Pearce


Wednesday, May 18, 2011 11:13 AM



IF Harry Redknapp thought Europa League qualification was the worst-case scenario this season he was wrong – success in the Fair Play league is infinitely worse.

This seemingly incidental table, inspired by Uefa, has gone utterly unnoticed since August, but this week it has become just as important as the Premier League itself.

Uefa have announced that England, Norway and Sweden have topped their fair play rankings, and that each country will be awarded an extra Europa League spot.

The 'lucky' team will be the highest-placed side in the Premier League's own Fair Play league – provided that they have not already qualified for Europe.

That rules out Chelsea, who are top, but the table is only updated once a month, and currently shows the rankings up to and including the games on Saturday April 30.

Fulham are second but Tottenham are third, making them the potential 'winners' if they miss out on fifth place and also overtake the Cottagers when the final Fair Play league is compiled.

To say that that would be an inconvenience would be a serious understatement. The team who enters Europe through the Fair Play league is required to play eight matches just to get into the group stages – three two-legged qualifying rounds and a play-off.

The first fixture on that odyssey would come on June 30, just 39 days after the end of the current campaign, which would shorten the holidays of first-team players – some of whom will be in international action in June - and wreak havoc with pre-season preparations.

Of course, Tottenham could send their youngsters out to play in these qualifying ties, but the Lilywhites have also committed to a tournament in South Africa between July 16-23, which may also have been earmarked for the squad's fringe members.

Spurs can avoid all of this by beating Liverpool to fifth place on Sunday. But, with Birmingham fighting to avoid relegation, and given Tottenham's record against the bottom teams this season, the Fair Play league is certainly worth studying.

While it has been widely reported that Fulham are in pole position, they are actually level with Spurs when it comes to the all-important average score – both teams are on 8.43 at the last count of April 30, when Spurs had a game in hand.

This average is the result of a complicated system, based on scores which are given to each team in every game. There are six different criteria ranging from discipline (red and yellow cards) to the behaviour of coaching staff and even the supporters.

Ignoring the final calculation that leads to that 8.43 average, each side is given a score out of 40 for every one of their league matches.

Having played 35 games up to April 30, Fulham had a total cumulative score of 1180 – 34 points more than Spurs.

However, since then the Lilywhites have played an extra match – their game in hand against Manchester City – and Redknapp's side have averaged just under 34 points per game.

If the table was updated now, Spurs would be very close – in fact they could well be ahead.

While it is impossible to tell how the two teams have scored for positive play and the behaviour of coaches and fans, it is easy to calculate their relative scores for discipline – and Tottenham's has been markedly better this month.

Out of the 40 points awarded for each match, 10 are for discipline, with one point being deducted for each yellow card (and three for a red).

Mark Hughes' side have picked up 10 yellow cards in their two fixtures in May, while Spurs have received five in three matches.

That equates to 10 points from a possible 20 for Fulham, and 25 from a possible 30 for Tottenham – a 15-point swing in the Lilywhites' favour on that criteria alone.

With such a small gap between the two sides, that could be a crucial factor. In short, the 'battle' to win the Fair Play league is a lot closer than Spurs would like, and they are in real danger of coming out on top.

Having voiced his concerns over qualifying for the Europa League, Redknapp is now stuck between a rock and a hard place.

In essence, Tottenham need to finish fifth and take on all of those extra games on the continent simply to avoid a further eight in the competition's qualifiers.

[White Noise]

Legends Unveiled


Thursday 19th May 2011




Football 40 can today unveil a list of 70 Legends who have confirmed they will participate in the London Legends Cup| which brings together some of the greatest icons to have graced the English game.

A staggering list from A-Z, from Ossie Ardiles to Gianfranco Zola, will be on show in the new 20-minute each half Football 40 format, Fulham taking on Chelsea and Arsenal facing Spurs for the right to play in the Final and win a major Legends trophy for their respective club.

Fulham fans can look forward to seeing a host of former famous players that have graced the Cottage in years gone by, including Geoff Horsfield, Andy Melville the Club's former player and manager, Chris Coleman. Roy Hodgson makes a return to SW6 to manage the Fulham Legends team.

Fulham's opponents Chelsea have a team packed full of former international stars, including captain Gianfranco Zola, who will team up with former Chelsea strike partner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Chelsea's squad features a host of well known players, such as Pat Nevin, Kerry Dixon, Tore Andre Flo, Jody Morris, Frank Sinclair and Jason Cundy. From the dugout Chelsea will be managed by Tommy Docherty  with Capital Radio's Johnny Vaughan assisting him.

Arsenal's high calibre participating Legends include Paul Merson, Tony Woodcock, Ray Parlour, Viv Anderson, Kenny Sansom, Nigel Winterburn, and Graham Rix. Arsenal's North London rivals, Spurs, will reunite Ricky Villa and Ossiee Ardiles. Pat Jennings is making a sentimental appearance with Euro Cup Final penalty save hero Tony Parks, and Ian Walker is on call along with Graham Roberts, Paul Miller, Darren Anderton, Paul Walsh, Tony Galvin and Gerry Armstrong.

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle is Football 40's Technical Director and Tournament Director ahead of this inaugural London event, which takes place on Sunday May 29th (KO 3pm|).

It must be arguably the greatest collection of Legends ever gathered at one place at one time for one full scale 11-aside competitive tournament. For all the latest information please visit www.football40.com|.

Watch the London Legends Cup in style by booking your VIP seat for £60. The VIP ticket includes directors' area seating, lounge access and the chance to meet some of the legends on show.|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/May/LegendsRevealed.aspx#ixzz1MrzqVpqL

[White Noise]

Inside Fulham FC Podcast


Mark Hughes on playing in Europe next season 18 May 2011

Wed, 18 May 11

Duration: 5 mins

Available:29 days remaining

Manager Mark Hughes on back-to-back wins away from home, and the real possibility of Fulham being in the Europa League again next season.


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

[White Noise]

Weekend Travel Update



Thursday 19th May 2011


Supporters attending Sunday's match against Arsenal at the Cottage should be aware of transport disruptions on the day of the game.

On the District Line there will be no service on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May between Putney Bridge and Wimbledon.

It is recommended that supporters using the tube allow extra time for their journey. Supporters are advised to check the TfL website| before they travel.

Bus replacement services:
Service D: between Wimbledon and Putney Bridge, calling at Wimbledon Park, Southfields and East Putney.

Service E: between Wimbledon and Putney Bridge.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/May/WeekendTravelUpdateFulhamvArsenal.aspx#ixzz1Ms0ZYNzs

[White Noise]

http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/05/football-news/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-arsenal



Premier League preview: Fulham v Arsenal


Date: 19th May 2011 at 11:50 am


Written by FFC News Desk


Fulham host Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season, with European qualification an issue for both clubs.Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa last week, coupled with Manchester City's 3-0 win over Stoke on Tuesday, means Arsene Wenger's team are down to fourth.

If Arsenal finish fourth, they will miss out on an automatic Champions League qualification berth and be forced to take their chances in the qualifying rounds.

While Arsenal's task is obvious – win and hope City drop points at Bolton – Fulham have a more unusual scenario to confront.

They are the highest-ranked team on the Premier League fair-play table not to have already secured European qualification.

Barring a high count of red or yellow cards in Sunday's match, they could find themselves in the Europa League next season.

Rather than a welcome bonus, taking part in the competition may prove to be a distraction Mark Hughes' squad could do without.

Fulham reached the inaugural final of the rebadged Europa League in 2010, but the campaign took its toll on the team's Premier League form – they finished 12th, down five places from the previous season.

Hughes has guided the team to eighth in his first season in charge, overcoming serious injuries to key players along the way.

Rather than risk stalling their progress by taking on the demand of additional midweek matches and European travel, a flurry of bookings or perhaps even a red card at Craven Cottage might be a convenient solution to Fulham's unwanted dilemma.

Relegation-threatened Blackpool, who may be in the Championship next season, are next in line to inherit the Europa League fair-play berth.

Fulham have no new injury worries to contend with, only winger Damian Duff (Achilles) is unavailable.

Arsenal are without goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and midfielder Abou Diaby, while Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas are in doubt.

[White Noise]

Coaching @ the Cottage


Thursday 19th May 2011



On Bank Holiday Monday, 30th May, Fulham FC Foundation will be delivering Coaching @ the Cottage - a fantastic opportunity for junior supporters to learn and test new skills with Foundation staff on the hallowed turf at Craven Cottage.

The unique event will comprise four time slots starting from 9am and finishing at 5pm. Each session will last an hour-and-a-half with a capacity of 96 participants for each.

Upon your arrival at the stadium, you will enter through the Hammersmith End turnstiles using your very own game ticket, and be met by Foundation staff. You will then be welcomed into the Johnny Haynes Stand until you are called upon to enter onto the very pitch where all your favourite Fulham stars play on a Saturday!

Once the action begins, you will learn new skills, develop your football knowledge and take part in some fun and competitive games. And when the final whistleblows, you can return to the stands for lunch and refreshments, before meeting Billy the Badger in the away team changing room inside the actual Cottage.

You will then be invited to have a photo taken in the same home dressing room used by Mark Hughes' team on a matchday!

After the success of our Foundation holiday courses, this is a very exciting opportunity for you to be a part of what will be a fantastic day - for only £25 per player.

To book your place on this amazing experience, please call the Foundation Office on 0870 442 5432.

Please note: All current Fulham Junior Members will receive a 10% discount when booking.
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/May/CoachingattheCottage.aspx#ixzz1Ms132gDY

[White Noise]

Fulham defender on Roma's shopping list


Published 23:00 19/05/11


By Jeremy Butler





Fulham defender Philippe Senderos is wanted by Italian giants Roma – despite missing most of the season with an Achilles injury.

The Serie A oufit plan talks to sign the Swiss international next week.

Ex-Arsenal stopper Senderos has proved his fitness after returning in recent weeks.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-transfer-news-Defender-Philippe-Senderos-is-wanted-by-Italian-giants-Roma-despite-missing-most-of-the-season-with-an-Achilles-injury-article738302.html#ixzz1Ms1obSLW

[White Noise]

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/05/20/premier-league-rankings-manchester-city-alternative-table/


6. Fulham | Previous: 9 | Form: L-D-W-W-L-W

Points: 48 | Goals For: 47 | Goals Against: 41


Fulham certainly know how to put the cat among the relegation pigeons, judging by the way in which they came away with a commanding 2-0 win at Birmingham at the weekend, a result that places the hosts in serious danger of going down. That was presumably the response Mark Hughes demanded after the dismal 5-2 home loss to Liverpool on their previous outing but, still, credit the Cottagers for putting in that kind of shift in a game which had no real meaning for them and meant everything for Birmingham.

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/arsenal-determined-regain-third-spot-says-wenger-1643421


Arsenal determined to regain third spot says Wenger


19.05.11 | Andrew Slevison


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists the team is desperate to get back to winning ways by taking out London rivals Fulham on Sunday.

The fourth-placed Gunners are determined to win their way back to third with a big performance at Craven Cottage in the final game of the season after two disappointing losses on the trot.

The Gunners have won just two of their 12 games in all competitions as their campaign has fizzled out but Wenger urged his team to finish on a high by securing third place.

Wenger says it is vital that Arsenal avoid Champions League qualifiers which would come if they were to remain in their current position.

"There is a massive difference between third and fourth," said Wenger, whose side sit a place behind Manchester City who meet Bolton away.

"Fourth is to play a qualifier for the Champions League - that is not Champions League football. Third is guaranteeing to be in it.

"We will try to win against Fulham. A draw could be good enough if City lose.

"I do not want to have any regrets and just want to win the game."

[White Noise]

Roma to Phil up on Senderos


Published: Today


PHILIPPE SENDEROS is wanted by Italian giants Roma - despite missing most of the season with an Achilles injury.

Fulham's Swiss defender, 26, only made his Cottagers debut on April 30 - but Roma plan to visit London next week to open talks about signing him.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3590555/Roma-want-Philippe-Senderos.html#ixzz1Ms46zcvt

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/tottenham-eyeing-move-espanyol-keeper-kameni-1642801


Tottenham eyeing move for Espanyol keeper Kameni


19.05.11 | tribalfootball.com


Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni is interesting Tottenham.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has made personal checks on the Cameroon international this season - along with Fulham, Everton and Manchester United.

Kameni is aware of the transfer interest and cannot rule out leaving Espanyol in the summer.

"There are clubs that follow me", said the Cameroonian. "If they come with an offer to the club, I would consider it.

"I want to fight for more than self-preservation,."

[White Noise]

Family Barbecue


Thursday 19th May 2011



We are delighted to invite supporters to an end of season Family Barbecue, 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#ixzz1Ms5RxLP3

[White Noise]

http://www.fansfc.com/Fulham/story/32344/8.html


Hitzlsperger offered capital stay with Fulham



11:30 AM 19 May, 2011


Fulham Football Club are interested in Thomas Hitzlsperger.

The German international joined West Ham United when his contract at Lazio expired in the summer, in what was considered a huge coup for the Londoners.

But the midfielder picked up an injury during pre-season, and this resulted in him only making his debut for the Hammers towards the end of February.

The former Aston Villa man has made just nine appearances in the Premier League this term, and this was not enough to save United's top-flight status.

Despite being under contract until 2013 Hitzlsperger, 29, is now expected to leave Upton Park, and Fulham are keen to offer him the chance to remain in the capital.

[White Noise]

http://tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-keeper-schwarzer-arsenal-hopes-now-long-gone-1642571


Fulham keeper Schwarzer: Arsenal hopes now long gone



19.05.11 | tribalfootball.com


Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says thoughts of moving to Arsenal are now over.

He can condemn Arsenal to the Champions League qualifiers by beating them at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

He said: "To be linked with Arsenal is an honour but we are hoping to finish a good season really well.

"If we can equal our record seventh place of 2009 it would be fantastic."

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8524620/Fulham-face-race-against-time-to-tie-up-new-contract-for-manager-Mark-Hughes.html


Fulham face race against time to tie up new contract for manager Mark Hughes


Fulham have just 12 days to sign Mark Hughes up to a new contract or risk losing their manager.


New deal? Fulham face a race against time to tie up a new contract for manager Mark Hughes, as he could way away in as little as 12 days' time Photo: ACTION IMAGES


By Jason Burt 6:30AM BST 20 May 2011


Hughes has a break clause in his two-year deal which can be activated on June 1. He could, in theory, then leave the Premier League club as a free agent on June 30.

A number of other clubs are aware that Fulham have not yet carried out their stated intent to sign Hughes, who arrived last August, to a new extended deal.

It is believed that the former Manchester City manager has grown frustrated at the delay in talks taking place, especially as he had indicated to Fulham that he was happy to sign a new deal and pledge his future to the club.

However, according to sources, there have only been initial discussions but no offer has been made. Importantly, there are no talks scheduled to take place.

Hughes's unease may be compounded by the fact that the break clause could be activated by Fulham as well as by himself.

Fulham deny that there is a problem and insist Hughes will be offered a new deal and will stay. A spokesman said last night:

"Mark has made it clear that he is happy here and looking forward to the next campaign.

"We, and he, are looking forward to building on what has been achieved in the past nine months. We are adamant that he will be staying at Fulham." The spokesman insisted that talks were ongoing.

That will come as a huge relief to the club's supporters but it does appear curious that Fulham have allowed any doubt to creep in to the manager's thoughts considering the impressive job he has done since succeeding Roy Hodgson.

There is also understood to be concern from Hughes as to whether he will be given the funds he was promised — a figure of £20 million has been mooted — to continue to improve the squad over the summer.

Aston Villa, who considered making a move for Hughes last year when Martin O'Neill left, are waiting to hear whether Gerard Houllier will continue as their manager following his health problems.

If not then they might be interested in Hughes, who has enjoyed an outstanding campaign at Fulham, who now sit eighth in the Premier League and are set to qualify for the Europa League through the Fair Play League.

There has already been interest from Bayern Munich, who considered Hughes as Louis van Gaal's replacement before hiring Jupp Heynckes.

The Fulham manager has made it clear he would like to stay. "I'm hoping to sit down with the club and talk about it. I have 12 months left and we've had initial discussions, but nothing in terms of extending the contract," he said earlier this month.

Hughes has rallied the team and has also performed well in the transfer market. Paul Konchesky was sold for £4 million to Liverpool and Carlos Salcido and Moussa Dembele were recruited with the proceeds, while Steve Sidwell arrived on a free transfer in January.

It means that, as yet, Hughes has not spent a significant amount on a squad who do need improving.

[White Noise]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/man-city-midfielder-de-jong-third-place-would-be-cherry-cake-1641621


Man City midfielder De Jong: Third-place would be cherry on cake


19.05.11 | tribalfootball.com


Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong says finishing in third place would be the "cherry on the cake" for this season.

City need victory over Bolton Wanderers to be sure of automatic Champions League qualification.

"It's always tough against Bolton and they are strong on their own ground, but we have to go there, be mentally strong and give 100% because we can't rely on Fulham beating Arsenal," De Jong told City's website.

"If we do what we need to do we don't need favours from anyone else. It's been a long season but finishing third would be the cherry on the cake."