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Wednesday Fulham Stuff (01/06/11)...

Started by RidgeRider, June 01, 2011, 12:49:19 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

mike_f


mike_f

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/864940-robbie-keane-transfer-interest-from-newcastle-sunderland-and-fulham

Robbie Keane transfer interest 'from Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham'


The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United, who were relegated from the Premier League.

And despite previously admitting he would have no problem staying at Upton Park, the Hammers now seem highly unlikely to follow up any interest due to financial constraints.

That leaves the way open for a number of Premier League sides to bid for Keane, who would be available on a free transfer in 12 months time.

'I've only got one year left there so I am sure Spurs will probably want to do business on me,' said Keane.

'For me it is about enjoying my football and playing as much as I can.'

Fulham are tracking the Republic of Ireland international's availability and are hopeful he could be made available for less than £4million.

Newcastle are also in the hunt, and would have no problem meeting a transfer fee although owner Mike Ashley is reportedly placing strict wage limits on what manager Alan Pardew can offer.

However, the Magpies may face competition from their bitter local rivals - Steve Bruce's Sunderland - who are also in the market for a striker to partner first-choice hitman Asamoah Gyan.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/864940-robbie-keane-transfer-interest-from-newcastle-sunderland-and-fulham#ixzz1O0pTceeS

Tom

Fulham for life!


WhiteJC

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/7975/4/exclusive-morley-moyes-or-hughes-right-man-villa?

Exclusive - Morley: Moyes or Hughes right man for Villa

Tony Morley believes either David Moyes or Mark Hughes is the right choice to replace Gerard Houllier as manager of Aston Villa.

The Frenchman has suffered this season from health problems and looks set to stand down from the Villa Park top job after less than a season into a three-year deal at the club. 

A host of top European managers including Carlo Ancelotti and Martin Jol have been touted for the role but Morley has claimed he would favour a British boss at the helm.

Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, Morley said: "I've seen all the names, there's Carlo Ancelotti and Martin Jol but the two that stick out for me are Mark Hughes and David Moyes.

"Moyes has done a fantastic job at Everton on a tight budget and Hughes has always done a good job wherever he's gone.

"It depends how much compensation the Villa will have to pay for them, you mustn't forget that Villa had to settle with Martin O'Neill last week as well.

"Now they'll probably have to pay Mr Houllier off and that might dictate what sort of manager they get because it's not a bottom less pit.

"I feel a bit sorry for the chairman who's spent so much on Villa because what he's spent so much money on Villa and this last 12 months must have been a nightmare for him. He's had something like four managers."

WhiteJC


Fulham track Danny Ings
AFC Bournemouth striker Danny Ings has become a possible target for Premier League side Fulham.

Ings reportedly impressed Fulham representatives while they were following the progress of loan striker Lauri Dalla Valle, who spent two months on loan at Dean Court last season.

While the Daily Echo also believe that at least one other Premier League side could also be interested.

However Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell is keen to keep hold of the striker and values the player at over £1million.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo...

"We don`t have to sell, that is a fact.

"Danny is only 18 and didn`t look out of place mixing it with some good players last season. In the current climate, he would be worth more than £1m.

"If he were to score 20 goals for us next season, and there is every chance he will, he would be a £2m player...'


Read more: http://www.bournemouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=243334#ixzz1O0vJGKch

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_6961698,00.html?

Osvaldo attracting interest
Striker getting plenty of attention ahead of transfer window



Pablo Osvaldo's agent has claimed a 'lot of English clubs' have been in contact over a move for the Espanyol striker.

The 25-year-old has been making waves in the Primera Liga this season and has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe.

Mark Hughes and Fulham are believed to be interested in the Argentine, yet look likely to face stiff competition from Tottenham and a host of Spanish sides in the race to land the player's signature.

Espanyol will reportedly look to hold out for the €20million (£17m) buy-out clause inserted in the striker's contract when he sealed a permanent move to the Barcelona club last summer.

Osvaldo's agent Dario Dacoud told the Daily Mirror: "I've been called by many people from Spain and England. Lots of English clubs have called me.

"He's very happy at Espanyol, but this is a job and sometimes there are things to which you can't say yes or no because it's your future.

"We will see. There is plenty of time."


WhiteJC

http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/will_fulham_beat_newcastle_in_keane_chase_680011/index.shtml?

Will Fulham Beat Newcastle In Keane Chase?

Robbie Keane will leave Spurs in the summer but it looks as though Fulham could beat Newcastle to his signature.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United, who were relegated from the Premier League.

And despite previously admitting he would have no problem staying at Upton Park, the Hammers now seem highly unlikely to follow up any interest due to financial constraints.

That leaves the way open for a number of Premier League sides to bid for Keane, who would be available on a free transfer in 12 months time.

Newcastle have tried twice in recent times to sign him, but some suggest he would be happy to snub a Geordie offer to stay in London, with Fulham a likely option.

Robbie Keane: 'I've only got one year left there so I am sure Spurs will probably want to do business on me.

'For me it is about enjoying my football and playing as much as I can.'

WhiteJC


Aston Villa in the hunt for Fulham boss Hughes as Houllier chases £5m pay-off

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is the man Aston Villa want to replace Gerard Houllier, heading a five-man short list drawn up by the Midlands club's owner Randy Lerner.

Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh tried to head off the move by issuing a stern 'hands-off' warning to Villa but if Hughes fails to activate his rolling contract at Fulham in the next 24 hours, he will become a free agent and make himself the clear favourite to succeed Houllier.

Should Hughes decide to stay at Fulham, Lerner will turn to others he has identified to take Villa forward. Everton's David Moyes and Wigan's Roberto Martinez are in the frame, while Steve McClaren and Martin Jol have also been mentioned.


Marked man: Fulham manager Hughes (right) is wanted by Aston Villa to replace Gerard Houllier

Senior figures at Villa were tied up with more pressing matters as Houllier hampered the club's search for a replacement with legal wrangling over the size of his pay-off. As reported in Sportsmail, Houllier has medical reports that state he is fit to return. Villa contest those.

Clauses in the manager's contract protect the club from a pay-out in excess of £5million if the Frenchman is forced out by ill-health.

What is in dispute is whether his employment is being terminated because of that or if he is being sacked.

Lerner wants to avoid a repeat of the Martin O'Neill affair. The American billionaire had to face a Premier League arbitration panel last week after O'Neill contested the terms of his exit.

When Houllier's departure is finally confirmed, 'mutual consent' will be listed as the reason but there can be no doubt that from Villa's viewpoint this is a divorce of convenience. The marriage has always been an uneasy one and even Houllier's unveiling ended in little more than a public-relations disaster when he was unable to confirm his release from his job with the France Football Federation.

Since then the club have been troubled by on-field problems, off-field squabbles and fights. The French manager has battled with his players, including Stephen Ireland, John Carew, Richard Dunne and Stephen Warnock, as Villa lurched through their league campaign.

As if the club did not have enough problems, two of their England players - Ashley Young and Stewart Downing - refused to commit their futures to Villa.

Young's position is unsurprising after Manchester United made tentative contact for the winger. He said: 'I did find myself sat (watching the Champions League final) thinking, "I wish I was out there". My opinion is that I can play in the biggest and best competitions.

'To challenge myself is to play in big competitions and hopefully one day I'll be able to do that.'

Downing's utterances were little short of a come-and-get-me plea. 'You sit at home and watch the Champions League, you hear the music come on and you see the teams and you think, "This is where I want to be. It's my ambition to play in it and I'd like to do that at some stage in my career".'

Asked whether he will be a Villa player next season, he added: 'I'm not sure. If I don't move and I stay, I'll get on with the job.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1392872/Aston-Villa-want-Fulhams-Mark-Hughes-manager.html#ixzz1O1Gc8mYX

WhiteJC

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/94081.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Kelly could leave Fulham to secure regular football

Stephen Kelly has admitted he may be forced to leave Fulham in a bid to secure regular football next season.

The Ireland defender, 27, featured in only 12 games for the club in all competitions this term and, with the Londoners likely to strengthen their squad ahead of a Europa League campaign, Kelly admits he may have to look elsewhere to get opportunities to play.

"Obviously I want to play football and I want to play all the time," he said. "That's got to be my main aim and if that's at Fuham then that's greats but if it's somewhere else then so be it.

"At his moment in time I'm still a Fulham player and that's where my focus is. We're in Europe next year and there's going to be a lot of games so I'll be looking forward to taking part in that."

Fulham earned themselves a Europa League spot after qualifying through the Fair Play League. The Cottagers finished ahead of relegated Blackpool by just 0.01 points and, with Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United already qualifying for Europe, they grabbed the Europa place.

Kelly, who played in Ireland's 1-0 win over Scotland at the weekend, isn't enamoured by the prospect of only having a 15-day break due to the club's involvement in the Europa League.

"It's going to be difficult; the schedule for us to be back is back in the 23rd June, with our first game scheduled for the 30th June. That means we don't break up until the 8th so it's not much time off but hopefully I'll get some special treatment because we've had eight games running. It's not going to be much time off at all, straight back into qualifying for the Europa League," he said.


WhiteJC

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/53890/Hughes_lined_up_to_replace_Houllier.aspx?

Hughes lined up to replace Houllier

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is wanted by Aston Villa to take over from Gerard Houllier as boss, according to reports.

Houllier's future remains uncertain but local reports suggest he will step down as Villa boss amid health concerns after the Frenchman suffered a heart scare towards the end of the season.

Villa have apparently drawn up a shortlist of managers to replace the former Liverpool boss and Hughes is said to top that list.

Other names in the frame are former England boss Steve McClaren, ex-Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez and recently-sacked Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, but it is thought owner Randy Lerner has targeted Hughes and sees the former Blackburn and Man City boss as the man to take the club forward.

Hughes has made no comment after being linked with the midlanders but, unlike Everton boss David Moyes - who was also linked with Villa - but ruled himself out, he has remained silent to fuel speculation he could be interested in the job.

WhiteJC

http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/fourfourtwoview/archive/2011/06/01/report-card-bolton-chelsea-everton-fulham-amp-liverpool.aspx?

Report Card: Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham & Liverpool



Fulham
League position: 8th – W11 D16 L11 F49 A43 Pts49
FA Cup: Fifth round
League Cup: Third round
RATING: C+

It's a good thing that 'a game of two halves' hasn't become a footballing cliché, because there's no better way of summarising

Fulham's season...
Going into Christmas, the Cottagers were in the relegation zone, having won just two of their 18 matches – fewer than any other team, leaving them with just 16 points.

But it wasn't the defeats which were to blame for this feeble haul, rather the draws. The West Londoners tied an incredible 10 of those first 18 matches. Single points began to look like opportunities lost, and for draw merchants Fulham – who finished the season with 16, more than any team in the last four campaigns – it became the innocent habit couldn't kick, the glass of wine with dinner that becomes a drinking problem.

The cause was easy to identify: Mark Hughes lacked a goalgrabbing striker. To lose both Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson to injury for large parts of the season was deeply unlucky.

But there was little in the way of back-up. Eidur Gudjohnsen, a square peg happily on loan from the round-hole of Stoke, put himself about and Moussa Dembele had looked a more than useful signing, but three goals for the Belgian in nearly 32 hours of football – two of which came in one game against Wolves – were scant return for his efforts.

The fact that perennial loanee Eddie Johnson made 10 substandard substitute appearances, more than doubling his Premier League tally since arriving at Craven Cottage in 2007, was a testament to their lack of cover upfront.

In the end, it came down to Texan talisman Clint Dempsey to put the ball in the back of the net, and he duly obliged.

Equally important was the solid centre-back pairing of Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland, as everpresent as the famous cottage and immovable as the infamous Michael Jackson statue (Hughes missed just 16 minutes all season; Hangeland, one match against Sunderland).

The signs for next season are positive for Fulham, even if for them it starts in just a few weeks. They'll be looking to go one better than their last Europa League campaign, a 19-game epic which ended in a final defeat to Atletico Madrid.

This time they qualified via the Fair Play league, meaning any plans Mark Hughes had for an extended summer holiday will have to be shelved. Still, the Welshman has little complain about, and another top-half finish is a more than realistic aim - although if the morning's papers are to be believed he could yet be a target for Aston Villa.

STAR MAN Clint Dempsey. As reliable as he is likeable, it's amazing 'Deuce' isn't more highly sought after by 'bigger' clubs.

Words: Huw Davies

WhiteJC


True Colours

With the Team having attained the second highest finish in the Club's history last season, Stephen Kelly looked back on the campaign and cited the squad's mental strength as a core factor in achieving eighth place.

"I think we started off pretty well and we were pretty much unbeatable in the first 8 games of the season which obviously was an impressive start but we weren't really getting the wins," Kelly told fulhamfc.com.

"We were defending well but weren't really getting the goals and after that having a lot of draws caused us problems and coming up to Christmas time we were a bit unsure about how things were going because we hadn't got the wins that we probably deserved and we were hovering around that relegation battle.

"But I think that everyone here was confident and knew that that wasn't going to be the case at the end of the season because of the squad that we had and because of the way we performed it was never going to be a problem for us; we were looking up into the top half of the table.

"It's a test of mental strength when it is like that. You are performing well and you're not getting the results that you deserve and you are picking up so many draws and we weren't getting beaten; it was just the draws causing us problems.

"We turned that around, we started to win games and score more goals towards the second half of the season which pushed us up towards the top of the table. Overall, I think that it was a little topsy-turvy but in the end we really showed our true colours and came to the top like we should have done."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/StephenKellyMentalStrength.aspx?#ixzz1O1b7jn7N


WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6961910,00.html?

Kelly weighs up Fulham future
Defender hints at moving on



Stephen Kelly admits he may have to leave Fulham this summer in search of regular first-team football.

The full-back, who is away on international duty with Republic of Ireland, has endured a frustrating season at Craven Cottage.

Kelly made only 12 appearances in the first team this term with the former Birmingham and Tottenham man down the pecking order in Mark Hughes' plans.

The 27-year-old has revealed he will weigh up his options this summer as he wants to be playing on a regular basis at this stage of his career.

First-team action

"Obviously I want to play football, I want to play all the time that's got to be my main aim," Kelly told Sky Sports News.

"If that's at Fulham then great, but if it's somewhere else then so be it.

"At this moment in time I am still a Fulham player and that's where my focus is.

"We are in Europe next year and there are going to be a lot of games so will be looking forward to take part in that."

WhiteJC

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/06/01/defender-makes-fulham-admission-64767-28802119/?

Defender makes Fulham admission

STEPHEN Kelly admits he may be forced to quit Fulham in a bid to find regular first-team football.

The versatile full-back was restricted to just 12 appearances for the Whites this season, and hasn't featured since November.

Utility man Chris Baird has been preferred at right-back, while even rookie Matthew Briggs is ahead of him in the Craven Cottage pecking order.

And the Republic of Ireland defender says he's ready to leave SW6 unless he's given more game time.

He said: "Obviously I want to play football and I want to play all the time.

"That's got to be my main aim and if that's at Fuham then that's greats but if it's somewhere else then so be it.

"At his moment in time I'm still a Fulham player and that's where my focus is. We're in Europe next year and there's going to be a lot of games so I'll be looking forward to taking part in that."

Kelly is the latest Fulham player to voice his concern about his lack of playing time, following similar admissions from midfielders Kagisho Dikgacoi and Jonathan Greening.

WhiteJC

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23955550-mark-hughes-one-of-six-in-frame-for-villa-job.do?

Mark Hughes one of six in frame for Villa job

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is one of six managers being targeted by Aston Villa to replace Gerard Houllier.

Villa are set to confirm that Houllier is leaving the club by 'mutual consent' following health problems.

Hughes is high up on their short-list - which includes David Moyes, Roberto Martinez, Carlo Ancelotti, Martin Jol and Steve McClaren - and can activate a clause in his two-year contract at Craven Cottage which could see him leave the club as a free agent at the end of the month.

Fulham have been in negotiations with Hughes over a new deal for some time and are determined to fight to keep him at the club.

When asked about Hughes's future, a club spokesman said today: "The position remains the same and we are focused on next season."


WhiteJC

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/06/if-i-was.html?

Craven Cottagers
Following the 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons at Craven Cottage - recounted by season ticket holders who aren't actually Fulham fans.


If I Was...

Football365 has been running some thought pieces on what certain mangers should do with their squads (Roy Hodgson's for example is here) so I thought I'd do the same from Mark Hughes' perspective, assuming he is still in charge of Fulham for the new season. While the 'ditch' or 'keep' judgments seem quite strong, it's a good starting point for discussion. There would have been a lot more ditches without a European campaign.

Mark Schwarzer
Been a solid number one after a brief flirtation with Arsenal and been Fulham's saviour in more than one game this season - with the Liverpool game an aberration. But at 38, he hasn't got many years left on the clock. Might be worth cashing in if anyone comes in with a bid of £5m.
Verdict: Keep

David Stockdale
I've been incredibly impressed with this boy when he's had to come in this season. His distribution is far better than Schwarzer's and he's been called up to the England squad for a reason. Definitely Fulham's number 1 of the future - maybe giving him the European matches will stop him getting itchy feet.
Verdict: Keep

Stephen Kelly
Out of favour with Hughes and never really a fan favourite either. Has done a job in Europe before now, but Hughes is likely to overhaul the full back slots.
Verdict: Ditch

Carlos Salcido
Hughes' late signing from Mexico was initially promising, but has since regressed to the point where fans are wanting Konchesky back.
Verdict: Ditch

John Paintsil
Firm fan favourite has displeased Hughes by scoring three OGs this season which is a shame as he brings some dynamism to the right back slot. Out of contract.
Verdict: I would keep, Hughes won't.

Brede Hangeland
Towering centre half seems to really like Fulham and hasn't had his head turned despite being constantly linked to Arsenal. Can get a bit ropey without Hughes next to him, but generally solid. Becoming a more regular goal threat too.
Verdict: Keep

Aaron Hughes
A couple of dodgy games have started to sneak in, but still part of Fulham's best ever centre half pairing.
Verdict: Keep

Chris Baird
Another virtuouso season from Bairdinho. The best right back at the club who plays just as well in midfield and at CB. Future Fulham captain.
Verdict: Keep

Philippe Senderos
Only played a handful of games. Useful to have around, but not sure if worthy of a first team place.
Verdict: Keep


Rafik Halliche
Looked a bit dodgy in the couple if games he had, but alright for a back up centre half.
Verdict: Keep


Steve Sidwell
Promising stint since January. Brought some competition into the middle of the park and a handful of goals.
Verdict: Keep


Danny Murphy
Danny's legs have looked tired at points during this season, which hasn't been helped with Hughes constantly hauling him off. But still has class in the middle for another season and much of the best stuff still comes through him.
Verdict: Keep

Damien Duff
Odd season for Duffer, which saw him labour in the early part of the season before really turning it on for a few months. Tends to be more important defensively than attacking when he plays though.
Verdict: Keep

Dickson Etuhu
Fighting for a place now Sidwell has arrived. A good physical option to have.
Verdict: Keep


Jonathan Greening
Has impressed the couple of times he has played. Probably deserves more game time, and will probably get it with Europe. Won't recoup the £5m paid for him, so time to get the most out of him.
Verdict: Keep

Kagisho Dikgacoi
After an impressive World Cup, many were expecting the South African to push on, but it's not really happened. With hindsight writing was on the wall when he got sent off at West Ham on his debut.
Verdict: Ditch


Bjorn Helge Riise
Spent most of the campaign on loan at Sheffield United. Never really done it in the Premier League, albeit with limited appearances. Only worth keeping for Europe, if at all.
Verdict: Ditch

Simon Davies
Another odd season has seen Davies on the periphery of the squad and then suddenly become undroppable. A hard man to categorise, but good to have for an end of season run-in.
Verdict: Keep

Zoltan Gera
Another fan favourite that Hughes doesn't fancy and who is out of contract. If there was no European adventure I'd let him leave as his league form was inconsistent. But as a proven European force, definitely worth keeping.
Verdict: Keep


Clint Dempsey
Possibly Fulham's best player and definitely the one who reminds Hughes of himself.
Verdict: Keep

Andy Johnson
Tough one. Johnson's just not been fit enough during his time at Fulham or in the goals enough. But there is promise there. If a good enough bid comes in (£4m?) it's time to let him go and free up budget/space.
Verdict: Ditch


Bobby Zamora
So integral to Fulham as an attacking force. Need to keep him or completely reinvent the way the team plays.
Verdict: Keep


Moussa Dembele
Impressive signing for Hughes, but despite his awesome close control isn't as dangerous as he should be. Played semi-out of position up front because of Zamora's injury. Time to see what he can do out on the wing.
Verdict: Keep


Diomansy Kamara
Out of contract and out of chances. Scored some important goals for Fulham but generally has performed within himself.
Verdict: Ditch

Eddie Johnson
His only use at Fulham has been as a punchline. Very, very poor.
Verdict: Ditch

WhiteJC

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/villa-fan-chief-backs-hughes-2663653.html?

Villa fan chief backs Hughes

The chairman of the Aston Villa Supporters Trust believes it is "almost certain" manager Gerard Houllier will leave the club this summer, and has called for Fulham's Mark Hughes to replace him.

Villa are currently assessing Houllier's position after he was forced to miss the last month of the season because of heart problems - the second time the Frenchman has suffered from such ill health in his career.

It has been reported that Villa are awaiting test results to determine if the 63-year-old is fit to return to work, but Peter Warrilow, head of AVST, believes the conclusion is inevitable, saying: "It's almost certainly the case that Gerard Houllier will depart, and his departure would be in the best interests of both his health and Aston Villa."

He added: "It's all very unsettling at a time when what we really need is some stability."

The Villa fans have not been convinced by Houllier since his appointment last September, and a flirtation with the relegation zone earlier this year did not help.

He still polarises opinion despite the club eventually finishing ninth but Warrilow does not believe Villa will use Houllier's health as an excuse to remove him from his post.

"My knowledge of (owner) Randy Lerner and (chief executive) Paul Faulkner doesn't suggest that they would be that cynical," he said.

"But if you look at Aston Villa's long-term future then it would be quite wrong to go into the new season having committed a lot of money to a man to go out and rebuild the squad, then two months into the season find themselves in the same situation of his health being in decline and him not being able to continue.

"In terms of practicality, his departure would be sensible so that Villa can secure a new manager for the longer-term future."

Should Houllier leave, Warrilow feels the club could find the perfect replacement in the shape of Hughes, saying: "Everyone knows that Mark Hughes has the opportunity to break his contract at Fulham - I think he would be an ideal choice."

Press Association

WhiteJC

http://www.kickoff.com/news/22126/bafana-dont-fear-egypt-says-kagisho-dikgacoi.php

Dikgacoi – Bafana won't be intimidated

Kagisho Dikgacoi does not believe Bafana Bafana will be intimidated by the atmosphere they are set to face in Cairo on Sunday night. 

Pitso Mosimane's squad left their training base near Rustenburg on Wednesday afternoon to return to Johannesburg ahead of their flight to the Egyptian capital on Thursday night. And with Bafana needing just a point to end The Pharoahs' six-year reign as African Champions, Fulham midfielder Dikgacoi backs his team-mates to rise to the challenge at the city's Military Stadium.   

"We don't care about the conditions we are going to face - our main focus is on the game on Sunday," he tells Kickoff.com.

"We don't want anything to affect us mentally so it is important just to think about our game-plan.  Of course what we want is to win the game but a good result for us would be a draw because it is a very tough away game."

With that in mind, Dikgacoi could be employed as one of three central midfielders by Mosimane, with Katlego Mphela on his own in attack.

The former Golden Arrows captain spent the second half of the season on loan at English Championship side Crystal Palace but after Fulham secured a spot in the preliminary round of next season's Europa League, the 26-year-old will report for pre-season training next week. However, Dikgacoi remains unsure whether his long-term future will be at Craven Cottage.

He said: "I still have a contract with Fulham and will be going back to pre-season training there next week. We will take things from there about whether I want to stay or if there is any interest from other clubs."    


WhiteJC

http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/2011-06-01/who-will-be-new-aston-villa-manager-hughes-moyes-benitez-ancelotti-and-more-lined-job?

WHO WILL BE THE NEW ASTON VILLA MANAGER? HUGHES, MOYES, BENITEZ, ANCELOTTI AND MORE LINED UP FOR THE JOB



Gerard Houllier looks set to leave his post as Aston Villa manager with owner Randy Lerner and the board not wanting the Frenchman to step back in to the role after his serious health scare. Houllier was keen to return, but with unsettled stars Ashley Young and Stewart Downing looking set to leave, Villa will urgently need to replace him with a new manager in what will be a frantic summer transfer window for the Birmingham club.

Here talkSPORT takes a look at the top candidates for the top job at Villa Park...

NAME: Mark Hughes
AVAILABILITY: Fulham boss Hughes has two-years left on his contract, but has a get-out clause which can be activated this summer if he so wishes.
POSITIVES: The Welshman has lots of experience managing in the Premier League and was unlucky to be given the boot at Man City. Rumours have surfaced that Hughes has become disillusioned with the Fulham board's handling of his contract situation.
NEGATIVES: Fulham are trying their best to warn Villa off, knowing they cannot prevent Hughes from breaking his contract. Hughes could also be put off by some of Villa's top stars leaving and, having seen his ground work at Craven Cottage pay dividends in the second half of the season, would be forced to start all over again at Villa Park.

NAME: RAFA BENITEZ
AVAILABILITY: Free agent, sacked from Inter in December 2010.
POSITIVES: Benitez is looking for a move back into Premier League management. "The priority is the Premier League," he said recently, "because the style is better for me." Rafa also turned down the opportunity to lead Atletico Madrid in favour of holding out for a job in England.
NEGATIVES: Benitez had a very turbulent spell at Inter and it is rumoured that a British manager will be favoured at Villa Park.

NAME: CARLO ANCELOTTI
AVAILABILITY: Free agent, recently sacked from Chelsea.
POSITIVES: Ancelotti is a very successful manager at the top level and, like Benitez, has also expressed a desire to stay managing in England.
NEGATIVES: Ancelotti has been in charge of very powerful clubs such as Chelsea and AC Milan, Despite their size and history, Aston Villa would currently be a step down.

NAME: David Moyes
AVAILABILITY: Everton gaffer Moyes has two years left on his contract.
POSITIVES: A well-respected and experienced manager who is looking for a new challenge, but not neccessarily right now.
NEGATIVES: It could be a sideways move for Moyes who has done well with limited funds at Everton.

NAME: MARTIN JOL
AVAILABILITY: Free agent, Jol left Ajax in December 2010.
POSITIVES: Dutchman Jol was relatively successful at Spurs and has since managed big clubs like Ajax and Hamburg, picking a Dutch Cup in Amsterdam. After nearly getting Spurs in to the Champions League and taking Hamburg to the Europa League semi-finals in 2009, he has the experience that could help Villa compete for European spots.
NEGATIVES: The competition at the top end of the league is much tougher than during Jol's spell at White Hart Lane and, despite relative success in Germany and his native Holland, he didn't exactly pull up any trees. This wouldn't be an appointment to excite Villa fans.

NAME: STEVE McCLAREN
AVAILABILITY: Free agent, McClaren was sacked by Wolfsburg in February 2011.
POSITIVES: Took Dutch side FC Twente to a surprise Eredivisie win which proves he can turn clubs around with little money spent and is undoubtedly a wiser manager than during his last spell in the Premier League with Middlesbrough.
NEGATIVES: After p*ssing off most England fans during his time as the 'Wally with the Brolly', it's hard to see the Villa fans warming to him quickly.

NAME: ANDRE VILLA BOAS
AVAILABILITY: Porto manager Villa Boas has two-years left on his contract, but there is a possible buy-out clause... a whopping £13m!
POSITIVES: Take away the 'A' in Boas and replace it with the 'S' from Villas and there you have it: Villa Boss! He's a bloomin' great young manager who guided FC Porto to the Europa League and an undefeated Portuguese title this year. What a scoop it would be for Villa to get the best new manager on the block.
NEGATIVES: Let's be honest, barring some completely unforeseen circumstances, there's not much chance of a man whose stock is so high that Europe's premier clubs have got their eye on him joining the Villa right now. Sorry Villa fans.

WhiteJC


Fulham - Strike a Light
This one simply astounded me!

Flicking through the tabloid sports pages as I made my way into work this morning I stumbled across an article that, to me, remains questionable.

The article in question links us with a move for the Argentine forward Dani Osvaldo who currently plays for the Spanish side Espanyol.

It goes on to infer that Fulham have had a bid, in the region of £10.5 million turned down by the Spanish club. It also goes on to suggest that the Spanish club want a huge £17.5 million for his services.

Which begs me to ask, although we coughed up a similar amount for Andrew Johnson, are we really the sort of club who`d spend that sort of cash on one player?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=243371#ixzz1O2broIb1