Saturday Fulham Stuff (04/06/2011)

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/03/fulham-martin-martin-jol-aston-villa

Fulham hoping to lure Martin Jol with personal touch and a big salary
• Jol on shortlist for Fulham and Aston Villa jobs
• Steve McClaren keen to return to the Premier League
 
David Hytner and Stuart James
guardian.co.uk,    Friday 3 June 2011 22.00 BST
Article history

Fulham are said to be worried that Maritin Jol might sign for Aston Villa. Photograph: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images
Martin Jol wants to return to the Premier League and he holds the key to the managerial searches at Fulham and Aston Villa, with the London club appearing his more likely destination.

The Dutchman is aware that he features prominently on the shortlists at both clubs, who are in the market for a manager after parting company with Mark Hughes and Gérard Houllier respectively. Jol, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, was close to moving to Fulham last summer, after Roy Hodgson departed for Liverpool, only for Ajax, his then club, to block the deal.

Fulham have since remained in contact with Jol, which has flattered him, and they hope the personal touch, allied to their ability to grant him a huge salary, will give them the edge.

Villa are believed to have Steve McClaren in their thoughts and the former England manager would jump at the opportunity to join them. But, together with the outsider, Roberto Martínez of Wigan Athletic, McClaren appears to be behind Jol in the reckoning. There have been suggestions that a candidate who has so far remained under the radar could yet come to the fore at Villa Park, with Owen Coyle of Bolton Wanderers having been mentioned. Coyle, however, has not been approached at this stage.

Villa maintain that Hughes is not under consideration for the vacancy, despite figures within the game seeing more than coincidence in the timing of his resignation from Fulham. He activated the break clause in his contract on Wednesday night, roughlyan hour after Villa had confirmed Houllier's departure and just before the expiry of the clause at midnight. He will leave the club as a free agent on 30 June.

The theory runs that Hughes would not have walked out if he did not have a job to go to and it is understood he thought the Villa job was his. Villa, however, were distinctly unimpressed with the way Hughes handled his departure at Fulham and insist he no longer features in their thoughts.

Hughes's representative, Kia Joorabchian, said his client resigned because Fulham did not match his ambitions and not because he expects to take the Villa job. "One of the things he looked for at the end of the season was to see if there was an ambition for Fulham to go to the next level. Mark left Fulham because he wanted to explore his aspirations. [He] wants to go to a club where he can fight for titles and win championships."

Fulham fear Jol could go to Villa, as it is the bigger club but they will again do their best to take him to Craven Cottage. He was their No1 choice last summer to succeed Hodgson, ahead of Hughes, and showed his intention to join them by agreeing personal terms in principle on a three-year contract. Ajax, though, refused to release him. Fulham's anger at what they perceive to have been a betrayal by Hughes has been best reflected by Fayed. He sent a message to each one of his first-team players to stress that the success of this past season had been a team effort, with the subtext being that Hughes's loss was of no concern.

Fayed, though, is looking forward and he has been inundated with applications for the vacant post. Avram Grant and Chris Hughton have been among the managers to show an interest. Martin O'Neill and McClaren have also been touted.

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http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/8041/4/benitez-insists-hes-ready-premier-league-return

Benitez insists he's ready for Premier League return


By talkSPORT
Friday, June 3
0 comments
Rafa Benitez has reminded all the Premier League's managerless clubs he is ready and raring to go.
Aston Villa, Fulham and Chelsea are all without a boss and the former Liverpool and Inter Milan chief wants to remind any chairmen looking to recruit that he is on the market.
"I want to stay in England. I will not name clubs, but it is clear there are not many to choose from," the Spaniard said.
"Something can emerge and, if not, I will be patient. The important thing is to choose well. The Premier League and I have a good understanding and respect.
"I've turned down offers from clubs from outside, but now my priority is the Premier League."

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1394059/Fulham-want-Martin-Jol-manager.html
Fulham go Dutch! Cottagers are back in for ex-Tottenham boss Jol to replace Hughes
By NEIL MOXLEY
Last updated at 1:10 AM on 4th June 2011

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Martin Jol heads Fulham's managerial wish-list as they seek a replacement for Mark Hughes.
The London club will chase the man they first targeted 12 months ago after receiving feedback that he is prepared to return to London.
An attempt to capture the former Tottenham boss ended messily when he was persuaded to stay with Ajax following a protracted tug-of-war.

Second time lucky? Fulham failed in a move for Martin Jol last summer, when he chose to stay at Ajax
But, with his stay at the Dutch giants having ended last season, he is now set to manage in the Barclays Premier League again.
Fulham's swift action will head off any likely approach for Jol from Aston Villa, as they seek to replace Gerard Houllier.

Given Fulham the boot: Mark Hughes quit his job at Craven Cottage on Thursday
Jol retains a base in the West Midlands following his time as a player with West Bromwich Albion during the early Eighties. But it is understood that the attraction of returning to the capital carries greater appeal for the genial Dutchman.
Fulham will need to make a decision on whether former boss Mark Hughes should be released early from the contract that the former Wales international ended formally on Thursday.
Hughes is officially in charge at Craven Cottage until June 30 - the day when the club kick off their next assault on the Europa League.

Clock is ticking: Fulham get their Europa League bid underway on June 30
Fulham would need to sever their ties with Hughes before appointing another boss - and also bring to an end Mark Bowen's employment at the club. Bowen, along with coaching assistant Eddie Niedzwiecki, remains in situ and Hughes' right-hand man becomes de facto manager in his colleague's absence.
The managerial chaos has had repercussions at Wigan, who are moving to cement Roberto Martinez's position. With the Spaniard also on Villa's shortlist, Wigan want to reward their former midfielder with an improved pay deal.

Fighting talk: Jol (right) was a popular figure during his spell at White Hart Lane
Wigan chief executive Jonathan Jackson believes he can persuade Martinez to stay. 'Clearly Roberto will be linked with other jobs because of how well he has done here but we all want him to stay. Roberto will end up as manager of a top club in the future but he's got a five-year plan here.'
As Aston Villa assess managerial options, one man not returning next season is free agent goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
The USA star, 40, is joining Tottenham on a two-year deal, as exclusively revealed in Sportsmail last month. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: 'Brad is a top goalkeeper of real quality who has great experience.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1394059/Fulham-want-Martin-Jol-manager.html#ixzz1OGj68tea

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393984/Mark-Hughes-ready-wait-year-right-job-says-agent-Kia-Joorabchian.html

Mark Hughes ready to wait up to a year for the right job, says agent Kia Joorabchian
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:29 AM on 4th June 2011

Mark Hughes may be willing to remain out of management for a year after quitting as Fulham boss, his agent Kia Joorabchian has revealed.

Hughes left Craven Cottage yesterday to stir speculation he could be on his way to managerless Aston Villa or Chelsea.

Next step: Mark Hughes is looking for his next job in football after leaving Fulham on Thursday
A statement from Hughes last night, however, denied he had already been approached by another club with Joorabchian today revealing the 47-year-old's decision had been motivated by Fulham's inability to match his ambitions.
Joorabchian and Hughes are instead now set to discuss their options, with Chelsea amongst the clubs he would like to talk to, although the former Manchester City boss could sit out of management until he finds the right job.
'He wants to go to club where he can fight for titles, whether that is in England, Spain, Italy or Portugal,' Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.
'If that means he has to be out of management for a year then that is the case.
'Mark left Fulham because he wanted to explore his aspirations.
'Mark made his aspiration clear when he first signed his contract last year.

All smiles: England and Chelsea captain John Terry revealed he would welcome Hughes at Stamford Bridge with the Blues looking for a new manager
'One of the things that he looked for was to see if Fulham wanted to go to the next level.
'If the ambitions didn't align then he didn't think it would be fair to stay in the job if he was looking over his shoulder all the time.'
Joorabchian admitted that Hughes would welcome any approach from his former club Chelsea, but re-iterated that no talks had taken place.
'I stick by what we are saying - we were not talking to anybody. No other club is in consideration,' he added.
'The timing may have influenced the press and public that he's headed in a direction. That's not the case.
'Chelsea have some candidates at the moment and we'll wait and see. If they approach Mark he'll be happy to speak to them. It would be an honour for him.
'But we've not spoken to any club.
'Now that he has left Fulham we can explore options in the next few weeks.'

Waving goodbye: Hughes walked away from Craven Cottage after just one season in charge of Fulham
Joorabchian denied that Hughes had made a verbal agreement with Fulham to remain and labelled his decision to leave as "honourable" because it allowed the club the maximum time available to prepare ahead of the new season.
'He gave Fulham everything he could during his one-year contract,' he said.
'But he wanted to be honest with them rather than letting them spend in transfer window on players he had recommended and then leave,' he said.
'He wanted to be honest and say 'I can't commit'.
'Mark had had discussion over last week (about a contract), but most of the discussions centred around what are the ambitions of club.
'Is it to go to the next level? Are they going to get players that will achieve that next level, because they are in four competitions next season.
'They'll need a big squad. They'll need to improve to have a go at it.
'Mark never committed to anything. He's not that kind of person. Most people know that.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393984/Mark-Hughes-ready-wait-year-right-job-says-agent-Kia-Joorabchian.html#ixzz1OGjmsgY6

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-news-Martin-Jol-ready-to-become-boss-year-after-forced-back-out-of-deal-succeed-Roy-Hodgson-article744147.html

Jol ready to be Fulham boss - one year on
Published 00:10 04/06/11 By Darren Lewis

Martin Jol is willing to succeeding Mark Hughes at Fulham, it emerged last night.

The Dutchman, out of work since resigning as boss of Dutch giants Ajax in December, had been first choice to take over at Craven Cottage last summer when Roy Hodgson moved to Liverpool.

In fact, he had agreed terms before his bosses in Amsterdam pulled the plug, forcing owner Mohamed Al Fayed to move for Hughes.

With the Welshman now out of the picture after his resignation on Thursday, Al Fayed wants to hire Jol at the second time of asking.


And MirrorFootball understands that former Spurs boss Jol is interested in heading to south-west London.

However, any deal could hit the buffers if Jol shares the concerns of Hughes.

It was claimed last night that Hughes quit because the club did not share his ambition to win silverware.

The 47-year-old Welshman has been vilified by Al Fayed, who has angrily insisted Hughes deserted Fulham. Yet the Mirror has been told Hughes was desperate for the funds to enable the club to punch its weight higher up the table and not simply settle for being safe from relegation.

Hughes is understood to have travelled extensively in the last two months, scouting young, cheap players who fell within the modest budget he had to work with.

Although Fulham had made a £10million bid for Espanyol striker Pablo Osvaldo, it is understood he would have had to sell players to fund the transfer. In contrast, the likes of Spurs have the funds to meet the Spanish club's £17million valuation.

Keen to actually win things, Hughes - already a wealthy man in his own right - decided to walk away rather than remain frustrated at being able to improve the Fulham squad to the extent he wanted.

Other men in the frame to succeed him include former England coach Steve McClaren and Gianfranco Zola.

Al Fayed, for whom chief executive Alistair McIntosh will do the negotiating, is keen on an experienced man proven in the Premier League to pick up from Hughes and predecessor Hodgson.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-news-Martin-Jol-ready-to-become-boss-year-after-forced-back-out-of-deal-succeed-Roy-Hodgson-article744147.html#ixzz1OGkcmez0
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[Tom]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393984/Mark-Hughes-ready-wait-year-right-job-says-agent-Kia-Joorabchian.html

Mark Hughes ready to wait up to a year for the right job, says agent Kia Joorabchian
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:29 AM on 4th June 2011

Mark Hughes may be willing to remain out of management for a year after quitting as Fulham boss, his agent Kia Joorabchian has revealed.

Hughes left Craven Cottage yesterday to stir speculation he could be on his way to managerless Aston Villa or Chelsea.

Next step: Mark Hughes is looking for his next job in football after leaving Fulham on Thursday
A statement from Hughes last night, however, denied he had already been approached by another club with Joorabchian today revealing the 47-year-old's decision had been motivated by Fulham's inability to match his ambitions.
Joorabchian and Hughes are instead now set to discuss their options, with Chelsea amongst the clubs he would like to talk to, although the former Manchester City boss could sit out of management until he finds the right job.
'He wants to go to club where he can fight for titles, whether that is in England, Spain, Italy or Portugal,' Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.
'If that means he has to be out of management for a year then that is the case.
'Mark left Fulham because he wanted to explore his aspirations.
'Mark made his aspiration clear when he first signed his contract last year.

All smiles: England and Chelsea captain John Terry revealed he would welcome Hughes at Stamford Bridge with the Blues looking for a new manager
'One of the things that he looked for was to see if Fulham wanted to go to the next level.
'If the ambitions didn't align then he didn't think it would be fair to stay in the job if he was looking over his shoulder all the time.'
Joorabchian admitted that Hughes would welcome any approach from his former club Chelsea, but re-iterated that no talks had taken place.
'I stick by what we are saying - we were not talking to anybody. No other club is in consideration,' he added.
'The timing may have influenced the press and public that he's headed in a direction. That's not the case.
'Chelsea have some candidates at the moment and we'll wait and see. If they approach Mark he'll be happy to speak to them. It would be an honour for him.
'But we've not spoken to any club.
'Now that he has left Fulham we can explore options in the next few weeks.'

Waving goodbye: Hughes walked away from Craven Cottage after just one season in charge of Fulham
Joorabchian denied that Hughes had made a verbal agreement with Fulham to remain and labelled his decision to leave as "honourable" because it allowed the club the maximum time available to prepare ahead of the new season.
'He gave Fulham everything he could during his one-year contract,' he said.
'But he wanted to be honest with them rather than letting them spend in transfer window on players he had recommended and then leave,' he said.
'He wanted to be honest and say 'I can't commit'.
'Mark had had discussion over last week (about a contract), but most of the discussions centred around what are the ambitions of club.
'Is it to go to the next level? Are they going to get players that will achieve that next level, because they are in four competitions next season.
'They'll need a big squad. They'll need to improve to have a go at it.
'Mark never committed to anything. He's not that kind of person. Most people know that.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393984/Mark-Hughes-ready-wait-year-right-job-says-agent-Kia-Joorabchian.html#ixzz1OGjmsgY6

What a jack  099.gif! He is only saying this to save face!

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http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/250723/Martin-Jol-at-top-of-Fulham-wishlist

MARTIN JOL AT TOP OF FULHAM WISHLIST


Former Spurs and Ajax boss Martin Jol

Saturday June 4,2011
By Tony Banks
Have your say(0)
FULHAM will once again turn to Martin Jol to fill the gap left by Mark Hughes' shock decision to quit this week.
Martin Jol is the favoured candidate to be the new manager for a board shellshocked over Hughes' sudden departure on Thursday.

Former Tottenham manager Jol was first choice to take over at Craven Cottage last summer, but despite offering the Dutchman what was at the time the most lucrative contract ever put on the table by the club, and spending some time wooing him in Holland, Jol turned Fulham down.

Owner Mohamed Al Fayed then turned to Hughes, a decision that has now backfired, leaving the Craven Cottage club back at square one.

But circumstances are different now with Jol, 55, out of a job since he left Ajax in the middle of their title-winning season. Contact has already been made with his representatives. Jol's agent, Mino Raiola, told friends this week that his client will be with a club by the start of the new season. Jol, with vast experience of the European club scene as well as English football along with his abilities to produce teams playing good football and also to unearth bargains in the transfer market, was always the man Al Fayed wanted.

Former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is another possibility should Jol refuse for a second time

The lure of staying at Ajax proved too strong last season, but Fulham are hoping that a £2million-a-year two-year contract with lucrative bonuses, plus the prospect of Europa League football and an increased transfer budget, will do the trick this time.
Former England boss Steve McClaren is also on Al Fayed's list, but the owner thinks that Jol, who has also managed Hamburg, has a better pedigree.

Former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is another possibility should Jol refuse for a second time. Whoever gets the job, they will have to start work quickly because Fulham's first Europa League qualifier is less than four weeks away.
Defender Philippe Senderos has urged the board to appoint Hughes' successor as soon as possible. The players are due to report back for pre-season training as early as June 23, and Senderos hopes that a new man will be in charge before then.
   
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Former Arsenal player Senderos said: "I certainly didn't see it [Hughes' departure] coming; no one did. It's sad for everyone because we had a good campaign and were hoping to build on that next season. But we will just see what happens. Did I get the sense towards the end of the season that Mark was ready to leave? No. But I am sure the club will do their best before next season.
"We would like to have something sorted as soon as possible for everyone at the club. The sooner Fulham are able to get a manager, the better."
Hughes may now bide his time before returning to management. "He wants to go to a club where he can fight for titles, whether that is in England, Spain, Italy or Portugal," said his agent, Kia Joorabchian. "If that means he has to be out of management for a year then that is the case."
Senderos only played three games under Hughes after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in August but is back to full fitness and could play in Switzerland's Euro 2012 qualifying game against England at Wembley today.
And having shocked eventual winners Spain 1-0 in last year's World Cup group stages, Senderos is hoping to cause another huge upset. He added: "You always look to take inspiration from big performances like those.
"But we know this will be a difficult task. England are in a good position in the qualifying group and they are doing really well. Obviously we know the quality of their players so we will have to be right up for this game from the first minute to the last. But we are feeling confident."


Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/250723/Martin-Jol-at-top-of-Fulham-wishlistMartin-Jol-at-top-of-Fulham-wishlist#ixzz1OGmsLZHV

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1394102/Des-Kelly-Hit-FIFA-piggies-market.html?ITO=1490

Mark has to be one jump ahead
As a general rule, you do not jump out of a plane without a parachute. I mention this because Mark Hughes has quit Fulham, insisting he most definitely does not have another club lined up, and especially not that job at Aston Villa.
The official line is that no contact has been made, that Hughes is probably allergic to the Midlands anyway and he wouldn't be able to find the city of Aston Villa on a map if he tried.

Giving the boot to those pesky rumours: Mark Hughes is not going to Aston Villa or Chelsea. Honest.
Add briefings from the Villa camp claiming they are not interested in employing one of the brightest, most ambitious managers in the league, despite shoving manager Gerard Houllier out the door with a 'get well soon' card, and it's all quite puzzling.
Only an incurable cynic would suggest the situation might look very different when inconvenient employment clauses expire in a month's time. So I won't do that. Instead, I'll say Hughes does not have a job lined up... if you rule out Villa or Chelsea.
P.S. Please don't write in to tell me there is no city of Aston Villa. And yes, I know some of you were about to.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1394102/Des-Kelly-Hit-FIFA-piggies-market.html#ixzz1OGqzYjBH

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http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-usmensteamstarclintdempseyr

U.S. men's team star Clint Dempsey returns to the place where his professional career started
Goal.com
32 minutes ago


FOXSBOROUGH, Mass. - Before playing for Fulham and becoming a household name for U.S. soccer fans, Clint Dempsey began his professional career as a midfielder for the New England Revolution. Now, five years after his three-year stint with the Revs ended, he returns to Foxborough with the U.S. men's team to take on Spain in a friendly on Saturday.

Dempsey has come a long way since his Major League Soccer days. Last June, the Texas native became just the second American to score in more than one World Cup. He followed that up with a stellar Premier League season, playing 34 games and setting an American record with 13 goals in a season.

Dempsey credits his success to MLS and the Revs, who selected him out of Furman University in the 2004 draft. He built the confidence in the United State's top professional league that allowed him to become a household name not only in America but also for fans in England, who aren't used to seeing an American consistently scoring.

"Without the Revolution I wouldn't have been able to play for the U.S. team or get over to Europe," he said after the U.S. practiced on the Gillette Stadium field Friday afternoon. "I owe a lot to MLS and playing for the Revs. It feels good to be back here because this is where it all started."

Dempsey even remembers his first couple games in MLS when he entered the league at 21 years old. He also hasn't forgotten about his former teammates, praising Andy Dorman, Pat Noonan and Jay Heap and others during his return to the Northeast.

"I miss playing with those guys but at the same you have to move forward and keep playing with the best competition that you can, and that's what brought me to Europe," he said.

Europe is clearly where the greatest talent in the world plays, but Dempsey says there is a lot that factors into making the switch from MLS to a European club. Not only do players have to fulfill their contract obligation, but it also takes the right kind of player to adjust to the faster pace of European soccer and different weather conditions.

"There are a lot of things that factor in the moves that some people make and some people don't," he said. "There were some guys on that (former Revolution) team that were good and could have gone to Europe. But once you get to Europe, it's tough to make it. All you can do is take care of yourself."

That's exactly what Dempsey has done. And now, in front of 61,000 fans in New England this weekend, he will show all the loyal Revs supporters just how far he has come to become perhaps the best soccer player the United States has to offer.

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1394075/West-Brom-Fulham-keeper-Mark-Schwarzer.html

West Brom move for Fulham keeper Schwarzer after missing out on Friedel
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:24 AM on 4th June 2011

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West Bromwich have turned their attentions to Mark Schwarzer after failing to land Brad Friedel.
Albion were one of three clubs interested in veteran keeper Friedel who signed a two-year deal with Spurs on Friday.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1394075/West-Brom-Fulham-keeper-Mark-Schwarzer.html#ixzz1OGtJ5XPF

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http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Mark-Hughes-open-to-job.6779422.jp


Mark Hughes open to job offers, but only from a club with ambition

Published Date: 04 June 2011
By SIMON STONE
Mark Hughes remains open to job offers after distancing himself from speculation that he left Fulham to put himself in pole position to snap up the vacancy at Aston Villa.

The Midlands giants have been linked with a potential appointment of Hughes, but there have been indications the Welshman is not top of owner Randy Lerner's hit-list.

Hughes has no knowledge of Villa's plans because it is understood the former Manchester City manager left Craven Cottage without having any firm idea of where he will go next. Rather than leaving Fulham in the lurch, he felt the break clause inserted into his two-year contract with the Cottagers provided the perfect opportunity to make a clean split.

Although Hughes has no issue with Fulham or owner Mohamed al-Fayed, after guiding the London outfit to an impressive eighth place in the Premier League in the season just ended, he felt it was possible to take advantage of any opportunities that sprung up during the summer. "Mark has a lot of confidence in his own ability and feels he will eventually find a club that matches his ambition," said a source close the situation. "That was one of the reasons he had the break clause inserted in the first place. He felt now was the right time for everyone, so Fulham knew what they would be doing. He did not think it was correct to go down the road of trying to sign players when he was thinking about what to do with his future.

"Mark has left Fulham without any compensation and has categorically not spoken to any other club."

If Villa ends up not being an option, it is not immediately obvious where Hughes might end up. However, it is clearly possible any Villa appointment could trigger a chain reaction, while it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Hughes will go abroad given his playing career took him to both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Hughes' agent Kia Joorabchian has revealed the Welshman may be willing to remain out of management for a year. "He wants to go to a club where he can fight for titles, whether that is in England, Spain, Italy or Portugal," the agent said. "If that means he has to be out of management for a year then that is the case."

Joorabchian admitted that Hughes would welcome any approach from his former club Chelsea, but re-iterated that no talks had taken place.

"I stick by what we are saying - we were not talking to anybody. No other club is in consideration," he added. "The timing may have influenced the press and public that he's headed in a direction. That's not the case. Chelsea have some candidates at the moment and we'll wait and see. If they approach Mark he'll be happy to speak to them. It would be an honour for him. But we've not spoken to any club."

Former Villa manager Graham Taylor, meanwhile, has urged club owner Lerner to appoint a new manager as soon as possible - to avoid a repeat of last summer's turmoil.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/2011-06-03/where-next-mark-hughes-villa-chelsea-cornwalls-st-blazey-afc?

WHERE NEXT FOR MARK HUGHES? VILLA? CHELSEA? CORNWALL'S ST BLAZEY AFC?
Six of the best alternatives for free agent Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes has packed it in after only 12 months in charge at Fulham and the smart money appears to be on him filling a vacancy at either Aston Villa or Chelsea... or will he?

Hughes has denied that he left Craven Cottage for Villa Park and claimed "this decision to leave Fulham has not been influenced by any outside party". So what next for Sparky? talkSPORT has found six jobs that could appeal to the Welshman...

MARK HUGHES IS THE NEXT MANAGER OF... ST BLAZEY AFC
When the words 'Cornwall' and 'football' are mentioned in the same breath, only one club springs to mind: St Blazey AFC. Glynn Hooper left St Blazey for Newquay after leading the Green and Blacks to the Throgmorton Cup final last season, so the Blaisey Park hot seat is free for Hughes to fill. 'Cornwall's premier club' have won the South Western League 13 times, but their last triumph came back in 2006/07 - unacceptable for a club with crowds upwards of 150 people. Hughes could be the man to lead them to Carlsberg South West Peninsula League glory next season.

MARK HUGHES IS THE NEXT MANAGER OF... AL WASL FC
Seven times UAE League Champions, Diego Maradona has been offered the Al Wasl gig over in Dubai, but you never know with that man - one day he's a football manager, the next he'll be pointing a gun at reporters back in Argentina and we don't fancy his chances in Dubai, where their are strict laws on the consumption of alcohol and, ahem drugs. We suggest Hughes keeps an eye on developments over at the Zabeel Stadium, where he may just find himself bagging a lucrative contract and his own private jet for flights back to his native Wrexham. Then again, Sparky hasn't exactly got the best record with owners from that part of the world.

MARK HUGHES IS THE NEXT MANAGER OF... AS NANCY
The French club are looking for a replacement for long-serving Uruguayan Pablo Correa, so if it's continuity Sparky is after following just 12 months at Fulham, the omens could not be much better. Why? Well, Nancy Hughes – you probably won't recall – was the fictional character played by Helen Wagner on American soap 'As the World Turns'. She's acknowleged by the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running TV character played by the same person (yes, longer than Ken Barlow) after a 54-year stint on the box. Mark Hughes would have to be at Nancy until he was 101 to replicate such feats, but more than 12 months would be a start.

MARK HUGHES IS THE NEXT MANAGER OF... STAFFORD RANGERS
Ben Foster, Scott Loach and talkSPORT's very own Stan 'The Man' Collymore have all played for a side whose form in 2011 has so far been worse than Fernando Torres'. Steve Bull and Tim Flowers have both tried and failed to successfully manage a team who've suffered two relegations in three years - the most recent from the Conference North. But Hughes is a sucker for a challenge and if he wants to further his reputation then there isn't a tougher job out there right now. Did we mention the chairman is called Mike Hughes? Surely that's the clincher?

MARK HUGHES IS THE NEXT MANAGER OF... GETAFE
As a player, Sparky never made the kind of impact he dreamed of in Spanish football – failing to live up to his billing when Terry Venables bought him for Barcelona – so few would blame him for chomping at the bit to prove to the Spaniards he's something special. And where better than Getafe? Recently taken over by the Royal Emirates group, the club from the outskirts of Madrid sound more like a holiday destination for people from Essex, but the potential is there. He wouldn't have to do much to impress a club that recently used a suicidal koala bear to advertise season tickets (see the video here: talksport.co.uk/magazine)   

MARK HUGHES IS THE NEXT MANAGER OF... talkSPORT's FIVE A SIDE TEAM
Hughesy has handled players like David Bentley and Carlos Tevez in the past, so he'd be a wise choice to kick the big personalities at talkSPORT towers into shape. Duties would include getting Alan Brazil to arrive in plenty of time for training, overseeing the stringent diet designed to make the Moose as lean between the sticks as England's Joe Hart, and providing expert pointers to assist Stan Collymore in rediscovering his magic in front of goal. We couldn't offer Hughesy much wedge, but he would have the pleasure of giving Adrian Durham the hair dryer treatment.

[WhiteJC]

Fans vote American Clint Dempsey as Fulham's player of the season

U.S. national team midfielder Clint Dempsey was named Fulham's official player of the season in an online poll that the English club said the Texan won "by a considerable margin."

Dempsey led Fulham with 13 goals, and the 12 he scored in Premier League competition was a record for an American.

Fulham finished eighth in the EPL but now is looking for a new coach following this week's resignation of Mark Hughes. The new hire will be Dempsey's fifth manager since he joined the London club in 2007.

Dempsey, who is with the U.S. in Foxborough, Mass., preparing for Saturday's exhibition vs. Spain, is the second American in the past two weeks to be named an English club's player of the year. Stuart Holden, who will miss the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a knee injury, won the award at Bolton.



Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-06-03/fulham-names-american-dempsey-its-mvp?#ixzz1OHkA8Ezv

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6965096,00.html?

Agent admits Hughes Blues honour
Joorabchian says Hughes would be honoured to speak to Chelsea

Mark Hughes' agent, Kia Joorabchian, says the former Fulham boss would be 'honoured' to be approached about the vacant Chelsea post.

Hughes left Craven Cottage on Thursday after expressing a desire to fulfil his ambitions elsewhere.

Despite being linked to the vacancy at Aston Villa, Hughes has made it clear that he has not been contacted by another club and that his decision to quit Fulham was not 'influenced by any outside party'.

That said, Joorabchian says Hughes would be interested in managing his former club Chelsea, for whom he played for three seasons.

Asked if Hughes would jump at the chance of being boss of the Blues, Joorabchian told Sky Sports News: "I think you are now talking about big clubs like Chelsea that Mark has aspirations to manage.

"But Chelsea clearly, they have some candidates at the moment and we will wait and see. I'm sure that if they approach Mark, then Mark would be more than happy to speak with them, it would probably be an honour for him.

"But at the moment, again like I tell you, we have not spoken to any single club or anything.

"It (why he left) was first and foremost to determine Mark's future at Fulham and now we have done that he can start to rest a little bit and we'll explore the options in the next few weeks."

Own direction

As regards Villa, Joorabchian, speaking from Buenos Aires, said: "Villa have their own direction, they have to go in their own route, they have to take who they believe is the correct manager for them.

"Mark's motivation was - and I hope that today it is clearer with the public - that this was not motivated by any particular job or job that was coming up."

He added: "Maybe the timing may have influenced the press and the public to believe that he was heading towards a direction but that was not the case whatsoever.

"Mark is contracted, the season finishes theoretically in employment terms at the end of June and he is free to join whichever club he wants to, if there is an offer for him on 1st July."

Joorabchian admitted Hughes could go abroad to realise his ambitions.

"He wants to go to club where he can fight for titles, whether that is in England, Spain, Italy or Portugal," Joorabchian said.

"If that means he has to be out of management for a year then that is the case.

"Mark left Fulham because he wanted to explore his aspirations.

Aspiration clear

"Mark made his aspiration clear when he first signed his contract last year.

"One of the things that he looked for was to see if Fulham wanted to go to the next level.

"If the ambitions didn't align then he didn't think it would be fair to stay in the job if he was looking over his shoulder all the time."

He re-iterated that the former Blackburn and Manchester City boss left Fulham purely and simply because he wants to go in a different direction.

"He's an ambitious manager - he's young, he's ambitious, he's talented - I think everyone that knows him and all your guests have all said he's done a great job at Blackburn, he did a great job at City," Joorabchian said.

"You look at the players he brought into City like Kompany, Lescott, Nigel De Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, Tevez, they're all the players at the moment that got City into the Champions League, they've won the FA Cup, he built a solid fundamental base there when he left.

"He's done the same at Fulham. He's spent no money at Fulham - net I think he probably came out even - but he's brought in the likes of Dembele, they sold Konchesky for £4 million and brought Salcido for £1.5 million.

"So he's ambitious, he wants to improve on that and he wants to take it to the next level and I think he felt the honourable thing to do was to be honest with Fulham and tell them the truth rather than string them along and be in a job and be looking over your shoulder and looking for something else."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/2011/06/paintsil-handed-fulham-lifeline-with-coachs-departure/?

Paintsil handed Fulham lifeline with coach's departure?

John Paintsil might have a career lifeline at Fulham with the surprise departure of manager Mark Hughes.

The ex Blackburn and Man City boss who told the Ghana right-back way back in January his contract will not be renewed after its expiration this summer, shockingly resigned amidst rumours of a job opening at Aston Villa.

The luck of the 28-year-old who has not hidden his desire to remain with the Cottagers might change for the better but only if the incoming boss decides against the decision to offload the hardworking defender.

However, whatever be the case, John Paintsil is certain issues with his club football will be sorted out by the end of June but would obviously prefer to stay at Fulham.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/joorabchian-spins-for-all-hes-worth/?

Joorabchian spins for all he's worth
by DAN on JUNE 3, 2011

Kia Joorabchian's performance on Sky Sports News earlier was a sight to see. He spun the Hughes situation shamelessly, claiming that his client hadn't been in touch with any other clubs, whilst simultaneously inviting an approach from Chelsea.

According to Joorabchian, it was all about 'aspiration'. As Rich recommended earlier, a trip to the super agent's Wikipedia page is educational.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/whos-next-2/?

Who's Next?
by LORK on JUNE 3, 2011

So once again we are left in limbo with a little less than a month till the start of the season, with our manager leaving to go onto bigger and better things (or so he thinks but as Roy found out the grass isn't always greener, infact look back at all the managers that have come and gone under Al Fayed's tenure and see where they are now. Curse of the Cottage?). This means that we're in the market for a new manager, and after Gatesey looked at some of the longer shots earlier (apart from his good self who is next on my list after Jol and Ancelotti) here are some of the more likely candidates who we'll see in charge next season

Martin O'Neill – already the bookies favourite to be our new manager and with his relationship with Al Fayed, recent success in the Premier League and free of the complexities of a current job it's no suprise (and he's played here for a few months). I like him, he's a good manager without a doubt with a solid track record of staying at a club and building a successful team, and after what seems to be years on the managerial merry go round it'd be nice to have that, although his sudden tiff with Randy Lerner which lead to his departure at Villa last August is a black mark on his record. I'm also unsure of his suitability to the club. I don't necessarily mean that he's not a 'Fulham man', he's well spoken, intelligent with a bit of humour too but his style of football is very direct, with pace and youthful energy throughout the side. Here we have a group of very technically gifted players but pace is not one of our best attributes and so you would wonder how much O'Neill would revamp the side, not to mention his football philosophy is different to all the manager's we've had since the arrival of Tigana, save Sanchez, which means I'm unsure how both the players and fans would adapt to it. The biggest sticking point though is transfer funds. We have a few quid to spend but not the money that O'Neill would be looking for unless he is willing to scale down the demands he made on Villa. So, on the surface a likely appointment but I don't think he will be our final choice.

Martin Jol – another one who is expected to be in the running. Jol is probably the most suitable candidate for the job, with past success in the Premier League at Tottenham, a fairly high profile name but not so much that he is out of our league, a current free agent and a playing style which suits the players we have here already. It is quite frustrating then that there is almost no chance of him coming here on account with the games he played with us when we were trying to bring him in last season! I doubt Al Fayed has the patience to deal with someone who he might feel has already crossed him, and for that reason I'm ruling him out. A shame really.

Schteve McClaren – alright, try and look past the whole Dutch accent thing and Wally with the Brolly incident and the whole England debacle, and when you do McClaren actually seems like a good candidate. With the support of his chairman at Boro he one a cup and got to another final with a club of a similar size to Fulham. After England he did incredibly well at Twente, finishing second before winning the Dutch league despite being crippled by losing his two best players, before going to Wolfsburg which wasn't such a success. Even still, the more I think about it the more I warm to the idea that McClaren might get the job. There is something that seems quite false and off about him, a criticism that cropped up during his England tenure alot, but a talented coach for sure. Let's see...

Alex McLeish – hmm. I'm a bit unsure on where I stand with McLeish. After failing to save them from relegation in 2008 he came back up at the first attempt and then pushed further on to finish 9th in the Premier League the next season based on a system similar to what brough Roy success here, one catered to getting the best out of hard working, honest players who had perhaps fallen from grace or on the wrong side of 29 by focusing on a rock solid defence. The season after that they went on better and won the League Cup, but it was a bittersweet 2011 in the end as Brum dropped out of the league following a complete collapse in the second half of the season which sets alarm bells ringing. I can imagine him being considered, but not with a major chance of being our manager, and if he was I'd be entirely indifferent.

Those are the four names most heavily linked with the job at the moment. Others include Gus Poyet and Lee Clark, two young, ambitious and talented managers who play nice football. However, after Sanchez I can't see Al Fayed wanting to appoint such an extreme rookie at this level (sorry Gatesy), and as for Danny Murphy, who will no doubt be a manager in 5, 10 years, I think it's way too soon for him to even begin thinking about hanging up his boots. Ray Lewington will always be mentioned but there is a reason why he has been assistant here for years and not manager. As much as I like and respect, and I do genuinely hope he's here for as long as possible, I don't think he has what it takes to be a successful top flight manager. Brendan Rodgers and Paul Lambert are another couple of names being banded about after their great achivements last season (there's also Warnock but... I'm not sold), especially Lambert, two successive promotions can never be understated. Again, without a doubt talented football people, and I wouldn't mind actually someone like them who has over achieved with their squads in the championship to such an extent as they have, but I can't see them leaving their respective clubs, this summer at least. I am sure that they will want the chance to prove themselves where they are before moving on. Ian Holloway would be fun and it'd end the issue of our lack of Match of the Day minutes but his style of football is not sustainable in this league. Should he mature his ideas a bit more then he would be a strong candidate. Finally, Carlo Ancelotti. A bit of a long shot, but worth a call to his agent at least. You can't win if you don't try. Don't put more than a pound on it though.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/8556048/Aston-Villa-and-Fulham-both-include-Martin-Jol-on-the-shortlist-for-manager-vacancies.html?

Aston Villa and Fulham both include Martin Jol on the shortlist for manager vacancies
Aston Villa are leaving the door open to the possibility of Mark Hughes becoming their manager, but Martin Jol has emerged as an increasingly pivotal figure in the Premier League's latest managerial merry-go-round.


Return to England: Martin Jol is wanted back in the Premier League
Photo: EPA

Jol, the former Tottenham manager, is understood to figure prominently on the shortlists of both Villa and Fulham following the respective departures this week of Gérard Houllier and Hughes.

The Dutchman is known to be keen on a return to the Premier League after resigning as Ajax manager last December. Jol was Fulham's first choice to succeed Roy Hodgson last summer but remained in Holland after Ajax refused to negotiate over his release.

Fulham are keen to make an appointment soon, with the players due back for pre-season training on June 23 ahead of the start of their Europa League qualifying campaign. Martin O'Neill is another prominent option, but it is believed that the club will approach Jol first.

Hughes tendered his resignation a day after Houllier had left Villa, but Fulham have been told directly by the Midlands club that they do not intend to appoint him.

Villa will broaden the scope of their search to take in Rafael Benítez, Steve McClaren and Jol, but they will not completely dismiss Hughes from their thoughts. A tentative inquiry about Carlo Ancelotti is also understood to have been made.

Hughes's representative, Kia Joorabchian, said on Friday that Hughes would be prepared to wait for the right opportunity. "He wants to go to a club where he can fight for titles, whether that is in England, Spain, Italy or Portugal," he said. "If that means he has to be out of management for a year then that is the case. Mark left Fulham because he wanted to explore his aspirations.

"One of the things that he looked for was to see if Fulham wanted to go to the next level. If the ambitions didn't align then he didn't think it would be fair to stay in the job. No other club is in consideration."

Joorabchian also flagged up the possibility of Chelsea, who are expected to appoint Guus Hiddink as Ancelotti's successor. "If they approach Mark he'll be happy to speak to them," he said.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/aston-villa/6965464/Mills-Blues-want-a-big-name-boss?

Mills: Blues want a big-name boss

Danny Mills admits he was "surprised" by Mark Hughes' decision to leave Fulham - and feels managerless Chelsea are looking for a 'bigger name'.

Former England defender Mills, speaking to TEAMtalk through Sky Sports News Radio, felt Hughes had "done a reasonable job" during his brief stint at Craven Cottage - and was surprised to see Aston Villa claim they were not interested in the former Manchester City gaffer.

Hughes has since revealed, through his agent, that he wants to manage a club that can "fight for titles", hinting that the Welshman fancies a return to Stamford Bridge in a managerial capacity.

But Mills believes Blues owner Roman Abramovich is looking for a "bigger name", having ruthlessly sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season.

Mills said of Hughes' Fulham exit: "It was a surprise. I think he's exercised a break clause in his contract which is slightly unusual.

"He hasn't been at Fulham particularly long but I feel he's done a reasonable job and suffered in the early part of the season with horrendous injuries to strikers - and that caused them problems.

"But you would presume that when a manager leaves his post out of the blue, he's got somewhere to go. Obviously the big rumours were Villa - but they seem to have quashed those rumours, saying Mark Hughes is not in the frame at the moment."

As for the possibility of Hughes replacing Ancelotti, Mills added: "I think at the moment Chelsea are looking for a bigger name, maybe a more successful manager.

"Mark Hughes did pretty well at Man City, he did OK at Blackburn, OK at Fulham and OK at Wales - but the sort of standards Chelsea are setting - Ancelotti wasn't good enough and look at his track record - they'll possibly be looking a bit bigger.

"I think Villa almost seem to be the perfect fit - no disrespect to Fulham but they're a slightly bigger club, with bigger crowds, slightly more tradition as well - and probably a bit of money to spend, so that would've suited Mark Hughes down to the ground.

"But the managerial merrygoround starts again, there's people like Steve McClaren, Mark Hughes, Ancelotti out of work - and they'll be looking for new jobs and fresh challenges."

Guus Hiddink appears to be Abramovich's number one choice - but he is committed to Turkey's 2012 qualification campaign, overseeing a 1-1 draw with Belgium on Friday night.

Mills admits the Dutchman is "well-respected" in the game and fits the bill due to his track record in the international arena - and his successful temporary spell in charge of the Blues after they had sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Mills said: "Hiddink has never broken a contract or walked out on a country before. Obviously he has been involved with Chelsea before - he's a very good manager and is very well respected. You only have to see what he achieved with the Korean national team in 2002 to see what a fantastically successful manager he is.

"I think his contract with Turkey only runs until October-November time, so if he did leave there, only leaving two or three months early isn't really a huge breach of contract as he's not walking out particularly early, so that's a big possibility.

"He's a huge name and probably one that Chelsea want at the moment - it's just a case of whether Guus Hiddink wants to go there."

Like Abramovich, Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed is also on the lookout for a new manager, with Alex McLeish, Martin Jol and Martin O'Neill believed to be in the frame.

Mills is unsure who Al Fayed will plump for, but has urged him to try and get a manager who is likely to stick around for a number of years, saying that is the key to success in football.

The former Manchester City hardman said: "You can throw Martin O'Neill's into the hat with all those other names - but only the owners know they want in charge.

"Fulham have been through quite a few managers in recent years, and past records have shown that to be successful and have longevity, you need to have consistency with a manager and allow that manager to build and grow something over three, four, five, six years and more.

"Clubs have to realise that to buy instant success is almost impossible, you have to build from the bottom and work your way up."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/soccer/general/view/2011_0604dempseys_time_is_now_former_revs_star_in_prime_of_his_career/?

Dempsey's time is now
Former Revs star in prime of his career

FOXBORO — It is a journey that has taken Clint Dempsey from humble beginnings in Nacogdoches, Texas, to a successful stopover in New England, a key spot on the U.S. national team and hard-earned respect in the English Premier League.

Confirmation of that final fact came this week when Dempsey was named Fulham FC's Player of the Year, after scoring a team-best 12 goals, most-ever by an American in the English Premier league. The dozen goals broke Brian McBride's former mark of 10, and gave further testament that Americans can compete at the game's highest level.

"It's a move in the right direction, so that's good," Dempsey said prior to taking the Gillette Stadium field with the U.S. yesterday to prepare for today's friendly with reigning World Cup champion Spain. "It's good that more Americans are starting to do well in Europe, and especially the Premier League. I was excited when I found out I had won that award. Now it's about working hard and trying to replicate what I did this season."

The versatile attacking midfielder was quick to point out that any success which he has enjoyed overseas had its origins while playing in Foxboro, where he won MLS Rookie of the Year in 2004 for the Revolution.

"It's great to be back. A lot of great memories after playing with the Revolution for Steve Nicol, Paul Mariner," said the 28-year-old Dempsey. "There were some good players here: Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman, Pat Noonan, Shalrie Joseph, Matt Reis. The time I was here, we had a really good team, a lot of great memories.

"Without the Revolution, it wouldn't have allowed me to play with the U.S. team or to get over to Europe and play with Fulham. So I owe a lot to MLS and playing with the Revs, and it's good to be back here because this is where it all started. Anytime I think of this area, I'll look upon it with positive memories and in a positive light."

While Dempsey has two years remaining on his contract with Fulham, he's not about to look too far in the distant future regarding a possible move to a bigger club, especially with today's friendly with Spain and the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Tuesday (against Canada in Detroit) on the docket.

"There's always things to improve on, no matter where you are," said Dempsey. "I'm with Fulham for two years. It's not always greener grass on the other side. You have to make the most of where you are. I'm at Fulham and we've done some great things there and I think we'll continue to do that. As long as I'm on there, I'm going to continue to do whatever I can to help the team win."

U.S. coach Bob Bradley is a big booster of Dempsey.

"It's easy to talk about Clint. I appreciate what he's about as a player, what he's about as a person. He's a competitor, a winner. He's honest. I think we've had a good chance to get to know each other the last five years," Bradley said.

"One of the things that's always going through your mind as a coach, obviously, when you play against good teams and, now put a lineup together, that's the only thing about guys that are stepping on the field are guys that you know you can count on. Clint's always been one of those guys."

The lone American victory over Spain came during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup semifinals, when the U.S. prevailed 2-0 behind goals from Dempsey and Jozy Altidore — snapping the Spaniards' record 39-match unbeaten run. Clearly, Dempsey has grown accustomed to the big stage.