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Wednesday Fulham Stuff 15/06/11

Started by os5889, June 15, 2011, 06:51:25 AM

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os5889

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6989949,00.html

Kelly ready for 'tough' test
Cottagers defender eyes another memorable European run

Stephen Kelly acknowledges that European action could leave Fulham drained, but is excited by the challenges that lie ahead.

The Cottagers will be involved in continental competition next season after seeing their fine disciplinary record in 2010/11 earn them a Europa League berth.

The opportunity to pit their wits against some of the best sides in Europe has been well received at Craven Cottage, with the club having enjoyed a fairytale run through the competition two years ago.

They are, however, aware that the demands placed upon them will push them to the limit.

Martin Jol's men are set to see their summer break cut short by Europa League qualifiers and Kellyadmits the 2011/12 campaign could be a long and arduous one for Fulham.
"It's going to be tough and we have all got internationals as well so it's going to be difficult," the Republic of Ireland international told his club's official website.

"To be finishing international duty and then to be back in 10 or 11 days later is going to be pretty demanding, but that's football.

"To be a successful team, you have to take part in competitions like this and do everything right. If we do get into that stage, we are mentally able to do well in the competition.

"It's going to be tough with the amount of games that we will have, but as I team I think that we are capable of it."

Capable

Fulham managed to juggle domestic and European commitments in 2009/10, under the careful guidance of Roy Hodgson, and Kelly sees no reason why the club cannot repeat those heroics next term.

He added: "I think it's pretty much the same squad from the time when we got to the final.

"We all played a massive part in that campaign so we are all hopeful and wishful that we can do that again because it is a tough thing to achieve, but as I said the experience is there from players that have already done that and achieved that and it's something that, as a team, we would expect to have a good go at.

"I don't think anybody expected what happened last time, I think the big one was the Juventus game because that really projected Fulham as a club onto the worldwide stage. To come back and win that game in the style that we did really made people think, 'God, they're a good football team, they're a good club, they've got some pretty talented players and they're capable of achieving good things, especially against world giants like Juventus'.

os5889

Kelly reconsidering quitting Cottage following Jol arrival

Stephen Kelly is ready to reconsider his Fulham future after Martin Jol's appointment at Craven Cottage.

Kelly admitted he could leave for regular first-team football but Jol has praised the full-back he worked with at Tottenham.

The Republic of Ireland international is now looking forward to starting the season early in the Europa League.

"To be a successful team, you have to take part in competitions like this and do everything right," he said.


"If we do get into that stage, we are mentally able to do well in the competition.

"It's going to be tough with the amount of games that we will have, but as I team I think that we are capable of it."

Fulham reached the final of the Europa League under Roy Hodgson and believes the current squad can be successful again.

"I think it's pretty much the same squad from the time when we got to the final," Kelly said.

"We all played a massive part in that campaign so we are all hopeful and wishful that we can do that again."

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-Stephen-Kelly-reconsidering-quitting-following-Martin-Jol-arrival-article747003.html#ixzz1PJyoo2OB
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

os5889

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/15/us-soccer-concacaf-idUSTRE75E08220110615

Goal-shy U.S. into CONCACAF Gold Cup quarters, Canada out

(Reuters) - The United States edged Guadeloupe 1-0 on Tuesday to set up a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final clash against Jamaica.

The result meant Canada, who drew 1-1 with Group C winners Panama, are eliminated from the tournament after being moments away from securing passage to the last eight before Panama's Luis Tejada equalized.

The United States needed to win or draw against Caribbean side Guadeloupe, who are not a full member of FIFA due to their status as a "department" of France.

After a poor start in their defeat to Panama on Saturday, Bob Bradley's U.S. side opened strongly and took the lead with a ninth minute blast from 25 yards out by striker Jozy Altidore.

However, the United States wasted at least half a dozen clear chances to extend their advantage with Clint Dempsey the main culprit.

Dempsey missed an easy chance when he headed a Landon Donovan cross wide from close range. Donovan missed a good chance himself -- scooping the ball over the bar from a promising position before Dempsey hit the crossbar on the hour with a good strike.

The biggest miss of the night, however, came in the 76th minute when Fulham striker Dempsey was picked out just yards from goal but took too long to set himself for a shot and was robbed of possession.

Skipper Carlos Bocanegra was pleased with the victory but warned that his team would need to be much more alert against the Jamaicans, who have a 100 percent record in the tournament.

"We are happy with our start to the game and with the result. I think our shape needs to get better and improve as tournament goes on," he said.

"We need to be sharper. When we create chances, hit the target more. Be sharper defensively. Later on, after group stages you pay for those mistakes."

Despite the narrow win the Americans can take comfort in making it to the last eight, unlike Canada who went out in agonizing fashion.

The Canadians took the lead with a Dwayne De Rosario penalty in the 62nd minute after the midfielder was ruled to have been brought down by Eybir Bonaga.

But from a corner in the final moments, the ball bounced around the box, striking the cross bar and was eventually scrambled over the line by Tejada.

Panama topped the group with seven points, the United States were second with six points, Canada finished on four and Guadeloupe ended without a point.

The United States face Jamaica in Washington D.C. on Sunday while Panama take on El Salvador, also at the RFK Stadium.

In Saturday's quarter-finals at the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, favorites Mexico face Guatemala and Costa Rica are up against Honduras.


os5889

http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4038/29/

Worst keepers


WSC 153 Nov 99
A goalkeeping blunder can be remebered more by fans then a 40-yard screamer. Cris Freddi takes us through some of the more memorable howlers
Let's start with goalkeeping errors that decided FA Cup finals, shall we? There are enough for an article of their own. The most famous of all was perpetrated by a Welshman playing against a Welsh team, back in 1927. When Cardiff's Scottish centre-forward Hugh Ferguson hit an ordinary ground shot from the edge of the area, Arsenal's Dan Lewis had time to go down on one knee and scoop the ball into his midriff.

It's said that he was wearing a brand new jer­sey, that the wool was still greasy and that ever since Ars­enal keepers have al­ways had their shirts wash­­­ed before play­ing in them for the first time. More to the point, Lewis seems to have spied Len Davies following up out of the corner of his eye and taken the rest of it off the ball, which slid under his body and horribly slowly over the line. It's the only time the Cup has been won by a club from outside England. By the time Arsenal won it for the first time in 1930, Lewis was in the reserves.

The 1953 final, as we all know, was decided by a man called Stan. With Blackpool 3-1 down, Matthews hit a long cross too close to the keeper, Stan Hanson spilled it when it looked easier to hold on and Mortensen stabbed it in. Bolton, of course, lost 4-3. One Stan scored a hat-trick, another won his winner's medal at last, the Bolton one never did.

Second Division Fulham might have sneaked the 1975 final against West Ham but for two errors by Peter Mellor. First he couldn't hold a shot hit straight at him by Billy Jennings and Alan Taylor hit the rebound in between his legs. Then four minutes later he made an even worse hash of Graham Paddon's shot and Tay­lor scored his second ("bloody goal­keepers" said Bobby Moore). Before the match, Mellor had watched Bob Wilson on the box talking about goalkeepers losing Cup finals. Don't look, somebody said, but big Peter wasn't bothered: "It couldn't happen to me."

Man Utd's famous comeback in the 1979 final came to nothing when Gary Bailey went for Graham Rix's cross (Bob Wilson, watching from only a few yards away, called it "a naive and bad decision") and Alan Sunderland knocked in Arsenal's late winner. The 1996 final was decided when David James, who otherwise had a good game, punched a corner weakly away for Eric Cantona's shot to win the Double – which leads us to the lifetime achievement award, which goes to Liverpool for their long tradition of using brilliant but fallible keepers, from Tommy Younger through Tommy Lawrence to James.

Bruce Grobbelaar, for instance, cost them two European Cups. Four days after winning the 1982 League Cup final, they were successfully defending a 1-0 lead in Sofia when their new keeper came out for a late cross and presented Stoicho Mladenov with CSKA's first goal. Next season, the same thing only more so, this time trying to catch a high cross one-handed. Miroslaw Tlokinski tapped it in, Widzew Lódz won 2-0. Ten years later, in the Cup-Winners Cup, he kicked the ball straight to Spartak Moscow's Valery Karpin, who shot past him as he chased back. Grobbelaar then gave away a penalty and was sent off as Liverpool lost 4-2 on the way to a 6-2 aggregate defeat.

But our Bruce had learned from the mas­ter. England were level at Hampden in 1976 when Ray Clemence let Kenny Dalglish's soft shot in be­tween his legs. When he was at Tottenham, he let Antonio Olmo's equally easy long shot straight through his hands in a Cup-Winners semi-final. Tottenham were held 1-1 at home, Barcelona went on to win the cup.

Some Scottish goalkeepers have had genuine Wembley nightmares. Frank Haffey was responsible for about four of England's nine goals in 1961 and wasn't capped again. Nor was Stewart Kennedy after his shocker in the 5-1 defeat in 1975. Four years later George Wood let Peter Barnes's weak shot bumble across him and fumbled a shot to let Steve Coppell score the second in England's 3-1 win.

Scotland would have qualified for the second round of the World Cup in 1990 but for Jim Leighton's error against Brazil. His confidence low after a poor run with Man Utd (he was left out of the FA Cup final replay), he didn't hold Alemão's straightforward ground shot and Müller scored the only goal of the game with only eight minutes left. Leighton wasn't capped for another four seasons, but recovered well enough to help the Scots reach the 1998 finals, where he had a much better game against Brazil but not Morocco.

Goalkeepers have cost a number of Scottish Cup finals, ever since Hibernian's Bill Harper let the ball bounce over his head in 1923. When Ally Maxwell kicked the ball against Christian Dailly in 1994, he cost Rangers their second successive Treble and gave Dundee United the Cup for the first time in their history after six defeats in the final. Two years later Rangers did better out of an honorary Scotsman, Gilles Rousset letting Brian Laudrup's poor low cross slip under his body. Walter Smith's understatement ("it knocked the stuffing out of them a little bit") was put into perspective by Laudrup: "It was very important... a great blow for Hearts." They lost 5-1.

English goalkeepers have had their moments too, of course. David Seaman against Nayim, Gil Merrick and Peter Bonetti in the World Cup. In 1970 Joe ­Corr­igan turned his back after hitting a clearance and West Ham's Ronnie Boyce kicked the ball past him from long range. Big Joe's facial expression is still worth the licence fee. When Watford were short of keepers before the 1987 FA Cup semi, they sent out an SOS for Gary Plum­ley, who was running a wine bar by then – and it showed. After five minutes he spilled Clive Allen's simple ground shot for Steve Hodge to score, then let Paul Allen's shot in at the near post and finally gave up the day job after Watford's 4-1 defeat.

Others we have enjoyed from around the world: Pat Bonner against Holland, of course; Kazadi of Zaire letting Joe Jordan's header in under his armpit in 1974; Antonio Ramallets and Ivano Bordon in the European Cup finals of 1961 and 1972; Manuel Bento generally, especially for Benfica against Liverpool in 1978 when he missed Emlyn Hughes's cross from the touchline and kicked in Ian Callaghan's shot; Félix of Brazil conceding unbelievably soft goals against Peru (in off his thigh) and Uruguay in the 1970 World Cup; in the same tournament, the great Ronnie Hellström letting a low shot in under his body to give Italy their only goal in the group matches; Luis Arkonada doing the same with Michel Platini's free kick in the 1984 European Championship final; Juan Botasso of Argentina and Moacyr Barbosa of Brazil gifting Uruguay their win­ning goals in the World Cup finals of 1930 and 1950; Czechoslovakia's Viliam Schrojf spoiling his brilliant 1962 tournament with the errors that gave Brazil their three goals in the final; likewise Harald Schumacher in the 1986 final.

The best of all, important enough but above all a pleasure to behold, was committed back in 1938. If you get a chance to see a video of the quarter-final between the hosts France and the holders Italy, grab it with both hands, something Laurent Di Lorto should have done. Trust me, it's a beauty.

Surrounded by defenders on the corner of the penalty area, Gino Colaussi mishit his volley, looping it straight at Di Lorto. Earlier in the season, he'd played a major part in holding Italy to a goalless draw. Here he hopped up for the easy catch then decided to push it away. It wouldn't have been so bad if he had knocked it straight out; instead he palmed it sideways, tried to follow it as it fell into the net, crashed into the goalpost, and kicked the ball away in disgust. He didn't play for France again but left behind a genuine masterpiece, the best-looking goalkeeping cock-up of the century, and all his own work.

WhiteJC

 
DJ Campbell?
I can`t say the news inspires me!

There`s speculation doing the rounds that Martin Jol is interested in bringing the Blackpool striker, DJ Campbell, to Craven Cottage.

Apparently, we`ve stolen a march on our main rivals for his signature, Sunderland, with a bid of £1.25 million.

Campbell is available after Blackpool`s relegation triggered an escape clause in his contract.

Now whilst I`ve no doubts the lad is moderately talented, I can`t help thinking that if we aspire to finish higher than we did last season then we should be aiming our sights a little higher when it comes to incoming deals.

Does anyone agree?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=244372#ixzz1PKEXvj90

WhiteJC

 
Hughton Unsure?
With Martin Jol safely installed as our new manager, speculation is still rife as to whether Chris Hughton will decide to join him as his number two.

Rumours are currently doing the rounds that infer Fulham are pushing Chris for an answer but that Chris is still hoping t land the vacant, now that Alex McCleish has walked away, job at St Andrews.

There is also the fact that Hughton may not want to return to being a number two after his successful spell in getting Newcastle promoted before he was so harshly sacked.

There`s also the small matter of the Cardiff City job being up for grabs!

Either way, we expect Fulham to pursue a number two for Jol before we get down to the nitty-gritty of the Europa League games!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=244381#ixzz1PKEkb8AO


WhiteJC

 
We`re ALL Behind Jol!
The fixtures for the new season come out on Friday and as usual we are, courtesy of some farcical legislation, unable to publish them.

But no doubt Martin Jol will be giving them some close scrutiny as he waits to embark on his first season in charge of our fine club.

There could be exciting times ahead, especially so when you consider Jol`s experiences in the Premier League with Spurs.

With our poll closed a matter of minutes ago, a poll in which we asked if you thought Jol would be a success at Craven Cottage, a huge 82% believe that he will with a very small 7% reckoning it`ll not be quite the success we all hope it will be.

As usual, we have a percentage, in this case 11%, that are not willing to offer immediate judgment and opted to go for the remains to be seen option.

But, on reflection, it`s great to see that Martin appears to have the backing of the Fulham faithful!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=244383#ixzz1PKExMdnF

WhiteJC

 
Blackburn Rovers eye Tottenham and Fulham target Javier Marquez

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly watching developments on Espanyol midfielder Javier Marquez.

Premier League clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation after negotiations over a contract extension at the Spanish club broke down.

It is believed that Tottenham are interested in the player who has also been watched by Rovers and Fulham this season.

Inter Milan are also interested in the 25-year-old, who is rated at around £7 million.

He scored two La Liga goals in 29 appearances in the Spanish top-flight last season.



http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/blackburn-rovers-fc/129708-blackburn-rovers-eye-tottenham-and-fulham-target-javier-marquez.html?

WhiteJC

 
Three thoughts on U.S.-Guadeloupe

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Three thoughts after the U.S.'s 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe on Tuesday gave the U.S. second place in Gold Cup Group C and put the Americans in Sunday's quarterfinals against Jamaica:

• The U.S. got what it needed ... and not much more. From a pure survival perspective, the U.S. lived to see another day in the Gold Cup thanks to Jozy Altidore's thunderous ninth-minute strike from distance, one of the rare occasions that you'll see the Americans score on a shot from outside the penalty box. But that was the only good finish on a night when the U.S. wasted innumerable chances in the box, whether the culprit was Chris Wondolowski, Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey. Dempsey in particular had some stunning misses: two unmarked headers in the box in the first half and then a jaw-dropping flub in the 76th minute. A pass from Alejandro Bedoya left Dempsey standing alone on the ball two yards in front of the goal, only to stand on it so long that it was finally cleared from behind by defender Julien Ictoi. Worst miss in U.S. history? Can't be far from the top.

• The U.S.'s outside backs looked better in this game. While they weren't as influential in the second half, left back Eric Lichaj and right back Steve Cherundolo had a sizable first-half impact on the American attack -- an important thing considering the U.S. has very little width in the midfield as long as Donovan and Dempsey play on the outside cutting in. Lichaj showed promise as a potential left-back solution, getting forward more than Carlos Bocanegra had on the left in the past two games. Cherundolo was also effective moving up on the right side and delivering a couple of dangerous crosses. They'll have to keep that up if the U.S. is going to have any chance of winning this tournament.

• If we're going on form, the U.S. has been no better than the fourth-best team in the Gold Cup. What has happened to the giant of CONCACAF? In the group stage of this tournament no fewer than three teams -- Mexico, Panama and Jamaica -- have played better than the U.S. has. Tournaments aren't won on style points, obviously, but as of now it's hard to imagine this U.S. team being able to beat Mexico unless some major improvements take place. Those include far more precision in the final third and the aggression to move in for the kill, which we just haven't seen so far. It's hard to take too many big-picture lessons from a game against Guadeloupe, which is not a very good team, but nothing has come easy for the U.S., even tonight. Facing an impressive (and so far perfect) Jamaica team on Sunday will be a bigger test for the Americans than many might imagine.


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/grant_wahl/06/14/us.guadeloupe.postgame/index.html#ixzz1PKG8Tdkb


WhiteJC

 
Clint Dempsey. Wow (and not in a good way)
by JASON GATTIES on JUNE 15, 2011

The United States dominated Guadeloupe for 90 minutes Tuesday night. Luckily, we walked away with a 1-0 victory in the final CONCACAF Gold Cup group match, thanks to a first half thunderbolt from Jozy Altidore.

As for Clint Dempsey, I'm not sure if you can play well and have a crap performance at the same time, but that's the only way I can describe his performance tonight. He had near misses, goofy attempts on goal & mucked up an absolute sitter a mere foot or two in front of the net. The sad thing is, Clint wasn't the only one to miss an absolute sitter. I was pulling out what little hair I have, trust me.

Oakland Raiders owner, Al Davis, coined the phrase "just win baby" and I suppose I should feel good that we got out "must win" tonight and thus advancing to the Gold Cup Quarterfinals versus Jamaica this Sunday. But I'm having a hard time not looking ahead. Right now, I'm saying we're not good enough to win the Gold Cup and that is very troubling to me, as we had positioned ourselves over the past few years as the region's #1 team.

As for Clint, hell, everyone has an off night. He'll be ready to go on Sunday.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/06/clint-dempsey-wow-and-not-in-a-good-way/?

WhiteJC

 
Miss of the Week: Clint Dempsey (United States) vs Guadeloupe

You'd have bet your house on Clint Dempsey scoring, but surprisingly the Fulham forward failed miserably.

Playing for the United States against Guadeloupe on Tuesday night in the Gold Cup, Dempsey had a golden opportunity to double the Americans' lead in the 75th minute. A slick couple of passes saw the North Americans race into their opponents' box, and which point the ball was squared to Dempsey four-yards out from the gaping goal.

All Dempsey had to do was blast the ball into the net. It looked easy-peasy. Almost inexplicably however, the chance evaporated as quickly as it came about.

Courtesy of a mixture of terrible-timing hesitation from Dempsey as well as some brilliant never-say-die defending from Guadeloupe's Julien Ictoi, the chance was snuffed out.



http://www.101greatgoals.com/miss-of-the-week-clint-dempsey-united-states-vs-guadeloupe/96164/?

FC Silver Fox

Here's the video of that 1938 World Cup goalkeeping error that Owen mentions above.
Watch out for the ref's shorts - ah, they don't wear 'em like that any more.  See how all the fans are wearing suits and ties too.

ITALY - FRANCE 1/4 FINAL WORLD CUP 1938
Finn and Corked Hat, you are forever part of the family.


WhiteJC

 
KG waits for talks with new coach

Fulham midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi says he is flattered by Crystal Palace's interest in taking him on a season-long loan, but he will wait for talks with new manager Martin Jol before making a firm decision on his future. 

The South African spent three months at Selhurst Park as the club avoided relegation from the Championship and Eagles' boss Dougie Freedman has since enquired about a potential return for the 26-year-old.

But Dikgacoi admitts that he is still desperate to test himself in the Premier League and will hold talks with former Spurs boss Jol when he reports for pre-season training next Tuesday.

"I still want to play in the Premier League, but if Fulham want to send me out on loan again then I don't mind going back to Palace again," he says.

"But I will have to wait until I have spoken to the new coach to find out what his plans are for me. I don't know too much about him, but I know he was at Tottenham and Ajax before; so hopefully I will get a chance to play for the first-team."

Dikgacoi's agent Mike Makaab confirms that he will seek clarification on his client's future at Craven Cottage as he enters the final year of his contract.


"We've had different reports from the media saying Martin Jol has stated that KG is not in his plans, but we need to go to Fulham to sort this out ourselves to find out exactly is going on.

"It's a difficult situation because we don't know how they see his career progressing until we get a chance to speak to the new coach."

Dikgacoi played just four minutes for former boss Mark Hughes last season after he was signed by Roy Hodgson in August 2009. The Welshman resigned last week but 'KG' insists there are no hard feelings towards him.

"I wouldn't say I'm relieved that he has gone," says Dikgacoi.

"Sometimes it can happen in football that you don't get selected - we spoke about it and that is why I ended up going to Palace on loan in the first place. It's a shame that he has left so soon."    



http://www.kickoff.com/news/22368/fulham-midfielder-kagisho-dikgacoi-waits-on-talks-with-martin-jol-on-his-future.php

WhiteJC

 
Dikgacoi open to Eagles return

Out-of-favour Fulham midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi has admitted he would be keen on a return to Crystal Palace on loan next season.


The South African international made just one substitute appearance for the Cottagers last season and was deemed surplus to requirements by former boss Mark Hughes, who allowed him to join Palace on loan.

He was hoping to be given a chance under new boss Martin Jol but he has been told he can find another club and looks set for a move away over the summer, either on loan again or on a permanent basis.

Dikcagoi, who still has 12 months to run on his Fulham contract, says he would be up for a return to the Eagles.

The 26-year-old has been quoted as saying: "I still want to play in the Premier League, but if Fulham want to send me out on loan again then I don't mind going back to Palace again.

"But I will have to wait until I have spoken to the new coach to find out what his plans are for me.

"I don't know too much about him, but I know he was at Tottenham and Ajax before, so hopefully I will get a chance to play for the first-team."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/06/15/Midfielder-open-to-Eagles-return/gnid-97444/?

WhiteJC

 
Kevin Doyle eyed by Fulham as Wolves prepare new contract
Wolves are set to offer striker Kevin Doyle a new contract in an effort to ward off interest from Premier League rivals Fulham and Blackburn.

The Ireland international scored just six times last season, but his commitment to attack has manager Mick McCarthy desperate to retain his services.

Doyle is currently going through intense rehabilitation for a medial ligament injury which he picked up against Sunderland late last season, but after two months out has signalled his intent to join in with pre-season training saying he'll be '100 percent fit' to join the squad at Molineux.

The former Reading man joined Wolves in 2009 and was a club record signing at the time after a £6.5million deal was negotiated.

A host of other clubs have been linked to the 27-year-old with tentative interest coming from abroad in Germany and Italy where recommendations have previously been given by Ireland head coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

But as the new season beckons McCarthy has stressed the need to have old hands involved in the fray and the likes of Doyle and rising England star Matt Jarvis are seen as vital in the clubs bid to retain their Premier League status once more.

Liverpool have reportedly inquired about Jarvis, but management at Wolves issued a warning saying they'll 'dig their heels in' if big clubs come knocking for their stars.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/866374-kevin-doyle-eyed-by-fulham-as-wolves-prepare-new-contract#ixzz1PLmd4aJ7


WhiteJC

 
New Challenge

After a promising debut season, Mousa Dembélé is already looking forward to the start of a second campaign in English football.

Since his arrival in SW6 last August, the 23-year-old has regularly been something of a talking point – impressing with his skill, poise and infectious desire for the ball. The Belgium international turned heads.

"It was my first year and when you come in you always want to do well and prove yourself," Mousa told fulhamfc.com. "The Premier League is the best in the world and I'm very satisfied right now – although I can do much better.

"When a player arrives in England, from the very start people ask questions. Can they compete in this league? Will the play be too physical? Can he impose himself on matches?

"Ten months on I'm in a position where I can answer those questions. Yes I can. I have always had confidence in the way that I play and I knew from the very start that I could cope.

"It has been a real challenge, I cannot deny that. But I think I will become a much better player for the experience."

Having announced himself in notable style, there is no doubt that Dembélé looks set to play a key role in the Whites' future. His transition into English football has been relatively smooth so far, however, next season may prove more of a test for the mercurial forward – a challenge he is already relishing.

"Next year will be even better," predicts Mousa. "Personally, my expectations will be even higher and I want to play a greater part for the team. Playing for Fulham against the big teams and world class players excites me.

"We will be playing in the UEFA Europa League too, and that is something that I am really looking forward to. I know that the Club did very well in that competition a few years back and I know we would all like to be successful again.

"It's an early start for us, but we have to look at the positives – it is fantastic that this Club will be playing in Europe for a second time in three seasons. Fulham played some of Europe's top teams last time, and it would be great to experience nights like that myself.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Players of his ilk have always been appreciated at the Cottage, from the days of George Best and Rodney Marsh to the more recent presence of Louis Saha and Luis Boa Morte. The Fulham faithful have always held a soft spot for a showman.

But as graceful off the pitch as he is on, Dembélé looks set to become a popular figure on the banks of the Thames for his humility as much as his skills.

"I think it's important to have a good relationship with the supporters," he explains. "They got behind us last season and even in that disappointing defeat against Liverpool they kept on until the end. The atmosphere is fantastic and when you walk out from the Cottage they are right there.

"I'm hopeful that we can have many things to celebrate over the coming years. They have welcomed me to their club and for that I am very thankful. When I see fans with Dembélé on the back of their shirt it makes me very happy. It's nice to be appreciated and I would like to make them happy in return."

To read more of Mousa's reflection on his first season in the black and white of Fulham, as well as in-depth interviews with Steve Sidwell and Brede Hangeland, on top of a variety of content including the Top 10 Fulham Premier League Players as voted by you, be sure to pick up your copy of Issue 35 of Fultime magazine free to Season Ticket Holders and in store later this month.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/DembeleNewSeason.aspx?#ixzz1PMbcKk7F

WhiteJC

 
Neighbourly love lost
Damien Murphy and Steve Meacham

The dismal weather failed to deter the good burghers of Watsons Bay, who turned up early to protest the Socceroo Mark Schwarzer's plans for the former home of the novelist Christina Stead. Schwarzer was in the crowd, listening patiently through the 2½-hour council site inspection meeting, while his next-door neighbour, Shari-Lea Hitchcock - whose consultant, Nigel Dickson, explained her objections - looked on. The Herald's urban affairs reporter, Kelsey Munro, reports that the heavily pregnant author Nikki Gemmell, who grew up in the area, gave a strong speech in favour of preserving the Stead house as a literary heritage site, and drew attention to the petition that she, the US author Jonathan Franzen and the British author Fay Weldon signed in support of ''saving'' it. Schwarzer addressed the Woollahra councillors, saying that he and his wife, Paloma, fell in love with the home when they first saw it, and had engaged a heritage architect early to make sure they did it ''the right way''. The Schwarzers paid $10.2 million for the home in 2009, and plan to spend $2.9 million renovating and excavating for a 17-metre pool if - as now seems likely - they receive council approval for the plans, drawn up by Tobias Partners. Schwarzer revealed the sentimental clincher that sealed the deal on 14 Pacific Street: the former owner had a boat moored in front named Paloma.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-diary/neighbourly-love-lost-20110615-1g3ze.html#ixzz1PMc8TjpM

WhiteJC

 
A Brief, Yet Triumphant, Introduction

Hello, I'm Stephen. Kristian has given me the opportunity to lend a hand over here and I look forward to adding some of my limited insights to Cottagers Confidential.

I figured I'd start out with my favorite memory as a Fulham supporter and one I suspect most readers wouldn't mind returning to on frequent basis.

It was April 26th, 2008. I remember it distinctly because I was so hungover.



I had pledged to myself the night before that I would take it easy in light of Saturday morning's massive match at Manchester City. I did little to live up to that pledge, drinking heavily and getting into a fight. Good times.

Still, force myself up I did, just before the ungodly hour of 10:00 a.m. on a weekend.

Ten minutes in and Stephen Ireland made my achy brain begin to question its decision to awaken. Benjani furthered the inquiry shortly after when he doubled the lead. Fulham were down two at the half, Birmingham was up by the same margin at Liverpool and Reading was level with Wigan. Relegation had become a grim reality.

Yet, I continued to watch in a manner much like I imagined the resigned Fulham faithful must have in Manchester that day: Eyes horrifically glued to field in agony while Joe Hart acted as the fair-skinned, indestructible monster of a horror epic.

It was just, instead of watching at the City of Manchester Stadium, I was watching alone, in my bedroom.

A sad state of affairs? Not at all.

Well, maybe a little.

The second half started.

Time continued to agonizingly tick away. Roy Hodgson, a man who loathed substitutions, got desperate, pulling David Healy off and bringing on Diomansy Kamara. Desperate in Hodgson terms, at least.

Shortly after, Kamara was on. Onside to be precise, beating Vedran Corluka by a step to a looping longball from Danny Murphy.

Kamara stopped in the box, turned left, turned right and repeated the steps while trying to shake Corluka, in what seemed to be an endless flailing of arms and legs, before arbitrarily deciding to spin and fire.

Hart, as mesmerized as the rest of us, could do little to prevent the shot from clipping off of his heel and in. Twenty minutes to go and down two goals. Could it be done?

Jimmy Bullard hoped so, running around like a chicken with his head cut off, taking shots at the faintest of opportunities. Clint Dempsey added tireless work, Simon Davies couldn't misplace a pass. City were on their heels.

Sun Jihai mauled substitute Erik Nevland in the box, or it at least appeared that way, and the sure-footed Danny Murphy was on the spot.  And what a grand spot to be on.

Yet, in true form for the season, Hart had to stop Murphy's penalty. Nothing could be that simple.

The save only mattered for a brief moment, as the rebound fortuitously dropped dead at Murphy's feet for him to slot home into an empty net. But, for that brief moment, we were all punched in the gut by sad, sad fate.

A second passed and our collective shoulders drooped in a sigh of relief while spirits soared. Holy hell, the score was level. And away, of all places.

The remainder of the match was a wide open, attacking affair. Fulham pushed forward because they had no other option, City because... well, just because. Bullard ever-present, Martin Petrov running about like a Bulgarian Brazillian. End to end stuff.

Just as a draw seemed an inexplicable certainty, Murphy played a video game through-ball to Kamara. Onside. Behind the defense. One-on-one with Hart.

And a finish that defined "with aplomb."

I've always loved Paul Merson's exhausted reaction to the goal. It reminds me of mine.

Paul Merson going mental

I stood up in my room, ran a few paces around. My hands were in the air while I grinned ear to ear. I had to tell someone. Who? I don't know. The dogs were downstairs, sleeping and eating and doing dog things. I'm fairly certain my father's girlfriend cared little about the game, aside from the noise it made me cause.

Oh, wait. I had a friend who cared a few hundred miles away. My incessant bugging gradually pulled him over to passive Fulham support a few months prior. I called him, yelled a few unintelligible sentences of excitement. He agreed. At a bit of a lesser level, but he was still in agreement.

I then ran to the internet, an asylum for displaced Fulham supporters. I posted furiously everywhere I could, mostly on Big Soccer. I was enveloped by euphoria.

We won. Birmingham and Reading were held to draws. Everything wasn't lost quite yet.

This was the first time that "we" instinctively came out of my mouth. I had cared about Fulham before then, no doubt. But it just wasn't quite the same until that day. I didn't feel as though I was part of the team or something bigger. I'm still not a part of the team, but, at their finest, sports can make you feel that way.

I watched Bullard stand over a dead ball at Fratton Park a couple weeks later.

Sun poured down onto the pitch as he squinted towards Portsmouth's penalty box like a general planning his next assault. The box looked like a large, green canvas colored with blotches of blue, black and red. A fitting color scheme for a season full of blood and bruises.

Still, the light continued to shine. There was always that light at the end of the tunnel.

Fulham Portsmouth May 2008-Danny Murphy Goal



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/6/15/2224629/a-brief-yet-triumphant-introduction-fulham-manchester-city-april-26-2008?


WhiteJC

 
Change of Heart
After several news outlets, including ourselves, ran articles that Stephen Kelly was looking to leave Fulham Football Club in search of regular first team football, it now looks as if the player has had a change of heart.

Following the appointment of Martin Jol, the Republic of Ireland international is now looking to stay at Craven Cottage, obviously aware that Jol rates him.

Furthermore, Kelly is now actively looking to play a major part in our forthcoming Europa League campaign commenting,

"We are mentally able to do well in the competition."

If I recall right, Kelly played a major part in our run to the final the season before last, with the competition providing additional fixtures and stretching the squad, Kelly`s presence could prove to be crucial.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=244456#ixzz1PMcreS6S