Monday Fulham Stuff (01.03.10)

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/?p=5748


What can we expect from March?

by Dan on March 1, 2010

One of the things you love about Roy Hodgson is that he comes out with things other managers just wouldn't but delivers them in such a calm and sophisticated manner. Last night, he told us he wished February didn't have to come to an end. He's not the only one. As we discussed on the Fulham Offside podcast the other day, Fulham had a brilliant month: taking eleven points from a possible fifteen as well as progressing both the Europa League and FA Cup. It was beyond our wildest expectations after such a dismal January.

Before the Shakhtar second leg, Hodgson said he enjoyed managing a club that's now on the up, even with the increased pressure of big games that game with it. As he said in the press conference after that magnificent effort in the Donbass Arena, he's almost managed in a century of UEFA matches now and you got the sense that he was a little too good to be spending his time fighting a relegation battle rather than in the cauldron of European competition. He'd be too nice to agree with that assertion, of course.

The trouble with Fulham's fab February is that it will raise expectations. People will expect to beat Spurs on Saturday and give Juve a run for their money. Of course, Fulham don't do things like that. Glorious failure is normally our thing. But Fulham hadn't finished seventh or reached the last sixteen of a European competition until Hodgson came along. Nobody, least of all the players, should get carried away but when you consider that when I first starting going to the Cottage Fulham were languishing at the wrong end of the Third Division, this month's fixture list is remarkable:

Sat 6 March (Tottenham home, FA Cup Sixth Round): Given Fulham's penchant for a galling failure against a lower-league side (Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Hayes ... need I go on?), it's tempting to regard a place in the last eight as a bit of a triumph. That's until you realise that we were here last year and haven't had a bad recent record in the FA Cup. Our last quarter final appearance ended in a pasting from Manchester United live on national television but you'd hope Hodgson's side wouldn't fold like a pack of cards this time round.

Thu 11 March (Juventus away, Europa League Round of 16, First Leg): The fact that we're about to play the Old Lady still blows my mind. It's even more crazy when you consider that whilst we were pottering around at the bottom of Division Three fifteen years ago, Juventus won the Champions' League and two Serie A titles. That we'll face the Italian giants as equals symbolises just what an extraordinary job Hodgson has done. He picked Juve as the side he'd like to draw once we've got out of the group stage and once fancies he'll have a gameplan up his sleeve to keep the tie alive for the return leg at Craven Cottage.

Sun 14 March (Manchester United away, Premier League): You'd expect much from Old Trafford on a good day and, with the trip to the champions sandwiched between two mouthwatering ties against Juventus, expectations will be lowered. Might Hodgson rotate his squad as he did up there last season with the Europa League on his mind? It might be dangerous given the precedent the Premier League have set with their fining of Wolves, but you'd back wily old Roy to be a little smarter than Mick McCarthy if he decides to field a few fringe players.

Thu 18 March (Juventus home, Europa League Round of 16, Second Leg): Juventus at the Cottage will be a great night, only slightly dampened if Fulham don't have a hope after the first game. The list of names just roll off the tongue don't they? Buffon, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Grosso, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Camoranesi and Trezeguet. It's doubtful that the Italians will take us lightly given how close we came to humbling Roma and our elimination of the UEFA Cup holders.

Sun 21 March (Manchester City home, Premier League): There's a danger that this might be a little post-Lord Mayor's show, although Fulham will need to be switched on for the visit of Roberto Mancini's team. City ended their recent struggles with an awesome win at Chelsea on Saturday and have a quite staggering array of attacking talent. Getting something of this one will be very tricky indeed.

Sat 27 March (Hull City away, Premier League): Hull will fancy a repeat of their opening day win last year, especially as they battle against the drop. That loveable old rogue Jimmy Bullard might even be fit make another comeback against us. Might this be the chance for one of those rare Fulham things: an away win?

Whatever the month holds, it certainly won't be dull, will it?

[White Noise]

Fixture Notice

Monday 1st March 2010


Fulham FC News

Due to the Club's participation in the UEFA Europa League, Fulham's fixture against Manchester City at the Cottage has been moved to Sunday 21st March. The match will kick-off at 3pm.

Tickets for the match against Manchester City are now on General Sale| .


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/ManCityFixture.aspx#ixzz0gveGNFlu

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Fulham Flyer to Turin

Monday 1st March 2010


Fulham FC News

We are delighted to announce that the Official Fulham Flyer overnight trip to Turin is now on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Club Members .

The trip includes return direct flights from Gatwick Airport, a night in a 4* hotel, all overseas transfers (airport-hotel-stadium-airport) and your match ticket, prices start at £425pp.

Secure your place now|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/FulhamFlyertoTurin.aspx#ixzz0gveWwKri

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http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23810781-roy-hodgson-hails-fulham-for-steering-clear-of-the-wall.do


Roy Hodgson hails Fulham for steering clear of the 'wall'


01.03.10



Roy Hodgson today paid tribute to his battle-weary squad after Fulham secured a hard-earned point at Sunderland.

Yesterday's draw was the 44th game of the season for the visitors, whose campaign began way back in July.

Hodgson said: "I keep expecting the players to hit the wall after all the games we've played this season but they keep proving me wrong. 

"When you reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the last 16 of the Europa League, there are a lot of teams sat at home watching on television who would happily swap places with us."   

Hodgson admits the players are showing signs of wear and tear after completing an eight-game February unbeaten and all but securing another season in the top flight.

Hodgson claims the resurgent form shown by his side last month has bought them valuable time to welcome back a number of their key performers from injury in time for the crucial run-in.

Saturday's FA Cup visit by Spurs comes a little soon for Fulham's walking wounded but Hodgson believes the return of several key players is imminent.

"We don't have the kind of squad where we can make wholesale changes," he said. "We know what our best team is and we try to get it on the field.

"The good thing is that if we can survive the early part of March, then who knows? Paul Konchesky is close to a return, while Clint Dempsey and Kagisho Dikgacoi might not be that far away either.

"So going into the latter part of the season we might have the sort of squad we had at the start of January before that disastrous month robbed us of all those players who would give us a welcome boost."

Fulham failed to test Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon in a dour contest that will not live long in the memory. But barely 48 hours after their return from Europa League action in the Ukraine, the manager professed himself more than happy with a share of the spoils.

He added: "We're now up to 38 points in the league and, with 10 games left to play, that gets rid of that Sword of Damocles hanging over us.

"We can be reasonably confident we've secured another season in the Premier League, which is our main target each year."

[White Noise]

Ticket Office Hours


Monday 1st March 2010


Fulham FC News


Supporters should note that the Craven Cottage Ticket Office will be open from 11:30am this Saturday ahead of the FA Cup Quarter-Final against Spurs (kick-off 5:20pm). The Office will also be open after the game


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/TicketOfficeHoursSpurs.aspx#ixzz0gwhwEnB5

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Ticket Update

Monday 1st March 2010


Fulham FC News

What a wonderful month February was for the Whites!

With five victories and three draws in eight matches, February has seen Roy Hodgson's side climb to 9th in the Barclays Premier League and qualify for the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup and the last 16th of the UEFA Europa League!

The Whites will be looking to continue their great form in March, with vital matches against Tottenham, Juventus and Manchester City at Craven Cottage.

Don't miss any of the great action!


Tottenham Hotspur – Saturday 6th March (Kick-Off 5:20pm)
Don't miss the FA Cup Quarter Final at Craven Cottage this weekend! With a place in a Wembley Semi-Final at stake, this is one not to be missed! The match is almost sold out, but we still have a limited number of tickets available to Season Ticket Holders and Members.

Info & Prices |

Juventus – Thursday 18th March (Kick-Off 6pm)
Roy Hodgson's heroes will face two-time European Champions Juventus in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, with the home leg taking place at Craven Cottage on Thursday 18th March (kick-off 6pm).
Season Ticket Holders and Members can now purchase up to 6 tickets for the match.
Info & Prices |

Manchester City – Sunday 21st March (Kick-Off 3pm)
Although almost sold out, there are still a limited number of tickets for this match available. Tickets are on General Sale.

Info & Prices |

With so much at stake in March, your support could really make the difference!


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/TicketingUpdate.aspx#ixzz0gwiH9M45

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Fans Forum

Monday 1st March 2010


Fulham FC News

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a Fans Forum at Craven Cottage on Wednesday 3rd March at 7:00pm .

On the night, you will be given the opportunity to put your questions and thoughts to Fulham's Chief Executive Officer Alistair Mackintosh .

Due to limited capacity , attendance is strictly by invitation only. If you are interested in attending then please contact the Club via email: [email protected]| by 3pm on Tuesday 2nd March .

We would be grateful if you could provide both your name and Season Ticket or Club Membership number.

You will be notified by email if you are fortunate enough to be randomly selected to attend.

We would also invite you to submit any questions that you wish to put to the panel in advance. A representative sample of questions will then be selected to form the basis of the Forum agenda.

Supporters who are unable to attend can still take part in the debate by submitting questions for the panel to [email protected]|  Please state your name, where you are from, and any question or comment that you wish to be considered.

We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a lively and constructive evening of discussion and debate.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/FansForum.aspx#ixzz0gwiYIvV4

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http://www.safc.com/news/20100301/monday-tactics-rock-steady_2256213_1981037


Monday Tactics: Rock Steady

A look at why John Mensah was one of Sunderland's key performers against Fulham.

In our latest Tactics feature, safc.com Editor Stu Vose goes behind the numbers to bring you a guide to the key clash of yesterday's draw with Fulham.

Ghanaian defender John Mensah was a tower of power for Sunderland as he rubbed out the considerable threat of Bobby Zamora.

Dubbed 'The Rock', Mensah lived up to his nickname by coping brilliantly with the physical presence of the ex-Brighton striker, who has already scored 15 times this season.

Inevitably the focal point of much of his side's play as the lone frontman, Zamora did not pose too much of a threat and appeared increasingly agitated with Mensah's constant presence.

Let's take a look at the stats. Zamora and Mensah mostly clashed down the left-hand side as Mensah pushed up to counteract his opponent dropping deep to collect possession before distributing it to supporting midfielders.

Mensah led his team in interceptions (11), underlining his importance in nullifying Fulham's attacking threat. He kept a high defensive line while working with his colleagues - particularly Michael Turner - to ensure Fulham didn't get in behind and through on goal.

That was particularly important as Fulham alternated between Zamora dropping short and having him playing 'on the shoulder' to meet balls over the top.

As the game progressed, Zamora became frustrated, as shown by the total of eight free-kicks he conceded. Mensah, meanwhile, conceded only five. Zamora was booked late in the game for persistent fouling.

Interestingly, Zamora was limited to a single effort on goal, a first-half header which looped wide of Craig Gordon's goal. Sunderland, at least in part, can be thankful for another promising display from the on-loan Lyon man.

[White Noise]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/match-report/fulham-and-sunderland-draw-blanks.html

Fulham and Sunderland draw blanks

By: timmyg | March 1st, 2010

From football365.com:

Fulham
The success story of the season? The Manager of the Year Award for Roy Hodgson? Exploits of Fulham's kind don't make for great headlines or tabloid recognition but what they have achieved this season in maintaining their mid-table competitiveness at the same time as securing a date with Juventus in the Europa Cup with a medium-sized squad is outstanding. To put their draw at Sunderland, made just three days after their encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine, into some context, it was their 44th game of the campaign whereas the home side have played just 32.

Well, I feel that sort of sums it up yesterday's rather uneventful draw really. But did anyone else find it odd yet reassuring to not be the team in desperate need of a win, at home, against a poor road opponent?

Some additional notes though:

1) Fulham kept a clean sheet, their fourth in February — and, by my count, the most kept in a single month since being in the top flight.
2) Fulham led the form table in February with 11 points from 5 games — again, the most ever while in the top flight.
3) Aside from Baird's own goal against Brum, (speaking of, do those count in the "goals against" category? You know, sort of like how losing in penalty's doesn't count as a "loss",) Fulham did not let any league opponents score, and only conceded two goals to Shaktar Donetsk.

Fulham needed this month to go well considering their horrid January and tough road ahead: home to Spurs in FA Cup, away to Juventus, away to United, home to Juventus, home to City in March alone; and then away to Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton before the season's end.

Add into the equation Everton nipping at our heels, Brum two points ahead with a game in hand, and Aston Villa seven points ahead with two games in hand, it seems Fulham managed to carve out another Top 10 finish.

Which, ultimately, is really all we could've asked for.

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/?p=5759

Clattenburg in charge of Cup quarter final

by Dan on March 1, 2010

Mark Clattenburg has been named as the referee for Fulham's FA Cup quarter final against Tottenham on Saturday.

Clattenburg took charge of Fulham's games at Bolton, when he controversially disallowed a late goal from Kevin Davies, and at Stoke.

[White Noise]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/loaner-report-3110.html

Loaner Report 3/1/10

By: timmyg | March 1st, 2010

Diomansy Kamara started and played 90 minutes in Celtic's 1-0 loss at Rangers on Sunday.

Eddie Johnson was an unused substitute in Aris Salonika's 2-0 win vs. Larissa on Sunday.

David Stockdale started, played 90 minutes, and made seven saves in Plymouth Argyle's 4-3 loss to Sheffield United on Saturday. He conceded the rather bizzare/blooper losing goal when he rolled a ball out in preparation to clear but did not see Richard Creswell lurking behind him. Creswell then slotted the ball into the net.

Toni Kallio started, played 90 minutes, and registered an assist in the Blades' 4-3 win over Plymouth.

Wayne Brown did not dress in Bristol Rovers' 3-2 win over Colchester United on Saturday. He is recovering from an ankle injury.

Matthew Saunders started, played 90 minutes, and registered an assist in Lincoln City's 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandria on Saturday.