Sunday Fulham Stuff (09/10/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
No QPR, Fulham ground share as Whites confirm Craven Cottage stay

West London duo won't share a new stadium

Fulham have today confirmed they will be staying at Craven Cottage, scuppering QPR plans for a potential ground share with their west London neighbours.

The Whites will increase the capacity of their home since 1896 to 30,000 a small increase from their current limit of 25,700.

"Fulham has seen unprecedented success both on and off the pitch in recent years, and is now an established Barclays Premier League club, qualifying for European competitions and accommodating over 25,000 people on a regular basis," Fulham chief executive Alastair Mackintosh said today.

"We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground.

"We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas."

The club will increase the size of the Riverside stand and the decision leaves QPR on their own in a seach for a new stadium, which chief executive Philip Beard said earlier this week, they hoped would be in the Shepherd's Bush area.




http://www.london24.com/sport/championship/qpr_2_5433/no_qpr_fulham_ground_share_as_whites_confirm_craven_cottage_stay_1_1083648?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to redevelop Craven Cottage


Fulham initially looked to leave Craven Cottage in 2002

Fulham have unveiled plans to redevelop their Craven Cottage stadium and increase the capacity to 30,000.

The ground, which has been the Whites' home since 1896, currently holds 25,700 after several refurbishment projects over the past decade.

Recent reports suggested Fulham were looking to move to a new stadium and were considering a groundshare with west London neighbours QPR or Chelsea.

However, the club have confirmed that no such talks have taken place.

"We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas," said Fulham chief executive Alastair Mackintosh.

Continue reading the main story

"This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman's continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.

"The venue would also be subject to wider facility improvements and, as part of the consultation process, the club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.

"We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans' matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground."

Fulham thought they had played their last match at Craven Cottage at the end of the 2001-02 campaign, spending the following season at QPR's Loftus Road with the intention of starting out in a new stadium a year later.

Opposition to the proposal ended the process and spiralling costs eventually resulted in the Whites aborting plans for a new home.

Instead, the club invested money in refurbishment work to increase Craven Cottage's capacity to 25,700, while upgrading facilities.

DID YOU KNOW?
Continue reading the main story
Craven Cottage hosted the 2011 Women's Champions League final

Recent reports suggested Fulham had reignited their search for a new ground in west London and would be vying with neighbours QPR and Chelsea for suitable plots.

QPR chief executive officer Philip Beard said on Thursday that the club are looking to leave Loftus Road for a new stadium, preferably in the Shepherd's Bush area.

Meanwhile, Chelsea this week made an offer to Chelsea Pitch Owners - most of whose shareholders are fans - for the stadium's freehold in what has been seen as a precursor to a move to a new 60,000-seater ground.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15227180.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
We're staying at Craven Cottage...
Posted on October 8, 2011 by zzamora

That's right-we're here to stay in SW6.

The news that (nearly) every Fulham Fan has been dreaming of since MAF decided to rebuild Craven Cottage in 2001 has finally come true. We are staying at the Cottage-ruling out any ground share with QPR that had been gathering pace for the past few weeks.


Remember these plans?

Fulham released an offical statement on thier site today, stating that:

Fulham Football Club is revisiting its plans to increase the capacity of Craven Cottage to 30,000
and is looking carefully at how the Riverside Stand can be developed to achieve this aspiration.

We've been down this route before- back in 2007, we declared ambitious plans to expand our stadium to a 30,000 seater through development of the Riverside Stand.These plans,however, where quickly shelved when one Mr Sanchez nearly got us relegated...

However they are back. Our Chief Executive, Alistair Mackintosh, declared that

We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience by enhancing the facilities, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground. Naturally our core family values, and the tradition of the football club, continue to be at the forefront of everything we do.

We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and we would very much welcome your thoughts on our initial ideas.

Now, this redevelopment of the Riverside Stand could mean a few things:

1) We're going to knock it down and start all over again. Cost element probably means this is unlikely.

2) We're going to expand it sidewards and add another tier. Again, a tricky solution due to that sailing club that claims it "changes the wind pattern and speed". This is the same sailing club that still refers to it as the Eric Miller stand...I will say no more.

3) We're going to fill in the corners.My favourite option, this would improve our, lets say, interesting acoustics no end.

4) We're reopening the Riverside Walk. I can't remember the days when this was open, but as a fan who walks along the river from Hammersmith Bridge I can only reflect that this is a good thing.


Soon to be two-tiered?

I will leave a few closing comments and observations to a FOF Legend: Mr White Noise.

This is superb news on several levels -

1) It further demonstrates MAF's ongoing commitment to the club. If he were looking to sell he would not be shelling out on stadium improvements that won't be reflected in a sale price.

2) Its talks about improvements around the ground which suggest a much more extensive level of improvement and expenditure than envisaged by the plans of a few years ago.

3) Its a bold move in these straightened times and sends a very positive message to fans, players and staff.

4) It shows the club believe that Fulham have definitely stepped up a level as a club and warrant this scale of investment.

5) It will allow the forward momentum of the last few years to continue on lots of levels and give everyone lots to look forward to.

What has impressed me about this thread is how modest the wish list of the fans is. Nothing greedy, unrealistic or out of keeping. Has the club ever known this level of supporter contentment?

I'm Will, more commonly known as Zzamora on the FOF messageboard. I hope you've enjoyed reading my first post!




http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=76

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to stay at Craven Cottage with plans to increase ground capacity
Fulham have confirmed they are staying at Craven Cottage and have revealed plans that would see the ground's capacity increase to 30,000.


Staying put; Fulham want to increase capacity to 30,000 Photo: PA

The stadium has been the Fulham's home since 1896 and currently holds 25,700 after several refurbishment projects over the past decade.

Recent speculation suggested Fulham have been looking to move to a new stadium, and a potential ground share with west London neighbours QPR or Chelsea has also been reported.

However, the Cottagers have confirmed to Press Association Sport that no such talks have taken place with either club and that they intend to stay at a redeveloped Craven Cottage.

''Fulham has seen unprecedented success both on and off the pitch in recent years, and is now an established Barclays Premier League club, qualifying for European competitions and accommodating over 25,000 people on a regular basis,'' Fulham chief executive Alastair Mackintosh said today.

''We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground.

''Naturally our core family values, and the tradition of the football club, continue to be at the forefront of everything we do.

''This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman's continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.

''We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas.''

In information released today, Fulham revealed they are looking at ways to develop the Riverside Stand in order to increase the stadium's capacity up to 30,000.

The venue would also be subject to wider facility improvements and, as part of the consultation process, the club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.

Fulham thought they had played their last match at Craven Cottage at the end of the 2001-02 campaign, spending the following season at QPR's Loftus Road with the intention of starting out a new stadium a year later.

Opposition to the proposal put paid to the process and spiralling costs eventually resulted in the Whites aborting plans for a new home.

Instead, the club invested money in refurbishment work to increase Craven Cottage's capacity to 25,700, while upgrading facilities.

Recent reports suggested Fulham have reignited their search for a new ground in west London and would be vying with neighbours QPR and Chelsea for suitable plots.

QPR chief executive officer Philip Beard said on Thursday that the club are looking to leave Loftus Road for a new stadium, preferably in the Shepherd's Bush area.

Chelsea have also hit the headlines as they consider stadium options.

The Blues this week made an offer to Chelsea Pitch Owners - most of whose shareholders are fans - for the stadium's freehold in what has been seen as a precursor to a move to a new 60,000-seater ground.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8815046/Fulham-to-stay-at-Craven-Cottage-with-plans-to-increase-ground-capacity.html

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR Plan Ambitious £8m Double Fulham Star Raid

Loftus Road side to make bid for Craven Cottage pair.

Qpr are planning a January raid on neighbours Fulham for strikers Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora.

The Daily Mail says the Rs are set to launch a cut-price £1million bid to sign Johnson in January, while they are keeping a close eye on the feud between Zamora and manager Martin Jol.

Johnson and Zamora – who both scored in Fulham's 6-0 demolition of Qpr last Sunday – do not see eye-to-eye with their Dutch manager.

SOURCE: Tribalfootball
QPR will do well to persuade their near neighbours to sell them their top top striking weapons but clearly boss Neil Warnock feels that adding to his striker options will greatly improve the club's chances of retaining their Premier League status.

Thus far this season the newly promoted Loftus Road side have managed just five goals in seven games and the good form shown by Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora has alerted Warnock who has the full financial backing of chairman Tony Fernandez who helped finance moves to bring the likes of Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Armand Traore over the summer.

Martin Jol appears to have rubbed some of his side up the wrong way but given that Fulham have lost just once in seven games in all competitions it seems that any ill feeling hasn't effected performances after a shaky start to the campaign.

Johnson has netted nine already this season and Zamora has contributed with goals and assists that helped the England man break back into the national team set-up.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/10/08/qpr-plan-ambitious-8m-double-fulham-star-raid/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham chief executive confirms plans to redevelop Craven Cottage
• Cottagers plan to increase stadium capacity to 30,000
• Plans 'still in the very early stages' says Alistair Mackintosh


Fulham have confirmed that they are staying at Craven Cottage and are planning to
increasing the stadium's capacity to 30,000.
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Fulham have confirmed that they are staying at Craven Cottage and have revealed plans that would see the ground's capacity increase from 25,700 to 30,000.

Recent speculation suggested Fulham had been looking to move to a new stadium while a potential ground share with their neighbours QPR or Chelsea had also been reported. However, the Cottagers have confirmed that no talks have taken place with either club and that they intend to stay at a redeveloped Craven Cottage.

"We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans experience and enhance our corporate offering, while remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground," the Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said.

"This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman's continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.

"We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas."

The club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/08/fulham-craven-cottage?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham - Not For Moving

I can`t say I`ve heard them but, apparently, there are mutterings in circulation that were inferring that Fulham were looking to move away from Craven Cottage.

With there being talk of our near-neighbours, Chelsea, leaving Stamford Bridge, Fulham have confirmed that they have no intention of leaving the familiar site and are, instead, looking to expand the facility to accommodate 30,000.

Fulham have unveiled plans to redevelop their Craven Cottage stadium and increase the capacity to 30,000.

As I write, there are no details of how this will be achieved but our chief executive, Alastair Mackintosh has issued a statement that reads,

'We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas."

'This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman's continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.

'The venue would also be subject to wider facility improvements and, as part of the consultation process, the club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.

'We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans' match-day experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground.'

I am intrigued, just what do they have planned?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258213#ixzz1aGTulPG9

[WhiteJC]

 
Televised Fulham!

The latest round of fixtures that are going to be televised have been announced.

Fulham feature twice but, unfortunately in my opinion, both games that have been moved to accommodate live television coverage, are scheduled for a Monday!

First up is a fixture against Liverpool, now scheduled for a 20:00 hour kick off on 5th December.

The second is early in the New Year when Arsenal visit and will kick-off at 17:30 hours on January 2nd.

Out of the two, I`d say the latter is the more preferable, time wise, wouldn`t you!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258214#ixzz1aGUGPzub

[White Noise]

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/10/09/zamora-wins-power-struggle-at-fulham-as-jol-loses-player-support-102039-23475560/



Zamora wins power struggle at Fulham as Jol loses player support


Oct 9 2011

by Dave Kidd, The People


Andrew Johnson


FULHAM and England ­hitman Bobby Zamora won a power ­struggle with his Craven Cottage boss Martin Jol – by ­urging him to select hat-trick hero Andy Johnson.

Jol had told his players he wanted to play a formation that allowed a supporting striker to play behind Zamora, rather than goal-poacher Johnson.

But Zamora and ­other ­senior players urged Jol to reconsider before last Sunday's derby with QPR.

And when Jol relented – on the back of Johnson's double against Odense in Europe – the striker went on to score three goals and set up two more as Fulham recorded a first league win of the season with a 6-0 thrashing.

People Sport ­revealed last week that Zamora had a training-ground bust-up with the Fulham boss and that the pair do not see eye-to-eye. And Jol is ­struggling to win over Fulham's players, who enjoyed success under previous managers Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes.

The Dutchman wants to change the team's playing style and has been met with some resistance.

Jol went back to Holland for a break this week, with club chiefs concerned about his ­relationship with players.

The former Tottenham boss has also found himself in the ­headlines after fining 19-year-old Pajtim Kasami for taking – and missing – a spot-kick in the Carling Cup defeat by Chelsea when he was not the designated penalty-taker.

It had been reported that Brede Hangeland was planning to talk to the PFA about the matter but the big defender said: "I haven't even spoken to Pajtim about this, so it's news to me."

Swiss midfielder Kasami also denied there was any unrest over the decision.

Johnson and Zamora, both 30, are close friends and ­neither have enjoyed their first few months under Jol.

Zamora was reborn under Hodgson at Craven Cottage and was loving his time in west London but is now believed to fancy a move in January.

Fulham do not want to sell their prized asset, ­despite his ­problems with Jol.

Johnson has been offered a new contract by Fulham but has yet to ­commit, despite having told friends he would ideally like to stay.

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora`s Opportunity!

The rumour that did the rounds yesterday afternoon that Fabio Capello had decided to start with Bobby Zamora, against Montenegro, proved to be false.

But, in the wake of the sending off of Wayne Rooney perhaps every dark cloud does have a silver lining.

With Rooney set to be banned for the first two fixtures of the 2012 European Finals, it gives Bobby the opportunity to gate-crash the starting eleven.

If he can, and does well, then who knows, Bobby could become a prominent feature of those aforementioned finals.



http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=258215

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham duo Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora 'eyed by QPR'
Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora have emerged as transfer targets for QPR, as uncertainty about the pair's position at Fulham grows.

Johnson is out of contract at the end of the season and talks about an extension have stalled because of a disagreement about the length of the deal.

The 30-year-old striker wants an extra two years, but Fulham's money men are unwilling to give him more than 12 months because of his poor injury record.

QPR boss Neil Warnock is monitoring the situation and is planning to make a £1million January bid for Johnson - who scored a hat-trick as the Cottagers beat their local rivals 6-0 last weekend - if the standoff is still ongoing, reports the Daily Mail.

Zamora's future is more complicated, as the England international is rumoured to be unsettled at Craven Cottage after falling out with manager Martin Jol.

The former Spurs and West Ham forward is apparently considering putting in a transfer request after a blazing row with the Dutchman during training.   

Warnock is also keeping an eye on Zamora's situation and will move for the 30-year-old in the new year, if Fulham indicate they are willing to sell.

Jol doesn't want to lose the pair, but already has other forward options in his squad, such as Moussa Dembele and £10.6million summer signing Bryan Ruiz.



Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/877989-fulham-duo-andrew-johnson-and-bobby-zamora-eyed-by-qpr#ixzz1aGXgaF8J

[WhiteJC]

 
Another Craven Cottage expansion? Another Craven Cottage expansion.

They're aiming for 30,000 seats.

As per the club,

"As an established Barclays Premier League team and European competitor in recent seasons, Fulham FC now attracts over 25,000 supporters to matches at Craven Cottage on a regular basis. Changes must be made to Craven Cottage to ensure that the Club enjoys continued success in the future."



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/10/8/2477320/another-craven-cottage-expansion-another-craven-cottage-expansion?

[WhiteJC]

 
Klinsmann: 'Winning games builds confidence'

[USA-HONDURAS] After going winless and scoring just one goal in its first three games since Coach Jurgen Klinsmann took the helm, the USA beat Honduras, 1-0, on Saturday in a friendly in Florida thanks a goal by veteran attacker Clint Dempsey.

The 28-year-old Dempsey now has 23 goals in 78 games for the USA.

Since Klinsmann took the helm, the USA had tied Mexico (1-1) and lost to Costa Rica (1-0) and Belgium (1-0). Dempsey played only against Belgium.

In the 35th minute against Honduras, Brek Shea sent a low ball from the right flank to Dempsey, who controlled the ball, seemed to set up a shot with his right foot but fooled his marker by pulling the ball back to his left foot and unleashed a shot from 16 yards high into the left corner of the goal.

Dempsey hit the net again with a header in the 85th minute but was ruled offside.

"It's always important to win games because winning games builds confidence," said Klinsmann. "Especially when we are in a transition like we are in right now. Trying to build something that suits the team and hopefully suits the people, too. It will take time, and you always have some setbacks, but obviously wins help you there.

"I think we should have won a bit higher, 2-0, 3-0 -- the second goal by Clint Dempsey was a clear goal. Now we've had a couple of games with a goal disallowed which were clear goals. But it certainly feels better when you win the game anyway."

In the loss at Belgium, Maurice Edu had scored a goal that would have been the equalizer but was waved off by the linesman's flag although replays showed Edu was onside.

"I was happy with what I saw," Klinsmann said. "It took us a while to get in the game, because we were a bit too static, and they came out sharp and pushed us a little bit back.

"But after 20, 25 minutes we took over. We created chances and had a higher rhythm in the game. It was really just a question of time until we scored that goal. And then we had enough chances to double or triple it."



http://www.socceramerica.com/article/44136/dempsey-delivers-for-klinsmann-usa-downs-honduras.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey's goal lifts U.S. in friendly

MIAMI -- The United States got Jurgen Klinsmann a victory in his fourth try as American coach.

Clint Dempsey scored in the 36th minute and goalkeeper Tim Howard made several key saves in a 1-0 exhibition victory over Honduras on Saturday night.

"It's huge for all of us. You don't ever want to go a long period of time without winning," Howard said. "We performed well, I think, and we're trying to set a foundation, but ultimately you have to win. That was the focus coming in."

Since Klinsmann replaced Bob Bradley on July 29 after the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Americans had tied Mexico, and lost to Costa Rica and Belgium.


When Klinsmann took over as coach of Germany's national team seven years ago, Die Mannschaft beat Austria in his debut.

"This team is hungry for success," Klinsmann said. "They want to do well and get the results right."

Eight days after acquiring a U.S. passport, Danny Williams started in his national team debut. The 22-year-old midfielder, the son of a U.S. serviceman and a German mother, joined Hoffenheim from Freiburg at the end of August and only made his first start for Hoffenheim against Bayern Munich last weekend.

"It was great -- I had goose bumps," Williams said. "When I heard the national anthem played I said, 'Wow! This is the first time playing for the U.S. national team."

He is among four German-Americans in the U.S. program. Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones made his debut last October, and Nuremberg defender Timmy Chandler debuted in March. Hoffenheim midfielder Fabian Johnson, sidelined by a neck injury, was been approved by FIFA last month for a switch from Germany to the U.S.

On a rainy night in south Florida, a frog could be seen on the field. The game was the first of a pair for the U.S. during the international fixture period. The Americans host Ecuador on Tuesday night in Harrison, N.J.

The U.S. used a 4-1-3-2 formation and Howard made up for a few defensive lapses.

"I think it took us a little bit to get into a higher pace," Klinsmann said. "The first 20 minutes were a bit too static. And then we took over, created a lot more chances."

Dempsey put the U.S. ahead with his 23rd international goal. Brek Shea's centering pass got past several players and touched Michael Orozco Fiscal before Dempsey gained control at the top of the penalty area, He moved the ball from his right foot to his left and shot high past goalkeeper Donis Escobar .

"I didn't know if the ball was going to come through, I got a little lucky," Dempsey said. "I took my time. I was going to take it with my right foot but saw it was going to be blocked, so I pulled it back to my left and couldn't have hit it any sweeter."

Dempsey also appeared to score on a header in the 84th minute, but the Americans were called for offside.

With the U.S. using most top players other than Landon Donovan (strained right quadriceps) and midfielder Stuart Holden (knee surgery), the Americans seemed to better adapt to the system employed by Klinsmann.

In the 18th minute, Honduras' Jerry Bengston broke in alone on Howard and let go a shot from the top of the box. Then in the 26th minute, Howard made a diving save of a straight-on, left-footed shot by Carlos Costly from well beyond the box.

Howard also stopped a shot from Boniek Garcia, who fired from the left corner in the 52nd minute. With his 37th win, Howard tied Tony Meola for second among U.S. goalkeepers behind Kasey Keller's 53.

"Tim is getting to a time in his career where he realizes these are the golden years for him ahead," Klinsmann said. "We really enjoy what he brings to the table."

Oguchi Onyewu, appearing for the first time under Klinsmann, squandered a scoring chance in the 66th minute when he volleyed a rebound over the crossbar. Escobar had made a save on Dempsey and the ball landed at Onyewu's feet.

NOTES: Carlos Bocanegra and Howard are the only players to start all four games under Klinsmann. ... Williams was the first player to make his debut under Klinsmann. DaMarcus Beasley replaced Williams in the 65th minute, his first international appearance since last year's World Cup game against Algeria. ... Jonathan Spector made his first appearance under Klinsmann, replacing Chandler in the 76th.


Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press



http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7078216/clint-dempsey-goal-earns-us-first-win-jurgen-klinsmann?

[WhiteJC]

 
Klinsmann starts with US win as Fulham striker Dempsey downs Honduras

Clint Dempsey scored the only goal as the United States edged past Honduras in Miami to give Jurgen Klinsmann his first win as national coach.

The Fulham forward struck in the 36th minute at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens while goalkeeper Tim Howard made some key saves as the visitors played a full part.

Honduras almost went ahead when Jerry Bengston got ahead of the defence and broke into the box, firing a shot Howard saved at point-blank range and the Everton keeper then kept out Carlo Costly's effort.


On target: Clint Dempsey (right) struck for the USA

The hosts took the lead when Steve Cherundolo slipped a short pass to Brek Shea who in turn sent a firm, low cross into the area which was dummied by Jozy Altidore and deflected off the heel of Michael Orozco Fiscal as it went through his legs.

The ball reached Dempsey who dragged the ball back to his left foot and bent a curling left-footed shot from 15 yards which went into the left-hand corner of the goal past keeper Donis Escobar.

Honduras continued to attack, Boniek Garcia, Roger Espinoza and Bengston all producing efforts on goal.

Dempsey did have the ball in the net again six minutes from time but his header was disallowed for a foul on Maynor Figueroa.
The victory was the first for Klinsmann in four games since he replaced Bob Bradley in July.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2047010/Jurgen-Klinsmann-starts-win-USA-v-Honduras.html#ixzz1aGZ7VoTW

[White Noise]

Fulham striker set to leave in January


Published 22:56 08/10/11


By Paul Smith



Andrew Johnson has been told he can leave ­Fulham when the January transfer window opens for around £2million if he fails to agree a new two-year deal at Craven Cottage.

The 30-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and has already rejected an initial offer on significantly reduced terms.

He is currently earning £40,000 a week, including appearance bonuses.

Johnson has admitted he would like to stay at ­Fulham if the club is prepared to ­increase its initial offer.

Yet despite him scoring nine goals this season, ­Fulham seem unlikely to meet ­Johnson's demands.

Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "Before I came to ­Fulham it was my policy to give players only one year.

"We have offered him two, so there is a lot of ­confidence in him."

All of which has alerted QPR, Sunderland and Leicester, who are prepared to meet Fulham's price and pay Johnson a salary in comparison to his current terms.

Cash-rich Leicester City had a £3.5million offer ­rejected for Johnson in the summer while QPR were rebuffed after making an enquiry.

It appears Fulham's ­confidence that Johnson would sign a new deal to end speculation about his future may be misplaced.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-striker-Andrew-Johnson-told-he-can-leave-in-January-if-he-fails-to-agree-a-new-contract-article809749.html#ixzz1aGZAzHCB

[White Noise]

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/columnists/dave-kidd/2011/10/09/blues-faithful-must-pitch-in-to-save-club-from-roman-102039-23475849/



Blues faithful must Pitch in to save club from Roman



Oct 9 2011 by Dave Kidd, The People


IT might be difficult to believe it now but supporters of west London's three leading football teams spent much of the 1980s and 1990s living in fear that unscrupulous property developers would leave their clubs homeless.

And just because Chelsea, Fulham and QPR have since come into money, it does not mean that those concerns have entirely vanished.

Marler Estates attempted to merge two of the clubs into 'Fulham Park Rangers', while the same company fought a long-running battle with Ken Bates to redevelop Stamford Bridge.

When Bates won that fight, the Chelsea Pitch Owners were formed – 12,000 fans buying the freehold to the stadium, to ensure that the club would never be made homeless.

This week Roman Abramovich announced he will attempt to buy back the freehold from the CPO, at an extraordinary general meeting on October 27 – a proposal which has sparked opposition from many fans.

Some, in what we'll call the 'Campaign for Real Football Grounds', believe that Stamford Bridge IS Chelsea FC, just as Craven Cottage is Fulham FC – and that a move would destroy the identity of their club.

They believe, as I do, that your club's ground is sacred – the only place you'll refer to as 'home' from when you're a toddler to a totterer.

Others are concerned at Chelsea's lack of stated plans for a future home, especially that the club guarantees it would only move to a site within a three-mile radius of the Bridge before 2020 – but not after that date.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck was probably seeking to ease fans' fears, when he declared that the advance of new media might mean the current 41,800 capacity might be sufficient in 2020, in any case.

Buck said: "If people are going to be watching 3pm Saturday kick-offs on their wristwatches while lying on the beach, how do we know what the right size of stadium is for Chelsea or any other club?"

Yet it sounds as though another chairman could be making the age-old mistake of under-estimating the enduring passion of his club's supporters.

For lifelong fans are the true owners of any club. Abramovich, Mohamed Al Fayed and Tony Fernandes, however generous, are mere custodians.

Chelsea Pitch Owners are living, breathing, legalised proof of that fact. They must stand up to Abramovich and tell him their shares are not for sale.