Tuesday Fulham Stuff (20/12/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Former United star who played for Fulham

Of course on Wednesday, Manchester United travel down to Craven Cottage to play Fulham. With that in mind it's worth looking at these 6 individuals who have spent time at United and Fulham in their careers.

Peter Beardsley
It's easy to forget that arguably one of the best wingers in English football Beardsley played just the once for United in 1982 after signing from Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps. Surprisingly Ron Atkinson failed to see his talent and he was released.

Peter signed his boyhood club Newcastle United in 1983 before becoming a household name on Merseyside and for England. After a second spell with Newcastle he ended his playing days with short spells at Bolton, Manchester City and Fulham.

George Best
There are few footballers who are talked about as one of the greatest players of all-time; the magical Northern Irishman Best is one of a select few whose name crops up over and over again. He was a magical player with quick feet and breathtaking skills.

One part of the holy trinity with Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, George enjoyed many fine moments at Old Trafford before leaving at the age of 27. He enjoyed a season and a half at Fulham in the 70's playing second-division football where his vision and touch still showed.

Jonathan Greening
After joining United as a talented youngster from York, Jonathan became a steady player in our reserves and had only limited chances to break into our first team. He did though pick up a winner's medal in United's Champions League triumph of 1999 as an unused substitute.

In 2001, he left United joining Middlesbrough as one of Steve McLaren's first signings and had three successful years up at the Riverside before joining West Brom in 2004. He later become club-captain for the Baggies before joining Fulham in 2010.

Paul Parker
One of the United's most iconic full-backs, Parker began his career at Fulham as a midfielder. He made his name at QPR as a right-back and played a major role in England's charge to the semi-finals in the 1990 World Cup under the late Sir Bobby Robson.

In 1991 Paul signed for United after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson. Unfortunately he struggled with injuries during his five year spell at Old Trafford but still won 4 major honours. He would later return to Fulham playing three times before retiring in 1997.

Louis Saha
Very few people would argue the fact that when fit there are few better strikers in the Premier League than Saha. He has pace, flair, a powerful shot and a knack of scoring a variety of goals regularly. Sadly he has a knack of picking up injuries which have held back his career.

After a stint at Newcastle, Louis adapted to the English game well at Fulham before making a big-money move to United in 2004. Sadly despite an impressive scoring record, he left after struggling with injuries and has spent the last three seasons at Everton.

Edwin Van der Sar
United fans have said that Dutch keeper Van der Sar has been the club's best ever goalkeeper since Peter Schmeichel. Whilst that's the case, the great keeper deserves to be spoken about in his own right as his form in his final years for the club was outstanding to say the least.

There were doubts raised when he joined United from Fulham at the age of 34 whether he was still a great keeper but in six seasons he improved year on year at the club with his crowning moment being his penalty save in Moscow from Nicolas Anelka which won United the European Cup.


http://www.footballfriendsonline.com/blogs/2011/12/20/former-united-star-who-played-for-fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v MAN UNITED: Ferguson ponders rotation ahead of Craven Cottage visit

Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to make changes for Manchester United's second visit to London in four days.

After disposing of QPR on Sunday, United now tackle Fulham at Craven Cottage.


Changes: Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to rotate his Manchester United side from Sunday's win over QPR

The unexpected return of Javier Hernandez from an ankle strain at the weekend offers Ferguson more attacking options, whilst Ashley Young may also be called upon for one of the wide berths.

Provisional squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Evans, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra, Jones, Fryers, Cole, Carrick, Young, Valencia, Park, Gibson, Nani, Giggs, Macheda, Rooney, Welbeck, Berbatov, Hernandez, Diouf.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2076504/Fulham-v-Manchester-United-team-news-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-ponders-rotation.html#ixzz1h4xVXy00

[WhiteJC]

 
Young Fulham goalkeeper relishing challenge for first

Neil Etheridge is determined to push Mark Schwarzer and David Stockdale all the way for a spot in Martin Jol's side

Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is determined to build from his Europa League experience and try and grab the number one jersey as his own.

The 21-year-old made a surprise debut against Odense as the Whites crashed out of the Europa League, drawing 2-2 when they had been two goals to the good at half-time.

"To have an England international you're competing against (Stockdale) and an excellent goal keeper like Mark Schwarzer, it's never easy, but I'll just have to keep my head down and keep working," Etheridge said.

"Hopefully, the manager will see this and when I get the chance, I'll take it with both hands and try to impress.

The goalkeeper was pleased with his debut but accepted he was to blame for the Danish side's first goal.

"I was happy with my personal performance. But it's a team sport and we were unable to produce a result," he added.

"Their first goal was down to me, I hold my hand up. It was a mistake that went down to not having enough experience, but it won't happen again.

"I learn from mistakes. (They were) quite clever and moved the ball just before they hit it."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/young_fulham_goalkeeper_relishing_challenge_for_first_team_spot_1_1158115?

[WhiteJC]

 
New doubts over striker's future

Bobby Zamora's future at Fulham is again the subject of much debate after the striker was ordered to train with the reserves.

The England international missed Saturday's 2-0 win over bottom club Bolton due to a knee problem, and while he accepted Jol's instructions without complaint, the decision may have privately pushed him closer to the exit door.

The Dutchman claims Zamora was asked to train with the reserves for 'recovery' purposes and not because he is being frozen out of the first team picture.

However, with reigning champions Manchester United coming up on Wednesday, the move would seem to indicate that the striker won't be involved in the game even though he is over the injury.

Zamora, who failed a fitness test before Saturday's clash with the Trotters, was joined in the reserve workout by Steve Sidwell but speculation about the popular targetman just won't go away.

It's claimed relations between Zamora and the Cottagers manager are 'cordial' at best and many observers would be surprised if he doesn't move on in January particularly with the Euros coming up in the summer.


http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/new-doubts-over-strikers-future-1356993.html?#.TvCF3JgcIds

[WhiteJC]

 
Christmas Retail Offer - 20th December

Today's Retail Offer gives you the opportunity to make the most of another discount on a unique range that is exclusive to Fulham's retail stores. For one day only, act quickly and make the most of a 20% discount on selected watches from our fashionable gifts selection.

The Gents Motspur Sports Watch is a stylish Sekonda watch. The surface is bordered by a round stainless steel case with rotating bezel and features a black face bearing the FFC crest. It is also water resistant to 200m.

The Gents Craven Classic Watch is a sophisticated Sekonda quartz analogue watch and has an attractive cream face that bears a small FFC crest. With both watches you get a 2 year guarantee, so make the most of this offer today.

Have a look at the whole selection and choose your favourite.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/ChristmasRetailOffer-20thDecember.aspx?#ixzz1h4zGgVy5

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham post record profits

Fulham Football Club have today announced a record profit for the season 2010/2011.

The Club reported a profit, before interest and taxation, of £5.4m and a record net profit of £4.8m for the year ended 30 June 2011.

the results have been buoyed by an increase in attendance of 4.9% which contributed to its overall occupancy figure of 98% for the season. Fulham also posted record revenue figures of £77.1m, continuing the year on year growth trend, which hit 17.7%. *

A strong second half performance on-field led to an excellent 8th position finish, which also saw European qualification, through the FAPL Fair Play league.

*Note: Excluding the previous year's UEFA Europa League campaign.

The Club's Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed said:

'The Club has made great strides in recent years, and this excellent set of financial results is just reward for our progress. As always, I am determined to ensure the Club moves in the right direction whilst remaining true to our history, heritage and past traditions.

'The announcement of our plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand, whilst opening up the Riverwalk for the benefit of the community, is further proof that my ambition for this football club remains resolute.'



http://www.fcbusiness.co.uk/news/article/newsitem=1570/title=fulham+post+record+profits?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora forced to train with reserves - report
Martin Jol allegedly demoted the England international to the second string on Monday, with forward apparently left reeling by the decision and concerned for his future

Fulham manager Martin Jol forced Bobby Zamora to train with the reserves on Monday, according to The Daily Mail.

Zamora, who is thought to be willing to leave Craven Cottage in January with his relationship with the Dutch boss said to be near breaking point, was reportedly left reeling by the manager's decision, just days before their next big game.

The ex-West Ham man did not feature in the 2-0 win over Bolton on Saturday but is hoping to play against Manchester United on Wednesday evening.

The Mail claim Zamora undertook Jol's instructions at Monday's training session without complaint, but he fears he is being frozen out of the first team by the Dutch manager.

The striker and manager have not seen eye to eye since Jol took over and Zamora does not want to reduce his chances of going to Euro 2012 with England in the summer by staying at a club that cannot guarantee him regular football.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/20/2810689/fulham-striker-bobby-zamora-forced-to-train-with-reserves?

[WhiteJC]

 
Lawro's prediction

Fulham v Man United
I was impressed with Fulham against Bolton at the weekend. Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz were a real threat but they come up against a Manchester United team which is a different animal.

United are now in a mindset where they want blood. Going into this phase of fixtures, it's just about winning. It doesn't matter how they play, Sir Alex Ferguson will just want the three points from each of their games in the next two weeks.

Despite having loads of injuries at the moment, they just get on with it as they know it's part and parcel of the Premier League. Their record is outstanding but it's been overlooked because City's is even better. The Red Devils are not getting the praise they deserve.

Prediction: 0-2


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16224039.stm