Saturday Fulham Stuff (27.03.10)

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Saturday's Focus


Friday 26th March 2010

Fulham FC News

DaviesAwayFulham will be looking to put Wednesday night's FA Cup Quarter-Final defeat to Spurs behind them on Saturday afternoon by achieving a positive result against Hull City at the KC Stadium|, as Simon Davies explained to fulhamfc.com on Friday afternoon.

"The next game is always the most important and we've had a couple of losses in the League and we've got to get our form back. We had a meeting and the Manager told us we have to forget about it [Cup exit] now and try and pick our form up. After the massive disappointment on Wednesday this game on Saturday is a great chance for us.

"We've got a big week coming up. We're back to the League tomorrow and then obviously there is the big European match next week. It would be nice to go into the match next Thursday with a good performance and result behind us."

Davies was quick to emphasise that the Whites would not be distracted on Saturday by next week's European glamour tie against Wolfsburg|, especially considering Hull's current predicament and the stern test they will provide on home soil.

"At the moment all we're thinking about is the game against Hull," said Davies. "It's a difficult place to go and we've been in their position before, fighting for Premier League survival, and they're going to be well up for it.

"It's their first game at home with a new manager so we're going to have to go there and get back to our solid ways. If we get that back then hopefully we'll get a result."

One familiar face in the Hull squad who is likely to feature on Saturday is former Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard, and Davies is looking forward to challenging his former teammate for three points on Saturday.

"It should be fun and I'm sure they'll be a few texts flying around tonight. He's [Jimmy Bullard] been a big signing for them and he'll have a big role to play for them if they're going to stay up."

Davies can empathise with Hull's current standing, having fought a successful relegation battle with Fulham two years ago. Reflecting on Fulham's remarkable 'Great Escape', Davies has clearly savoured the stunning progress at the Club under Roy Hodgson and is now hoping to enjoy a successful end to this season on the European and domestic front.

"We were talking about it the other day on the bus and it's like Sliding Doors," Davies explained. "Imagine two years ago if we'd of gone down. It's hard to imagine. None of us would have imagined that not only would we have consolidated our position in the Premier League, but we'd finish the next season in a European position, and then reach the Quarter-Finals.

"It's been an unbelievable couple of years but I think we're all modest enough to know that it could have quite easily gone the other way so we keep our feet on the ground and never get too carried away.

"Luckily I've never experienced relegation but I do feel that if you're part of a squad that goes down the easy thing to do is jump ship but I would have definitely stayed and done everything I could. Thankfully we never got to that point and went from strength to strength.

"The squad's got stronger and the Manager has really got us working together as a team and it's been really exciting – I've loved the last couple of years here and this season is not over – we've got exciting things to play for."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/DaviesHullPreview.aspx#ixzz0jM6ScP8K

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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArchive.aspx#ixzz0jM6nsjrm


Inside Fulham


This week's edition of 'Inside Fulham' features interviews with Manager Roy Hodgson, Pascal Zuberbuhler and John Pantsil.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/iffc

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Wolfsburg v Fulham tickets

Wolfsburg

UEFA Europa League

Thursday 8 April

Kick-Off 20:05 BST - 21:05 CET

Tickets and Travel

The Club is pleased to announce it has secured an allocation of 2,400 tickets for the away leg of the Europa League Quarter-Final against Wolfsburg.
On Sale Dates

    * Season Ticket Holders - on sale (1 ticket)
    * Members - on sale (1 ticket)
    * Purchase History - Mon 29 March, 9am (1 ticket; Phone bookings only)

Buy tickets now|
Ticket Prices

    * £20 (including booking fee)

Please note Season Ticket Holder / Member making the booking must be the named traveller, tickets can not be allocated to third parties. In accordance with UEFA Europa League regulations, you must pre-register your details| prior to making a booking.
How to Buy Tickets

    * buy tickets online  - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day.
    * by phone 0870 442 1234 opt 3: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
    * in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm

Official travel to see Wolfsburg v Fulham

Due to high demand, the Club is pleased to announce that a second Official Fulham Fans Day Trip| to the match against Wolfsburg is now on sale to Season Ticket Holders, Club Members and those with a Fulham booking history.

Those fans who have already purchased a match ticket direct from the Club will also be able to book on this flyer (minus the cost of your match ticket).  This flight now replaces the original overnight trip and all supporters booked on the overnight trip will be contacted individually. Those fans will now have the opportunity to book the official day trip.

The trip includes:

    * return flights from Gatwick to Hannover,
    * all overseas coach transfers (Airport- Hannover City Centre- Stadium- Airport),
    * your ticket (if required) to the match,
    * Fulham FC stewards,
    * TMG Sport trip escorts,
    * all taxes, charges and ATOL bonding. 

Prices for the day trip are £299pp (including match ticket) and £279pp (without match ticket).

You will be required to supply your Season Ticket Number or Club Membership Number as well as the date of birth at the time of booking.

Book your package today



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/WolfsburgvFulham.aspx#flyer#ixzz0jM7P3FKA

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Fulham v Wigan tickets


Barclays Premier League


Sunday 4th April

Kick-Off 15:00

Tickets are now on General Sale


Buy your tickets now|


Don't miss a day of Family Fun when Wigan Athletic visit Craven Cottage on Easter Sunday (4th April, Kick-Off 3pm).

The day will be one of celebration with jugglers, stilt walkers, balloon modellers and face painters entertaining supporters on Stevenage Road before the match.

Furthermore, we will also be joined by football freestyle world record holder Dan Magness, who will be hosting a skills workshop in Bishops Park for fans between 2pm – 2:30pm. Dan will then perform for supporters inside the stadium for a further 10 minutes at 2:45pm and at half-time.
Billyresized

Buy your tickets now|

To add to the occasion, we are giving the opportunity to bring your whole family with our great value Family Pack.
My First Matchday Package

My First Matchday offers Junior supporters and an accompanying adult the opportunity to see what really goes on behind the scenes at Craven Cottage in the build-up to matchday. Pretend you're a radio commentator in the press box, run down the tunnel, pretend you're directing the players from the Manager's seat in the dugout, interview a guardian in front of the TV interview boards, see our trophy cabinet and even meet a Fulham FC legend! More info and prices|
How to Buy Tickets

    * buy tickets online  - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online**
    * by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
    * in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
    * by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
    * by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
    * Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange
    * Thomas Cook - match breaks for all Fulham FC home games

* These exclusive offers are subject to availability and not available on the day of the game.

** Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Prices

Category C prices apply to this match.

Craven Cottage Map




  Stand (Grade C)     Block     Adult     Conc     Junior
Riverside     S, Z     £35     £20     £5
J Haynes     D, DL, G, GL     £35     £22     £10
Hammersmith / Putney     All Blocks     £30     £20     £10
J Haynes    B, BL, C, CL J, JL, H, HL      £30     £20     £5
J Haynes     A, K, AL, KL     £25     £15     £5

    * Junior - under 16
    * Consessions: Young Person - under 21
    * Concessions: Senior - over 65


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWigan.aspx#ixzz0jM7sTC9n

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http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/03/hull-city-vs-fulham-mustwin-for-tigers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29


Hull City vs Fulham: Must-win for Tigers

Posted by Antony Melvin at 01:32 AM


The defeat to Portsmouth was a body blow for Hull, yet again conceding late goals to drop points; Hull dropped 5 points last week due to goals conceded in the 88th minute or later. Fulham are starting to look tired after one of the longest seasons possible and a team that rarely travels well will not be expected to win this game easily.

It now looks like two from Hull, Burnley and West Ham will join Portsmouth in the Championship next season and if Hull want to finish fourth bottom again then four wins are probably needed - this is a must-win for Hull. Whether they get the win is another matter.

Hull City vs Fulham; Kick Off 3:00pm 27 Mar 2010

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 0 - 0
Chris Cox : 0 - 0
Graham Enwright : TBC
Sue Gardener : 0 - 2
Chris Goodwin : 0 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 0 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 0 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 0 - 1
Dan Taylor : 1 - 2
Andy Wakeman : 0 - 2
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a low-scoring game with Fulham edging it 1-0.

Home: 2; Draw: 5; Away: 7; TBC: 6.

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http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/diomansy-kamara-set-to-return-to-fulham-1.1016367

Diomansy Kamara set to return to Fulham

David Friel


Published on 27 Mar 2010

Diomansy Kamara will snub any permanent contract offer from Celtic after Tony Mowbray's departure as manager, the player's former agent has said.

The Senegalese striker, sidelined with a hamstring injury, joined on loan from Fulham in January, having previously worked under Mowbray at West Bromwich Albion.

Kamara scored twice in his first four games for the Parkhead side and Mowbray was keen to tie him down on a long-term deal.

But Fabrizio Ferrari, who represented Kamara for 10 years and brokered his £6m move to Craven Cottage, says Celtic now have no chance of keeping the 29-year-old.

Ferrari said: "Tony Mowbray was the reason Diomansy signed for Celtic. They worked well together at West Brom and he wanted to play for him again.

"It's very sad what happened with Tony and it will have a big impact on Diomansy's future. He will be very disappointed.

"I can't see him staying at Celtic now. He will probably wait until the end of the season and then go back to Fulham.

"Long-term, I don't know what the future will be for Diomansy. He will speak to Fulham and make a decision, but I don't expect him to be at Celtic next season."

Kamara is one of four players Celtic have on loan and all could leave at the end of the season.

Robbie Keane is on record as saying he will return to Tottenham, while Edson Braafheid has been unconvincing since arriving from Bayern Munich and is expected go back to Germany.

Celtic have an option to make Landry N'Guemo's move from AS Nancy permanent, but it remains to be seen whether Neil Lennon, or any other incoming manager, will view the midfielder as a long-term answer.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6056043,00.html


Shorey hints at Fulham switch


Defender enjoying his football; Murphy calls for league focus

Last updated: 26th March 2010   

Nicky Shorey has told Fulham he is willing to consider a permanent move to Craven Cottage.

The Aston Villa left-back joined the Cottagers in the January transfer window and has been a mainstay in Roy Hodgson's starting XI for Premier League fixtures.

Shorey's spell in West London expires in the summer, but the former Reading man has not ruled out extending his stay.

"At the moment I am not too sure what will happen, but I'm not in the picture at Villa so I do have to think about that," said the one-time England international.

"I'm enjoying my time here and it will definitely be something that I consider when the time comes."
Strange

Shorey should feature at the KC Stadium against Hull City this weekend, but the defender will not play against Wolfsburg in Fulham's quarter-final Europa League tussle on Thursday as he is ineligible.

And the 29-year-old admits watching games like the famous win over Juventus from the sidelines has been tough.

"It's a strange situation really, and in a lot of ways it's worse than being injured," he said.

"When a player misses games through injury it's an enforced absence, but when you are fit and ready to play but still not getting a look in it's hard to take. It was a frustrating time and hopefully one I won't experience again."

Kick-on

Fulham's hopes of silverware looked like it was beginning to take its toll on their league form last weekend as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home to UEFA Champions League chasing Manchester City.

And skipper Danny Murphy, who scored from the penalty spot in that reverse, has told his team-mates not to forget their league duties as they go in search of European glory.

"Regardless of what is going on in other competitions, we still want to kick on and maintain our top-half placing," said Murphy, whose side were knocked out of the FA Cup this week.

"All through the season I've talked about our character and strength and every member of the squad deserves credit because over the past eight months everyone has played their part.

"When you look at the difference between now and last season, when we played a similar team for the majority of it, it shows how much the squad has developed. I think it has made us a stronger club."

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http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/03/26/fulham-star-eyes-europa-league-glory-64767-26117179/


Fulham star eyes Europa League glory

Mar 26 2010


By Jacob Murtagh


AARON Hughes insists Fulham's quest for glory is still on despite Wednesday night's FA Cup exit.

Bobby Zamora had fans dreaming of a first trip to Wembley since 1975 when he gave them the lead in the quarter-final replay, only for Spurs to spoil the party at White Hart Lane with three unanswered goals after the break.

It is the second successive season that the Whites have bowed out at the last-eight stage, and with a Europa League quarter-final with Wolfsburg next Thursday, Hughes is desperate to make it third time lucky.

He said: "It's unfortunate, and the same thing happened last year.

"We got to the quarter-finals and just missed out, and it's happened again.

"It's important we get over the disappointment. When you get to this stage and you have the incentive of getting to Wembley, it's hard to forget.

"But we've got to put it to the back of our minds."

Fulham sealed their spot in the last eight with a thrilling 4-1 victory against Juventus last week.

And having previously dispatched Basle and UEFA Cup holders Shakthar Donetsk, Hughes reckons they can go all the way.

"We've got nothing to lose," he said. "There's still a lot of quality teams left - no one expected us to get this far, but we know we can beat anyone on our day.

"The main thing is not to concede in the first leg at home. If we can come away with a clean sheet we'll be reasonably happy, then we can see what we need over there."

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/03/26/1851073/world-cup-2010-fulham-star-clint-dempsey-looking-forward-to


World Cup 2010: Fulham Star Clint Dempsey Looking Forward To Facing England, Admits Group Stage Exit Would Be 'Failure' For USA

Craven Cottage man eager to play 'best teams in the world'


By Richard Parry


Mar 26, 2010 10:14:00 PM


Fulham star Clint Dempsey admits that it would be a failure if the USA failed to progress from Group C this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The Americans will face Fabio Capello's England, Algeria and Slovenia in the group stages, and Dempsey cannot wait to get started.

"It's kind of exciting because in a big competition you want to play against some of the best teams in the world," Dempsey told ESPN.

On the prospect of facing England, the Fulham man played down the significance of the match, insisting that every game will be important.

"It's great to have the opportunity to play against them but you know every team is going to be difficult so we are just looking forward to it and hopefully we can advance from the group.

Dempsey added: "Algeria did well in the African Nations Cup and they're not going to be an easy team to beat, they've showed that.

"We know we've got a tough group and we'll take each game one at a time, but advancing through the group has to be the goal and anything less than that will be a failure."

Dempsey, who spoke to exclusively Goal.com UK in February, is confident that should the USA play to their strengths, they could prove a surprise package in South Africa.

"We are a solid team, we finished first in our qualifying campaign and we did well in the Confederations Cup last year.

"We beat Spain which not many people thought we could do that but once you get out the group it's a one off game and anything can happen."

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Fulham Offside Podcast 3/26/10

By: timmyg | March 26th, 2010

Don Hymel and Dan Crawford of hammyend.com join the pod as we dissect the busy month of March that saw Fulham drop out of the FA Cup at the Elite 8, not worry about relegation (or even paying attention to the table), and advance to the Elite 8 of the Europa League thanks to a memorable night at the Cottage against The Old Lady. The pod starts with The Morning Benders providing some intro music.

icon for podpress  Fulham Offside Podcast 3/26/10: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download


http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/fulham-offside-podcast-32610.html

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Chris Coleman appears on World Football Daily


By: timmyg | March 26th, 2010

Former Fulham player and gaffer Chris Coleman was on World Football Daily yesterday and I must say it was quite nice to hear the legend. He discussed recruiting Clint Dempsey, his time at Real Sociedad, and his current stint at Coventry City with hosts Steven Cohen and Kenny Hassan.

Cookie's sacking will always be a contentious issue for us Fulham fans. His charisma is one of many reasons I was drawn to the club. Nonetheless it is good to hear the former great — both coach and player — is doing well for himself.

Many, many thanks Steven and Kenny for letting me repost the interview on this site. Be sure to check out their website for more information about their daily radio show/podcast. It's not free but they pull in quality guests, be them pundits or players, and it's must listen for any footy fan in my opinion.

icon for podpress  World Football Daily -- Chris Coleman: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/chris-coleman-appears-on-world-football-daily.html

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http://www.hullcityindependent.net/?page=news_archive&groups=true&news_group_id=5&news_id=199

Hull City v Fulham - PREVIEW

By CI Admin | 26/03/2010 at 19:33

It's not a must win against Fulham apparently. Well, if we can't beat Fulham at home – who have only won once away all season – who the hell are we going to beat? Kidding you not is regular City Independent stalwart NATIONAL TIGER someone who is firmly in the 'must win' camp, but not necessarily for the obvious reason of three points...

Let's have it right, three points would be most welcome. But let's get realistic for a minute, this match has to be must win. Fulham are tired, with injuries and have priorities quite rightly elsewhere from a long, mundane trip to the cold north with the glamour of the UEFA Cup just days away. And that suits me fine.

Sure, Fulham will be up for it. No doubt they'll be professional in their approach, but who is kidding who, here? Hull City desperately need three points. We are at home. We're playing a team who are perennial poor Premier League travellers. And no Fulham fan/player/manager is going to fool me into thinking this game really matters with Wolfsburg round the corner for a place in the UEFA Cup semis.

No. City have to win. Our opportunity for victory and to build some momentum has never ever been better. Iain Dowie will greet the Circle faithful for the first time and some new managerial exuberance will be in evidence. The heartbreak of Saturday will be cleansed from the mind and soul come 3pm and then we need to be at 'em. Just like we have been for most of the season at home.

I'm not looking for a performance. Neither am I looking to be entertained. Portsmouth robbed us on Saturday with a cheap display that warranted nothing and yet gained everything. Well, frankly, I'll have a slice of that pie too on Saturday. The turnaround has to be kickstarted somehow. The best way to breed confidence is to win. And we have a golden opportunity this Saturday; so lets take it.

City should be boosted by the expected return of an influential trio in winger Stephen Hunt who has a good chance of making the match following a foot injury. Uncle George is back from suspension to shore up the midfield, while the pace and power of Jozy Altidore will be a welcome addition should he be picked. Ahead of the exiled Caleb Folan who bagged a brace? Oh well...Andy Dawson is the only major concern and is struggling to make the grade.

Fulham meanwhile, have one time Tiger target Bobby Zamora looking seriously doubtful with a stomach bug. Andrew Johnson remains on the long term sick list so the in-form Cottagers attack appears to blunted. For a team lacking goals on the road, even City's fragile defence have a chance of conceding less with this news.

Yet, none of that really matters. Only the result matters at this stage. A fluke win, a spawny goal, a highly contentious decision going in our favour. Bring them all on. I couldn't give a flying one. When has football ever been fair? And if luck has a habit of levelling itself out, then after 106 years we must be seriously in credit at the bank.

Its must win. We need three points. Go out and deliver. And most of all, get behind the team. COME ON CITY!

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http://www.sportingpreview.com/team_news/09100484.php


HULL v FULHAM


EARLY TEAM NEWS


SportingPreview.com, 26 Mar 2010

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will check on Bobby Zamora's fitness ahead of the trip to Hull.

Zamora was substituted during the FA Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek after suffering severe stomach cramps at half-time.

Andrew Johnson and John Pantsil remain on the injury list, while David Elm has been ill.

Andy Dawson and Stephen Hunt are unlikely to be fit for Hull.

Acting captain Dawson came off with a hamstring injury during last week's defeat at Portsmouth and top scorer Hunt has been sidelined for more than a month with a foot problem.

George Boateng returns from suspension while Jozy Altidore has recovered from a hamstring injury, but youngster Liam Cooper (ankle) and Amr Zaki (knee) are expected to miss out.

Club captain Ian Ashbee (knee) trained for the first time this week after almost a year on the sidelines but is still some way away from a first-team return.

Kamil Zayatte (knee) and Anthony Gardner (ankle) are also long-term casualties. Boss Iain Dowie remains hopeful Gardner will return before the end of the season but admits Zayatte may not.

Teams:

Hull (from): Myhill, Duke, Marney, McShane, Mouyokolo, Kilbane, Bullard, Cairney, Garcia, Geovanni, Boateng, Ghilas, Olofinjana, Barmby, Altidore, Fagan, Venegoor of Hesselink, Folan, Mendy.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Konchesky, Baird, Riise, Hughes, Smalling, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Okaka, Davies, Zamora, Dempsey, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Shorey, Kelly, Hangeland, Stoor, Nevland.

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http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/09104688.php


HULL CITY v FULHAM


BIG MATCH FACTS


SportingPreview.com, 26 Mar 2010

Hull City will be desperate for all three points to aid their current relegation fears when Fulham arrive at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers sit second-from-bottom in the Premier League table although they are just three points from safety with a game in hand on fourth-placed West Ham.

Ian Dowie's men will have to overcome a poor run of form if they are to retain their top-flight status although four of their last five matches have all come away from home.

MATCH FACTS

Head To Head

There have been 86 previous meetings between these two clubs. Hull have won 31 matches, Fulham have won 29 and there have also been 26 draws.

Hull have lost just one of their last six home league clashes with Fulham.

Hull

Hull are hoping to avoid a sixth successive Premier League loss.

The Tigers have managed just one victory from their last 16 top-flight games.

The Humberside club have collected nine less points this season than they had at this stage last term.

Fulham

Fulham have lost their last two Premier League matches and without a win in their last three league outings.

The Cottagers have picked up just three victories from their last 13 top-flight fixtures.

Roy Hodgson's men are without an away win since the opening day of the season.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Hull

Hunt: 6 goals

Fulham

Zamora: 17 goals

MOST RECENT CLASH

Fulham 2-0 Hull City (19 October 2009)

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http://hammyend.com/?p=6192

Where are they now? Chris James

by Dan on March 26, 2010

Looks as though the once highly thought-of Fulham midfielder Chris James is about to join Barnet on a short-term deal.

The versatile midfielder, who can play on either side of the pitch, was brave enough to turn down a new contract with Fulham to try and first-team football and his attempts to get a regular game took him to Tampere United in Finland.

James will be at the World Cup with New Zealand in the summer, having turned his back on England (who capped him at youth level) in favour of senior caps with the All Whites. A free transfer to Barnet will allow him to get some much-needed game time before the tournament in South Africa this summer.

I'll be interested spectator in seeing how Chris, who I thought could blossom into a good player, gets on.

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/?p=6195

Hodgson 'classiest' Premier League manager

by Dan on March 26, 2010

Times journalist Gabriele Marcotti invited his followers on Twitter to nominate the classiest Premier League manager. No prizes for guessing that Fulham's esteemed boss topped the poll:

    1. Hodgson 38
    2. Zola 18
    3. Ancelotti 14
    4. McLeish 9
    5. Martinez 8
    6. O'Neill 7
    7. Moyes 5
    8. Coyle, McCarthy, Grant 4

Don't you just love Roy?

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/26/hull-city-fulham-squad-sheets

Squad sheets: Hull City v Fulham

guardian.co.uk, Friday 26 March 2010 16.19 GMT

Iain Dowie's first home game in charge of Hull offers Jimmy Bullard a chance to show his former employers Fulham and their manager, Roy Hodgson, precisely what they are missing. Bullard's midfield playmaking skills probably represents Hull's best hope of avoiding relegation. After spending much of his time in east Yorkshire injured, he said: "I owe this club and its fans. I don't want to be seen as a peg-leg." Fulham are not the best travellers but, having lost to Manchester City and Tottenham during the past week, Hodgson will be anxious to avoid a third defeat in the space of seven days. Louise Taylor

Venue KC Stadium, Saturday 3pm Tickets £32.50 (01482 505 600) Last season Hull 2 Fulham 1 Referee C Foy



Hull Probable starters in bold, contenders in light Photograph: Graphic

This season's matches 23 Y60, R2, 2.70 cards per game

Odds Hull 6-4 Fulham 21-10 Draw 12-5
Hull

Subs from Duke, Geovanni, Olofinjana, Cairney, Garcia, Barmby, Altidore, Ghilas, Dawson, Hunt

Doubtful Dawson (hamstring), Hunt (foot)

Injured Gardner (ankle, 17 Apr), Zayatte (knee, 24 Apr), Ashbee (knee, May), Zaki (h'string, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide LLLLLW

Disciplinary record Y54 R5

Leading scorer Hunt 6
Fulham

Subs from Zuberbühler, Konchesky, Smalling, Stoor, Kelly, Greening, Riise, Nevland, Okaka, Dempsey, Elm

Doubtful Zamora (stomach), Elm (virus)

Injured Dikgacoi (ankle, 3 Apr), Paintsil (knee, May), A Johnson (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide LLDWWD

Disciplinary record Y33 R1

Leading scorer Zamora 8
Match pointers

• Three of these teams' last five meetings on Humberside have been draws with one win apiece

• Hull have won 24% of games in which Seyi Olofinjana has played, compared to 8% without him

• Fulham have won none of their last 14 league away matches, since the opening-day win at Portsmouth

• Hull have lost two of their last 11 games at the KC Stadium, against Arsenal and Manchester United

• Hull have played 59 league games since they last won by more than a single goal

[White Noise]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/hull-city-vs-fulham-sat-27-mar-2010


Hull City Vs Fulham
   
DATE:
Sat 27 Mar 2010
TIME:
15:00
VENUE:
Kingston Communications Stadium

Hull duo Andy Dawson and Stephen Hunt are unlikely to be fit for the crunch clash against Fulham at the KC Stadium.

Stand-in captain Dawson limped off with a hamstring injury during last week's 3-2 defeat at Portsmouth and leading scorer Hunt has been sidelined for more than a month with a foot problem.

Manager Iain Dowie, who takes charge of his first home game, will have George Boateng back from suspension while Jozy Altidore has recovered from a hamstring injury but youngster Liam Cooper (ankle) and Amr Zaki (knee) are set to miss out.

Club captain Ian Ashbee (knee) participated in training for the first time this week after almost a year on the sidelines but remains some way away from a first-team return.

Kamil Zayatte (knee) and Anthony Gardner (ankle) are also long-term injury victims.

Dowie remains hopeful Gardner will return before the end of the season but admits Zayatte may not.

Dowie has told his Hull players to take the positives from last week's Portsmouth heartbreak into the crunch Premier League clash against Fulham.

Hull return to the KC Stadium looking to end a run of five successive defeats but, at the end of his first week in the north-east, Dowie insists it is far from all doom and gloom.

He said: "I watched the video a few times and it doesn't get any easier but we've got enough good characters around the place that came in bright and bubbly and we've had a good week. The response has been good, there's a focus about them. I've learned they're a group of lads that really care about the club.

"Sometimes in your darkest moments, you find something within yourself. That's the time when inspiration comes to you. We have to work alongside each other and hopefully each player on Saturday will be an inspiration for the one alongside him.

"The key is to use what's been a positive start in lots of creative ways as a strength. It's very important we start the game in a positive frame of mind."


Fulham


Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will need to check on Bobby Zamora's stomach problems ahead of the clash.

Zamora was substituted during the FA Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek after suffering severe cramps during the half-time interval.

Andrew Johnson and John Pantsil remain in the treatment room while David Elm has been ill.

Fulham skipper Danny Murphy has told his team-mates not to forget their Barclays Premier League duties as they go in search of silverware.

Hodgson's men are still in the Europa League and expectations have risen following their famous victory over Juventus to earn a place in the last eight.

They face German side Wolfsburg on Thursday but Murphy is focused on the trip to Hull at the weekend and he believes Hodgson's squad is capable of coping with the demands of extra fixtures.

"Regardless of what is going on in other competitions, we still want to kick on and maintain our top-half placing," Murphy said.

"All through the season I've talked about our character and strength and every member of the squad deserves credit because over the past eight months everyone has played their part.

"When you look at the difference between now and last season, when we played a similar team for the majority of it, it shows how much the squad has developed. I think it has made us a stronger club."

[White Noise]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/3/26/1391442/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham


My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham Against Hull City - Match Preview

by Fulhampatsfan on Mar 26, 2010 3:23 PM

Fulham play tomorrow against Hull City at the KC Stadium. The game takes place at 3PM UK Time and 11AM EST. The game will be shown on Fox Soccer Channel in the U.S. on taped Delay at 6PM EST. In October, Fulham beat Hull 2 - 0 at Craven Cottage. This should be an interesting game as Hull are fighting relegation and Fulham are trying to win there second road game.Below are"my 5 keys to victory for Fulham against Hull City."   

1. Fuham need to score early and set the tone for the match.  Fulham, can really set the tone for the match with an early goal.  A nice goal by Bobby Zamora or Clint Dempsey should do just fine. They did this in their last match, but they had a poor second half. On the road against Hull City they could really take the crowd out of the match and really hurt the confidence of Hull City.  Hull City can be tough at home.  If they get off to a fast start it might be tough for Hull to keep up.   

2.  If Bobby Zamora cannot play I hope Okaka will start. Zamora came out in the second half of the last match. According to the newspapers he is a late fitness test for the match. If he cannot go please give Stefano Okaka a chance to shine. It looks like he has some skills. This could be a good chance for him to show what he can do.

3.  Fulham again need to be better against set pieces.This is turning out to be a regular theme lately with Fulham regarding set pieces. They got burned again against Tottenham on a free kick. As we all know Jimmy Bullard is excellent on free kicks. They need to fix this issue this week. Roy Hogdson I hope worked on this with the club in training.

4. Fulham need to watch out for Jozy Altidore. Many fans might not be familiar with him, but he can score and needs to be watched. I have watched this Team USA player play many times. I actually was hoping he would be coming to Fulham.  He is coming off of an injury though. Mark Schwarzer in net should be aware of where he is at all times.

5. Fulham need to control the midfield.  Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu need to control this part of the field. To me it is again setting the tone and getting the ball up to Zamora.

A victory tomorrow for Fulham Is really needed. They need to win again on the road. They have a better shot in this road game than there next road game against Liverpool. Let's hope the Cottagers can pull out a victory.

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/?p=6176

Elm to sign contract extension

by Dan on March 26, 2010

David Elm has just told Swedish radio that he will be signing a contract extension to stay at Fulham beyond the summer.

This confirms the perception that Elm has done a lot better in his first year at the club and the former Kalmar striker has persuaded Roy Hodgson to tie him down to a long-term deal. The sticking point seems to be the length of the contract (likely to be two years at best for the moment).

Elm, who joined from the Swedish champions in a surprise summer deal, had impressed when he got a run in the first team earlier this yea