Saturday Fulham Stuff (16/06/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Kom Op Fulham!

Oranje Is Het Nieuwe Zwart

The brand new 2012/13 Fulham Away Kit is now available for pre-orders online, instore and direct.

Be among the first FFC fans to own the new Away Shirt and what's more, if you pre-order yours now, you'll be automatically entered into a prize-draw to win a SEAT Ibiza car* worth nearly £13,000.

The 2012/13 Away Kit, designed by Kappa, emphasises a bold orange as its main colour, a black collar and sleeves, with white edged cuffs.

So don't miss out on driving away in a Fulham SEAT Ibiza whilst wearing the new Away Kit.

Pre-order today!

*Pre-orders must be made by 9th July 5pm in order to participate in the draw for the SEAT Ibiza car. For the full terms and conditions that apply, please see www.fulhamfc.com/seatcomp.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/June/KOMOPFULHAM.aspx?#ixzz1xvrP0T8K

[WhiteJC]

 
Duff - We didn't help ourselves
Ireland winger left deflated as Euro 2012 dream ends


Damien Duff: Ireland winger admits they 'shot ourselves in the foot' against Spain

Damien Duff has admitted the Republic of Ireland only have themselves to blame after their Euro 2012 adventure was ended by a ruthless Spain side.

Thursday night's 4-0 drubbing in Gdansk means Ireland's hopes of progress beyond the group phase are over even before their final encounter against Italy on Monday evening.

After losing 3-1 to Croatia in their opening Group C fixture, Giovanni Trapattoni's men were simply blown away by the reigning world and European champions on a night when they were once again made to pay for mistakes at the back.

Duff said: "We didn't help ourselves at times. Even at 1-0 at half-time, you come out and think, 'Right, let's keep it at that for 20, 25 minutes, maybe they will get a bit nervous'.

"But we didn't help ourselves. You are going to be pulled all over the place, really, with them.

"We did well at times and defended well at times, but we shot ourselves in the foot again.

"I dreamed, like everyone else, of going the whole way. It is obviously not going to pan out, but what can you say?"

Proud

Fernando Torres was the chief tormentor as he helped himself to a double either side of David Silva's cheeky finish, and by the time substitute Cesc Fabregas completed the scoring seven minutes from time, Ireland were well beaten.

They now face the prospect of trying to stop Italy from sending them home pointless in a game which is far from a dead rubber for their opponents.

Their draw with Croatia means the Italians have only two points from their opening two games with Spain and Croatia both on four.

However, none of that will matter to Duff and his team-mates as they attempt to extend their recent good record against Cesare Prandelli's side.

Ireland drew home and away with Italy in the last World Cup qualifying campaign - they were only denied victory in Dublin by a late Alberto Gilardino equaliser - and beat them 2-0 in a friendly in Liege last summer.

Duff said: "I hope we will be looking forward to it. We will get ourselves up for it.

"We are a proud set of lads and a proud nation, and we want to give people back home and the fans last night especially something to cheer about."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7815717/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers sign Williams

•Fulham have confirmed the signing of teenage striker George Williams from MK Dons.

The 16-year-old, capped by Wales U17s, has already broken into the MK Dons first-team, becoming the club's youngest ever goalscorer in the FA Cup last season.

Williams will join up with the Cottagers' Academy as a first-year scholar for the 2012/13 campaign after an undisclosed compensation package was agreed.

MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said on the club's official website: "We are very disappointed that George has chosen not to take up his scholarship or the offer of a professional contract with MK Dons and has instead decided his future is best served with Fulham.

"Everyone at the club wishes him well in the future."



http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/cottagers-sign-williams-3139533.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
ANDY JOHNSON TO TURN HIS BACK ON UAE FOR QPR SWITCH


Staying put: Johnson looks set to remain in London with QPR.

His agent had talked up a move to the UAE, but for Andy Johnson home is where the heart lies amid claims he is close to joining Queens Park Rangers.

Johnson, 31, is a free agent after rejecting the offer of a new deal with Fulham and has been linked with a move to the Emirates where he is a frequent visitor.

His agent, Anthony McFarlane, had told Sport360° last month that the ex-England was "very interested" in a move to the Gulf and talked up Dubai as a favoured destination.

However, with reported suitors Al Ahli ruling themselves out of the running for the former Everton and Crystal Palace striker, and Al Ain still hopeful of convincing Asamoah Gyan to stay, Johnson's decision looks to have been taken out of his hands.

A reunion with his former boss Mark Hughes now looks a certainty amid reports he has already undergone a medical at Loftus Road ahead of a proposed move.

Johnson will be joined at the club by veteran defender Ryan Nelsen with the New Zealander also said to be close to finalising a deal.

Nelsen, 34, is also available on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham following a short-term deal at White Hart Lane and is a player Hughes knows well having brought the experienced centre-back to England in 2004 when in charge of Blackburn.



http://www.sport360.com/article/andy-johnson-turn-his-back-uae-qpr-switch?

[WhiteJC]

 
Badgers Crowned Champions

The Fulham Badgers travelled to West Bromwich Albion FC's Albion Foundation Building, for the second annual Premier League Down's Syndrome Football Festival.

13 young people from the two Fulham FC Foundation Down's Syndrome projects braved torrential rain and gusty winds to join 14 other DSActive teams and 135 other young people with Down's syndrome from across the UK, in a celebration that included fun games for younger children and a football tournament for the players aged 13 and over.

On arrival, Fulham Badgers were drawn in a group with QPR Tiger Cubs, Newcastle FC Foundation, Moorside Rangers and the Charlton Upbeats. Playing some wonderful football, the Badgers won their first three games (including an 8-2 win over rivals QPR) before facing Charlton in a winner-takes-all final game.

A scintillating game followed with the Badgers edging the match and winning 3-2 which saw them crowned champions. They brought trophy home to Fulham for the first time.

The Fulham Badgers were established as the first UK Down's Syndrome football team in June 2006 as a pilot project initiated between the Down's Syndrome association and in 2011 Fulham FC Foundation hosted the first Premier League Down's Syndrome Football Festival. Since then, another 20 teams have been formed from all over the country, including Newcastle, Cardiff, Sheffield United and Norwich.

Craig Morris, parent of one of the Fulham Badgers' players, said:

"The Badgers braved a long and wet, windy journey from Motspur Park up to the Hawthorns, home of WBA, to take part in the biggest Down's Syndrome Football Festival ever held. A total of 15 teams from all corners of the UK had made the journey to take part in this ever growing event and it was a real pleasure to see so many young people with Down's Syndrome playing fantastic football, celebrating with real style each time their team scored and so proud to be wearing their teams' colours.

It is an annual event Daniel and the family look forward to each year and long may it continue to grow to show the footballing world what a fantastic leveller the sport is for young people with challenges in this country to contribute to and to benefit from"



DSA Patron and Professional Footballer Kevin Kilbane summed up the tournament by saying:

"Building upon the success of last year's festival, it was fantastic to see how the players had improved over the year and how the programme has grown. It was wonderful to see five new teams participate in the festival experiencing their first competitive environment and loving every minute of it. I look forward to being able to join DSActive in more events."



The Premier League's Down's Syndrome Football Festival was made possible through a generous donation of £10,250 by the Premier League and Football Aid and the donation of facilities from the Albion Foundation. DSActive is administrated in partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association and professional and amateur football clubs with the aim of getting as many children and young people with Down's Syndrome playing football.



The Fulham Down's Syndrome projects rely on fundraising and sponsorship to run year on year. If you are interested in supporting Fulham FC Foundation to raise funds please contact Fulham FC Foundation on 0870 442 5432.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/June/BadgersCrownedChampions.aspx?#ixzz1xvt0CD3M

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Saints favourite in Fulham scrap

Ex-Saints defender Chris Baird is ready to fight for his place in pre-season, although he may quit Fulham if his chances don't improve.

The 30-year-old defender was omitted from the Northern Ireland squad for last month's friendly with Holland to 'consider his future', according to national coach Michael O'Neill.

And reports have suggested a return back to the south coast to the club where he made his name - and played in the 2003 FA Cup final - could be on the cards.

Baird made just 13 Premier League starts last season and was linked to West Brom midway through the campaign.

But his chances of a move to the Hawthorns appear gone now Roy Hodgson has departed for the England job and he is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage.

But Baird, who is yet to be offered new terms, wants to battle it out for a first-team spot at Craven Cottage.

A source close to the player told the Fulham Chronicle: "Chris only has a year left on his contract but is happy at Fulham.

"He just wants to play football. If the time comes when he's not involved then he'll have a chat about his situation."



http://www.clubcall.com/southampton/former-saints-favourite-in-fulham-scrap-1438361.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Fulham midfielder Murphy considers switch to relegated Blackburn

Danny Murphy is considering a surprise move to relegated Blackburn.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder, 35, has become a free agent after five years at Fulham and is ready to drop out of the Premier League if he can agree a two-year deal.

Blackburn face competition from several other Championship clubs, however, with Leicester also believed to be interested.


Dropping down: Danny Murphy pondering a move to Rovers


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2159990/Danny-Murphy-considers-Blackburn-Rovers-move.html#ixzz1xvtdQIAX

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading fail with fresh bid for Watford defender Mariappa

Reading are struggling to strike terms with Watford for defender Adrian Mariappa.

The Daily Star says Reading have failed with a second bid, worth more than £2m, for Watford's Jamaican defender Mariappa, 25.



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/reading-fail-fresh-bid-watford-defender-mariappa-3241471?utm_source=taxonomy_landing_page

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham set to move for Olsson

Fulham Football Club are set to make a move for Jonas Olsson.

The Sweden international could line up against England at Euro 2012 on Friday night, when a number of Premier League coaches are sure to be watching.

Olsson is in the final year of his contract at West Bromwich Albion, and is expected to tell new boss Steve Clarke he is keen on a move this summer.

Martin Jol is said to be interested in adding the 29-year-old to his defensive options at Craven Cottage, and will look to take him in a £4million deal.



http://www.fansfc.com/story/41199.html

[WhiteJC]

 
ADO Den Haag eyeing Fulham striker Hoesen

ADO Den Haag are being linked with Fulham striker Danny Hoesen.

Hoesen spent last season on-loan at Fortuna Sittard and was expected to remain for the new campaign.

However, ADO Den Haag have now expressed interest in taking Hoesen on-loan.



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/ado-den-haag-eyeing-fulham-striker-hoesen-3239971?utm_source=taxonomy_landing_page

[WhiteJC]

 
Rovers plot ambitious move for Murphy

BLACKBURN Rovers boss Steve Kean is lining up an ambitious move for veteran midfielder Danny Murphy as he looks to kick start their Champ-ionship preparations.

The 35-year-old midfielder is out of contract at Premier League Fulham this summer and Kean will look to tempt Murphy to Ewood with a two-year deal.

A host of clubs, from the Premier League and Cham-pionship are understood to be interested in Murphy, but few are so far prepared to offer him two years.

Sources close to Murphy have suggested the player would prefer to stay in the Premier League, with a new one year Fulham deal still a possibility, but the extra security of another year could persuade him to a drop down a level in East Lancashire.

Kean knows Murphy well having worked with him at Fulham and would see the former Liverpool, Spurs and Tottenham midfielder as the 'experienced' player the club lacked last campaign.

The under fire Rovers boss has already stated he is looking to add more experience this campaign, to compliment the club's promising youngsters.

Sources close to the player have indicated the enquiries are at an early stage, with most of the staff at Ewood Park still in the dark about next season.

Kean's efforts to bolster his squad won't be helped by the uncertainty that still exists around Ewood Park, with owners Venky's yet to communicate their plans.

It is understood club secretary Anthony Bloch, who only joined last season, has been told he will become the latest casualty of Venky's regime.

The Lancashire Telegraph still expect Asian TV Pundit Shebby Singh to be unveiled as the club's 'global advisor', while supporters are waiting for a statement on Kean's own future after co owner Venkatesh Rao refused to back him almost a month ago.

Kean is believed to still be waiting for his budget for the new campaign. Rovers' former PR man and new General Manager Paul Agnew will take up his role at the start of July and will be based at Ewood and Brockhall.

Singh is also expected to be given an office at Ewood Park once his appointment is announced by the owners.

Owners Venky's were unavailable for comment yesterday.

Season tickets are yet to be put back on sale while the final plans for pre-season have yet to be announced, although it is understood Rovers could play friendlies in France and Holland.




http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/9765613.Rovers_plot_ambitious_move_for_Murphy/

[WhiteJC]

 
Potters eye Etuhu

STOKE are chasing Fulham's midfield powerhouse Dickson Etuhu.

The Nigeria international, 30, is in his fourth year at Craven Cottage after joining from Sunderland.

Fulham will be looking to recoup the £1.5million they paid to the Black Cats.



http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4375636/Stoke-eye-swoop-for-Fulhams-midfield-star-Dickson-Etuhu.html

[Lighthouse]

Fulham star Philippe Senderos has vowed to improve his performances for the Whites after a productive second season at Craven Cottage.

The Swiss international made 28 appearances for Martin Jol's men last campaign after an Achilles injury ruined his first season at the club and he only wants to keep on improving.

"It's been really good for me to build my fitness this year and I'm really happy to have played so many games," Senderos told the club's official website.

"I want to continue doing that and hopefully I can establish myself in the starting 11 for next season.

"If I can do that and stay fit, then hopefully I can play more games next year. But I'm really happy. I feel that I am back playing at my best level and that I will only keep improving from here."