Sunday Fulham Stuff (18/04/10)

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11699_6098436,00.html
McCarthy - Roy gets my vote
Wanderers boss admits striker interest

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has praised Roy Hodgson for the job he has done at Fulham this season.

Hodgson has turned the Cottagers' fortunes around since taking charge and this season they are still contending in the Europa League semi-finals against Hamburg.

And McCarthy, whose side travel to Craven Cottage for their next Premier League tie, believes the Fulham boss is a stand-out candidate for the coveted Manager of the Year award for turning his minimal squad into a 'very good football side'.

"Fulham have had a wonderful season. They have some fine players," McCarthy told the Daily Star.

Big fan
"Roy (Hodgson) has made them a very, very good football side.

"They really have done superbly and have been winning on all fronts."

McCarthy is also a big fan of Fulham striker Bobby Zamora and admitted asking about the availability of the in-form forward last summer.

"I asked about him. You don't know until you ask the question - but they wanted to keep him," he said.

"He's a good player. Scoring 19 goals this season would tell you that. I liked him when he was at West Ham."

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http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/carew_for_fulham_520228/index.shtml
Carew For Fulham?

Aston Villa striker John Carew looks set to join Fulham this summer.

The Norwegian has spent £2.6m on a three-bedroom flat in the luxury Battersea Reach apartment block in south-west London, within two miles of Craven Cottage, reports the News of the World.

Roy Hodgson has worked closely with Scandinavian players during his career and recently managed Norwegian club Viking Stavanger.

Carew, 30, has a year left on his contract but looks certain to replace compatriot Erik Nevland, who has been told he can leave the Europa League semi-finalists in the close season.

The former Valencia striker, who has scored 35 goals in nearly 100 appearances for Villa, would attract a bid of around £3.5m, and make an ideal partner for Bobby Zamora. 

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6098733,00.html
Fulham held by battling Wolves
Cottagers held to a drab draw by determined Wolves defence

Bobby Zamora came closest to breaking the deadlock as Fulham and Wolves played out a drab goalless draw on a warm afternoon at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers' top scorer struck a post in the second half in a rare clear-cut chance as defences dominated a hard-fought affair.

The visitors' central defensive pairing of Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra held firm to deny Fulham any worthwhile efforts on goal as they moved a point closer to retaining their Premier League status.

The draw means Wolves remain six points clear of the relegation zone with three games left.

Fulham defender Chris Smalling was handed a rare start in place of Brede Hangeland for the game while Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies also came in for Jonathan Greening and Erik Nevland.

Damien Duff's early volley was blocked by a Wolves defender before Davies came close to connecting with a dangerous cross from Chris Baird inside the box.

Pressure
Wolves shot-stopper Marcus Hahnemann was put under pressure by a volleyed backpass by Ronald Zubar after 10 minutes but the former Fulham man beat the advancing Zamora to clear.

Gera, who has developed a sound partnership with Zamora in the absence of the injured Andrew Johnson this season, looked lively early on and Hahnemann had to be alert to beat the Hungarian to a clever through-ball by Danny Murphy with 15 minutes on the clock.

Wolves defender Berra then threw himself in front of a goal-bound effort from Gera in the 23rd minute to deny the former West Brom man.

Zubar had the visitors' best chance of the first 25 minutes but his volley sailed wide of Mark Schwarzer's goal after a Wolves corner.

The visiting fans were in uproar on the half-hour mark when Paul Konchesky put in two late crunching tackles on Zubar but referee Mike Dean chose not to book the Fulham left-back.

Wolves then had their best chance of the first half when David Jones' shot fell to Doyle inside the box but the highly-rated striker rifled his shot into the side-netting from eight yards out.

Jones and Doyle combined minutes later but the Wolves top scorer should have hit the target with a free header from six yards out.


Frustration
Berra had been keeping a tight control on Zamora's movements all afternoon and the striker's frustration boiled over just before half-time when he was booked for a needless barge on the Scotland defender.

Wolves started an up-beat second period on top. Matt Jarvis was denied by a late challenge from Hughes in the Fulham box and Jones' teasing corner sailed through the Fulham box without a decisive touch.

Fulham had a golden chance to go ahead on the hour when Duff picked up Gera's pass to race through but the Republic of Ireland winger was dispossessed by George Elokobi as he tried to cut inside for a shot inside the box.

A moment of brilliance from Zamora saw Fulham almost take the lead 65 minutes in.

The England prospect shrugged off Berra's challenge and beat Hahnemann with a sweet right-foot drive but the American's left post denied the striker his 20th of the season.

Hahnemann then completely missed a Davies corner but Smalling, who was making only his 11th start of the season, headed on to the roof of the net.

At the other end, Elokobi's long throw was deflected goalwards by Smalling but Schwarzer reacted well to save.

Duff then outsmarted Elokobi with a Cruyff turn as Fulham threatened but Gera could not convert the winger's cross.

Fulham's hopes of a late winner were dashed when Zamora wasted a free-kick from 20 yards out by blasting his strike yards wide.

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http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/17/fulham-0-wolves-0-cottagers-conserve-their-energy-for-europa-le/
Fulham 0 Wolves 0: Cottagers Conserve Their Energy for Europa League Clash

In a game that had the feel of an end-of-season friendly about it both sides looked content with a point.

Fulham were clearly conserving energy for their forthcoming Europa League semi-final with Hamburg.

Wolves, on the other hand, repeated the performance that recently saw them draw 0-0 with Stoke.


REACTION:
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson refused to believe his side took their foot off the gas in preparation for Hamburg.

He said: "It was a case of having to deal with a team which is very difficult to play against because they have got a rehearsed style of play.

"They kick the ball up from their goalkeeper and try to hold you in the box and the first thing you have to do is deal with that and don't slip up and concede goals.

"In the second half, we did well to get the ball down and get behind them. But credit to Mick McCarthy and his team because they were prepared to sweat blood and got their reward.

"I'd like to think we always put a strong team out. We've had a week's rest from the game against Liverpool and we have some big games coming up.

"All the players are eager to play and not willing to take a day off. I took that so-called risk because it's good those players get another game under their belts."

McCarthy was pleased with the point as Wolves edge closer to Premier League safety. He said: "There were not many chances either end. I feel we both would have liked three points but if you offered us a point each and no injuries we would have taken it.

"I don't see it as nearly there for us but the games are running out and we've taken another point."

HOW IT HAPPENED:
More like, what happened - and unfortunately the answer is very little. Wolves did their best to win this match and showed plenty of gusto in defence and midfield. The only thing they were lacking was a killer touch up front. Had Kevin Doyle been on form, the outcome could have been very different.

Fulham looked like a side saving themselves for Thursday and who could blame them? Their Europa League clash with Hamburg is the biggest game in the club's history. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the match was why Hodgson did not spare any of his players and give them a rest.

WHAT IT MEANS:
For Fulham it is just another game out of the way. Hodgson has made no secret of the fact the Europa League is his priority this season. It has been an incredibly long campaign for the Whites and they now can look forward to playing Hamburg.

Wolves will be pleased with the point that keeps them six points clear of the relegation zone, although Bolton's 2-1 victory over Stoke means they drop a place to 15th in the table.

QUOTABLE:
"This is the silly season and I don't want any silly results that are going to upset us."
- McCarthy wants to keep Wolves from slipping up at this crucial stage of the season.

FULHAM 0 WOLVES 0

PLAYER MARKING:
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer 8; Baird 7, Hughes 8, Smalling 6, Konchesky 7; Duff 7, Murphy 6, Etuhu 6, Davies 6; Gera 7, Zamora 7.
Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Pantsil, Riise, Greening, Dikgacoi, Okaka, Nevland.

Wolves (4-5-1): Hahnemann 7; Zubar 7, Craddock 7, Berra 8, Elokobi ; Foley 7, Edwards 6 (Guedioura 70, 6), Mancienne 7, Jones 7 (Milijas 73, 6), Jarvis 7 (Iwelumo 79, 7); Doyle 7.
Subs (not used): Hennessey, Ward, Halford, Ebanks-Blake.

ATTENDANCE: 25,597

NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Hamburg (Away), Europa League 22/04, 2005 BST
- Wolves v Blackburn (Home) Premier League 24/04, 1500 BST

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Christophe Berra (Wolves): The Scotland international showed plenty of courage as he was involved in a running battle with Fulham's Bobby Zamora. He took plenty of whacks from the striker but still managed to keep him quiet

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7601075/Fulham-0-Wolverhampton-Wanderers-0-match-report.html
Fulham 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Saturday April 17 2010.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson believes Uefa will take a sympathetic view of potential travel problems as a cloud of doubt hangs over Thursday's Europa League semi-final in Hamburg.

Uefa will announce tomorrow whether the week's Champions and Europa League matches can go ahead as volcanic dust from Iceland continues to restrict air travel across large parts of Europe.

Hodgson said: "The ideal scenario is that the volcanic ash clears up and we can fly to Germany but I hope Uefa will take into account how difficult it could be to get to Hamburg, even by train. One of Uefa's concerns is that it should be a fair competition and it wouldn't be right if we had to go through hell and high water to get to the game.

"Uefa have been in touch with the club and I am confident they will deal with it fairly because they will not wish to embarrass a team."

Rather more predictable than the course of drifting volcanic ash was that Fulham, with eyes elsewhere, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, virtually assured of top-flight survival, would serve up an unspectacular stalemate at Craven Cottage yesterday.

Hodgson's side came closest when Bobby Zamora clipped a post midway through the second half but Wolves showed the greater industry. With Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra dominant in defence, the visitors fully deserved their share of the spoils.

Wolves' vociferous following urged on their team with an intensity seemingly at odds with the significance of the fixture. Fulham supporters, with eyes fixed firmly on their continental mission, retorted with: 'We're all going on a European tour'.

On pitch it was rather less boisterous. Fulham defender Chris Smalling's header looped on to the top of the Wolves netting 15 minutes from the end and Zoltan Gera was just too high soon after but the match was best summed up in the closing moments.

Michael Mancienne brought down Gera 25 yards out and Craven Cottage hummed expectantly as Zamora lined up the free kick.

The England World Cup candidate drove the kick high, wide and not very handsome to bring down the curtain on a forgettable afternoon by the Thames

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http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/rprt/mtch/fulham_0_wolverhampton_wanderers_0_520118/index.shtml
Fulham 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Match report of this afternoon's home draw in the clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers


Wolverhampton Wanderers grafted a point from a full-strength and fully focused Fulham side to edge further towards survival in the Premier League.

Roy Hodgson fielded his strongest eleven for 90 minutes and their intent to win the game was never any doubt, but Wolves remained steadfast and stay six points clear of the relegation zone.

Whether a drifting cloud of volcanic ash is reflecting light over West London or not is unknown, but there is a distinct brightness about Craven Cottage at the moment.

Despite a first half bordering on the tedious, the home supporters catalysed a cheerful atmosphere in the spring sunshine, clearly revelling in their team's most prosperous season for decades, and a juicy Europa League semi-final versus Hamburg of Germany on Thursday night.

Wolves and their supporters, however, had more worrying matters such as relegation at hand than an ice-cream perhaps, and they didn't wait around for Fulham to melt.

Kevin Doyle continued to make defenders sweat as the lone striker, more so than Bobby Zamora in this half certainly, running the line and keeping possession the Wayne Rooney way.

Surprisingly though, it was right-back Ronald Zubar who perhaps had the best chance for the men in orange, popping up unmarked on the edge of the box after the ball was cleared to volley wide of the post on 23 minutes.

Doyle could also have put the visitors ahead, wrestling free of Aaron Hughes' oppression and shooting just an inch or so wide of the near post just over ten minutes later.

The Sun's volume of energy must have finally kicked in after the break as both sides increased the pace of passing. Wolves continue to defy criticisms as a non-footballing team, knocking it freely between their opponents.

But as far as slap-in-the-face chances go, little was created with numerous efforts whistling over the goal-frame and into the crowd. Danny Murphy continues to plead guilty to this, soaring an effort high and wide from 20 yards on the hour mark.

Zamora came the closest for Fulham late on, hitting the post in his only startlingly lively moment in the game.

In typical Zamora fashion he received the ball at his feet, turned like a Swift and smacked a right-foot shot against the post after 65 minutes.

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/04/17/1882957/fulham-manager-roy-hodgson-satisfied-with-goalless-draw-with
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson satisfied with goalless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers
Cottagers boss not to downbeat following stalemate...

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson remained upbeat despite his side being held to a 0-0 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage.

The hosts had the best chances of the game and went close through Damien Duff and Bobby Zamora but Mick McCarthy's side held on to claim a much needed point in their battle to avoid relegation.

Fulham play Hamburg in the Europa League on Thursday, and Hodgson is pleased none of his starting line-up picked up any injuries ahead of the game.

He told BBC Sport: "I'm not too devastated by it [the 0-0], it looks like all the 11 who started the game will be fit for Thursday."

Brede Hangeland missed the draw as his wife is due to give birth and Hodgson hopes the Norwegian will be available to play in the Europa League in midweek.

"Hopefully we'll have Brede Hangeland back if his wife has had the baby," he added.

Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers both conceded late winners on Saturday which means Fulham's draw with Wolves was enough to move Roy Hodgson's side up to 10th in the table, four points behind ninth-placed Birmingham City.

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http://hammyend.com/?p=6987
UEFA meeting on Monday to discuss Europa League plans
by Dan on April 17, 2010

That blasted volcano in Iceland has already wreaked havoc with a few Fulham fans' travel itinerary and might now put paid to the Europa League semi-finals as well.

UEFA are meeting on Monday to discuss their plans, according to the BBC

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6099810,00.html
Hodgson hails Wolves' tactics
Cottagers boss impressed by defiant Wolves display

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson lamented his side's poor performance against Wolves, but was quick to praise the opposition after they battled to a goalless draw at Craven Cottage.

Mick McCarthy's well-organised team kept the Europa League semi-finalists at bay for 90 minutes and were only found wanting when Bobby Zamora rattled the post in the second half.

It was Wolves' third goalless draw in four games and Hodgson believes their work ethic is one of the contributing factors for their success.

"The players were not at the level they have been at, but give credit to Wolves," said the Fulham boss.

"They are very good at what they do and what they play. They got on the long ball very, very quickly and pressure quickly and fiercely.

"It is hard to find the time and space you need to play the football that we would like to play."

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HodgsonWolvesReaction.aspx
Hodgson's Wolves Reaction


Speaking after Saturday's goalless draw with Wolves at the Cottage, Roy Hodgson gave his post-match reaction.

"I'm not too devastated by the result,"said Hodgson after the game.  "I've got to give credit to Wolves, they are very good at what they do - they get around the long balls very quickly, their pressurising is very fierce and very quick. 

"So it's hard to find the time and space you really need to play the type of football we would like to play.

"It wasn't a case of Thursday [UEFA Europa League Semi-Final] being a distraction today.  It was a case of having to deal with a team who are difficult to deal with because they are well-rehearsed with their style of play.

"They kick the ball up from their goalkeeper and try to hold you in the box and the first thing you have to do is deal with that and don't slip up and concede goals.

"In the second-half we did well to get the ball down and get behind them and we did better. We started to find our feet and play the type of football that we're capable of and caused Wolves more problems than we were able to do in the first-half.

"But credit to Mick McCarthy and his team because they were prepared to sweat blood and got their reward."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HodgsonWolvesReaction.aspx#ixzz0lRKFAkpn

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2010/04/17/1883088/fulham-waiting-on-europa-league-clash-confirmation
Fulham waiting on Europa League clash confirmation
Cottagers' match with Hamburg may suffer due to ash chaos

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson fears his side's travel plans for this Thursday's Europa League semi-final against Hamburg could be thrown into jeopardy by the volcanic ash cloud that has caused travel chaos across Europe.

UEFA are expected to announce on Monday whether or not they intend to let Fulham's first leg in Hamburg go ahead.

British airspace is closed until at least 7am Sunday morning.

Hodgson confirmed that UEFA had been in touch with the club during Saturday afternoon's 0-0 Barclays Premier League draw with Wolves.

He now hopes that the ash blows over to allow Fulham to fly to Hamburg on Wednesday morning as originally planned.

"UEFA have been in touch with the club and the English FA are in touch with the matter," said Hodgson.

"One of UEFA's concerns is that it should be fair and that their opponents don't have to go through hell and high water to get to the game.

"An ideal scenario would be that the volcanic ash clears up and we can fly over to Germany.

"It's totally and utterly linked to if there are flights. If there are no flights then the only option is to get a train and bus to Hamburg.

"There could still be a further problem because there might be no trains or coaches to travel on but I'm confident UEFA will resolve the problem."

Bobby Zamora rattled the Wolves woodwork in the second half but Fulham otherwise struggled to break down the spirited visitors who are now six points clear of relegation with three matches left.

Hodgson admitted before the match that Thursday's historic game in Germany would be in the back of his mind for the Wolves clash, but denied that his players' thoughts were elsewhere in hand today.

He said: "It wasn't a case of Thursday being a distraction today, it was a case of having to deal with a team who are difficult to deal with because they are well-rehearsed with their style of play.

"They kick the ball up from their goalkeeper and try to hold you in the box and the first thing you have to do is deal with that and don't slip up and concede goals.

"In the second half we did well to get the ball down and get behind them and we did better.

"But credit to Mick McCarthy and his team because they were prepared to sweat blood and got their reward."

Wolves' only defeat in their past seven matches came against Arsenal and they will now face Blackburn, Portsmouth and Sunderland before the end of the season.

Wolves boss McCarthy denied that the result meant his side were now safe from relegation.

"I don't think we're there yet but games are running out and we have taken another point. We still have important games left," the Yorkshireman said.

"This is silly season. Results are strange this time of year and I don't want any silly results that might upset us."

Hodgson was delighted to have picked up no fresh injuries ahead of Thursday's clash, as they look to extend a European campaign which has already seen them account for the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Brede Hangeland was absent from the Cottagers' starting XI today after his wife went into labour this morning.

Hodgson hopes that the Norway centre half will be available for Thursday though, should the volcanic ash cloud disappear.

"Hangeland would have played had she not but we hope that he becomes a father for the second time by Monday and by Tuesday he'll be back in training and ready to play in Hamburg," said Hodgson.

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/GeraWolvesReaction.aspx
A Professional Performance




Zoltan Gera insists Fulham can use the positives from Saturday's goalless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers to their advantage.

The Hungarian attacker was a lively presence at the front of the Whites' brightest moves. Bobby Zamora hit the post with a 25-yard strike, while Gera himself, went close with header late on.

But the visitors ground out their third 0-0 draw in four games, with Roy Hodgson's side heading into their eagerly awaited UEFA Europa League Semi-Final with Hamburg this week on the back of three successive clean sheets.

Gera told fulhamfc.com: "Okay it was a frustrating afternoon for us, but there are certainly positives that we can take. There were times during the 90 minutes where we could have taken something because there were periods where we played some good football – unfortunately the clear cut chances eluded us. For me this was a game that we should have won.

"But we can take a lot from the match. Firstly, the defence played very well and helped keep another clean sheet, which is always important.

"When you go into the type of game we have on the horizon that is vital, because we have to go there with confidence. We didn't win today, but we didn't lose either and we need to remember that.

"We worked hard as a unit from the front to the back, kept our shape and made Wolves work very hard for their share of the points. I think it was a professional performance.

"But to be fair to them [Wolves] they are a good side, and have been on a good run of form. They have recorded some good results lately and you could tell that they wanted another today. So although we are naturally disappointed, we can't be too disheartened."

Gera and team-mates can now concentrate fully on what is without doubt one of the Club's most important matches – a game the 30-year-old describes as the biggest of his career.

"For me it is the big one, I have not been involved in a game like this before," he said. "It's the biggest that I have ever been part of, and hopefully I will be involved. But it's not just an important one for me, but for everyone at the Club.

"We will go away now and make sure we are fully prepared, which is always the case here. We will be ready. It's one that we're all looking forward to, and another step on what has been a fantastic journey.

"Hamburg are a good side, we know that, but so were Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and Wolfsburg. We know that on our day we are more than a match for any side. So we'll go there with the belief that we can do well – we have to!"

There was also a welcome return for fans' favourite John Pantsil, who was an unused substitute on Saturday afternoon. The Ghanaian international was predictably and understandably greeted with a chorus of cheers.

"Everyone is pleased to have JP back," added Gera. "You heard the welcome he got from the fans today because he is a popular and important player for us. It's great to have him fit and back in contention again.

"It's been a while since he last played, and he was very pleased to be part of the squad today. Now he'll want to get back out there and with a few games of the season left no doubt he'll be looking to finish strongly – as we all are."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/GeraWolvesReaction.aspx#ixzz0lRKy8zop

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http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/18059.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
Hodgson reveals fears over Fulham tie
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson fears his side's travel plans for this Thursday's Europa League semi-final against Hamburg could be thrown into jeopardy by the volcanic ash cloud that has caused travel chaos across Europe.

UEFA is expected to announce on Monday whether or not it intends to let Fulham's first leg in Hamburg go ahead. British airspace is closed until at least 7am on Sunday morning.

Hodgson confirmed that UEFA has been in touch with the club during Saturday's 0-0 Premier League draw with Wolves. He now hopes that the ash blows over to allow Fulham to fly to Hamburg on Wednesday morning as originally planned.

"UEFA have been in touch with the club and the English FA are in touch with the matter,'' Hodgson said. "One of UEFA's concerns is that it should be fair and that their opponents don't have to go through hell and high water to get to the game.

"An ideal scenario would be that the volcanic ash clears up and we can fly over to Germany. It's totally and utterly linked to if there are flights. If there are no flights then the only option is to get a train and bus to Hamburg.

"There could still be a further problem because there might be no trains or coaches to travel on but I'm confident UEFA will resolve the problem.''

Hodgson was delighted to have picked up no fresh injuries ahead of Thursday's clash, as they look to extend a European campaign which has already seen them account for the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg and Shakhtar Donetsk. Brede Hangeland was absent from the Cottagers' starting XI against Wolves after his wife went into labour on Saturday morning.

Hodgson hopes that the Norway centre half will be available for Thursday though, should the volcanic ash cloud disappear.

"Hangeland would have played had she not but we hope that he becomes a father for the second time by Monday and by Tuesday he'll be back in training and ready to play in Hamburg,'' Hodgson said.

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/WolvesHome.aspx
Fulham 0 - Wolves 0


Chris Smalling returned to the starting line-up joining Aaron Hughes at the heart of the Whites' defence as Fulham looked to push closer to a top ten finish.

Fulham made a positive start with Simon Davies looking active early on and Damien Duff seeing an early volley inadvertently blocked by Bobby Zamora. With Kevin Doyle leading the Wolves attack singlehandedly, the focus of Mick McCarthy's side was primarily on keeping a tight grip on the game.

A perceptive through-ball from Danny Murphy on 14 minutes found the run of Zoltan Gera; the Hungarian forward did well to reach the ball but could only touch it into the path of Marcus Hahnemann who collected with ease.

Despite the sunny conditions the both sides played the game at an impressive pace – and Wolves were certainly not shy in the tackle – as a number of early challenges demonstrated. However it was Fulham who were attacking with greater intent as Zoltan Gera saw his powerful shot on goal charged down by Christophe Berra on 20 minutes.

Wolves eventually started to exert some pressure of their own as the first-half approach its midway point. The long throws of George Elokobi twice looked like forcing the Whites onto the back foot and Wolves' general play gradually started to pose a greater threat.

Kevin Doyle passed up a good opportunity to hand his side the lead on 35 minutes when he collected a loose ball after David Jones made a nuisance of himself in the Fulham penalty area. Doyle collected the ball and cut in on his right foot only to see his low shot go wide.

Mick McCarthy's men finished the first-half stronger but neither keeper had to deal with any notable shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Following a slow start to the second-half, Matt Jarvis was put through behind Fulham's back line only to be denied by an excellent recovering block from Aaron Hughes. From the resulting corner the ball flashed across the face of the Fulham goal before going behind for a goal kick.

Fulham responded in kind and moments later and Danny Murphy saw a strong shot deflected behind after good build-up play.

A delicate pass from Damien Duff on 55 minutes played in Chris Baird in the Wolves penalty area. The Northern Ireland international drove a powerful cross across the face of goal which just evaded Zamora.

Wolves were showing impressive resilience in defence as both Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra looked comfortable in dealing with any awkward moments. Equally, both Aaron Hughes and Chris Smalling were looking just as adept at the back for Fulham.

Only a well-timed tackle from George Elokobi on 61 minutes denied Duff what looked like a golden scoring opportunity. Duff had been set clean through by a Zoltan Gera through-ball but the Republic of Ireland international elected to cut back inside on his left foot, showing just enough of the ball to allow Elokobi to prod the ball away from danger.

A ferocious right-footed effort from Bobby Zamora on 64 minutes rattled Hahnemann's left hand post. Zamora held off Jody Craddock some 30 yards out before unleashing his shot.

A Simon Davies corner on 74 minutes found Chris Smalling in the box but unfortunately the Fulham defender got under the ball and his effort dropped onto the roof of the net. That chance sparked a good period of pressure for the Whites.

As the match entered its final stages Wolves tested Fulham's back line with a number of set-pieces, all of which lacked an accurate final delivery. Fulham continued to create good attacking situations but they were unable craft any chances of real substance before the referee blew the final whistle



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/WolvesHome.aspx#ixzz0lRLY4enu

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2010/04/17/1883305/fulham-to-land-defender-marc-wilson-from-portsmouth-report
Fulham to land defender Marc Wilson from Portsmouth - report

Fulham look set to land Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson in the upcoming transfer window.

The Daily Mail reports an agreement has been reached between the two clubs in the region of £4million.

The 22-year-old had attracted interest from Sunderland in the January transfer window, with the Black Cats reportedly tabling a £3m bid for the Irishman.

With Newcastle a new contender for his signature, it is believed Fulham have stepped up their pursuit of the player.

Wilson could be one of the first in a mass exodus from Fratton Park as Portsmouth have already been relegated from the Premier League.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1266829/Flight-ban-threat-Liverpool-Fulhams-Europa-League-ties.html?ITO=1490
Flight ban threat to Liverpool and Fulham's Europa League ties
The Europa League campaigns of Liverpool and Fulham could be hit by the travel chaos following the Icelandic volcano eruption.

Fulham are scheduled to play in Hamburg on Thursday night, while Liverpool are supposed to be in Spain on the same evening to play Atletico Madrid.

But with Mount Eyjafjallajokull still spewing ash and with flight restrictions in and out of England still in place, UEFA are coming under pressure to postpone both ties.

The Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday are also in doubt.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hopeful their last-four clash in Hamburg can go  ahead.

'If flights are reinstated then we will fly there as planned,' he said. 'If we are asked to get there by some others mean then  we will try to comply.

'The trouble is that going by train will not be easy. The trains are full. Will we be able to buy tickets for Paris or Brussels and then travel from there to Hamburg? It's not just our problem but I'm confident UEFA will reach a sensible decision.'

Liverpool might welcome a postponement as Fernando Torres has not been able to fly back to Barcelona for more treatment on his knee injury.

Manager Rafa Benitez said: 'He has to see a specialist first but it's a case of waiting for a flight to become available.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1266829/Flight-ban-threat-Liverpool-Fulhams-Europa-League-ties.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0lRMIbGfA

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1266848/Mohamed-Al-Fayed-tackle-Fulham-debt-face-Euro-ban.html?ITO=1490
Mohamed Al Fayed must tackle
Fulham debt or face Euro ban

Fulham supporters will revel in this week's trip to Hamburg for the Europa League semi-final but the club face being excluded from the competition in the long term if they are unable to meet UEFA's new financial rules.
Fulham would have to restructure their finances to meet fair play requirements, which would see any club banned if they make a consistent loss.



Fulham lost £6.8million last year and, since Mohamed Fayed's takeover in 1997, have accumulated debts of £167.6m.
That follows on from losses of £7.5m in 2008 and £15.2m in 2007 and, like Portsmouth, if Fulham were ever to lose the backing of their benefactor the club would likely be plunged into financial chaos.


Euro millions: Fulham believe it's too early to comment on UEFAs cash proposals

Clubs have gained a reprieve, as UEFA will not start monitoring accounts until 2012, with any exclusion not coming into force until 2015.
Fulham says it is too early to comment on the impact of proposals but it is clear they have long way to go if they harbour ambitions of European football in the long term.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1266848/Mohamed-Al-Fayed-tackle-Fulham-debt-face-Euro-ban.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0lRMxSxdM

[WhiteJC]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/17/article-1266848-090E5481000005DC-947_468x327.jpg
Fulham waiting on Euro trip
Announcement on Hamburg game expected on Monday morning

Fulham are awaiting word from Uefa after the Premier League club's travel plans for Thursday's Europa League semi-final against Hamburg were thrown into doubt by the volcanic ash cloud that is causing havoc across Europe.

Uefa was in contact with the Cottagers during Saturday's 0-0 domestic draw with Wolves and an announcement on the Hamburg game is expected from the governing body on Monday morning.

Fulham are due to travel to Germany for their semi-final first leg, but British airspace is closed until at least 7am on Sunday.

Hodgson confirmed that Uefa has been in touch and he now hopes that the ash blows over to allow Fulham to fly to Hamburg on Wednesday morning as originally planned.

Concerns
"Uefa have been in touch with the club and the English FA are in touch with the matter," said the Cottagers boss.

"One of Uefa's concerns is that it should be fair and that their opponents don't have to go through hell and high water to get to the game.

"An ideal scenario would be that the volcanic ash clears up and we can fly over to Germany.

"It's totally and utterly linked to if there are flights. If there are no flights then the only option is to get a train and bus to Hamburg.

"There could still be a further problem because there might be no trains or coaches to travel on but I'm confident Uefa will resolve the problem."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/18/1428287/fulham-will-find-out-monday
Fulham will find out Monday regarding status of Europa League Match

The volcanic ash from Iceland has caused many problems for travel in Europe. Fulham are scheduled to play the first leg of the Europa League Semifinals in Germany on Thursday.

According to the goal.com article," Fulham waiting on Europa League clash confirmation"  UEFA are expected to be making a decision on Monday, whether the first leg against of the Europa League Semifinals will proceed as scheduled for Thursday in Germany. The second leg is scheduled to be played at Craven Cottage on Thursday April 29th.

Once the decision is made by UEFA I will have an update.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-insists-hangeland-okay-hamburg-777741
Fulham boss Hodgson insists Hangeland okay for Hamburg

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson expects Brede Hangeland to be available for their Europa League semifinal at Hamburg.

Hangeland was absent from the Cottagers' starting XI for their 0-0 draw with Wolves after his wife went into labour this morning.

Hodgson hopes that the Norway centre half will be available for Thursday though, should the volcanic ash cloud disappear.

"Hangeland would have played had she not but we hope that he becomes a father for the second time by Monday and by Tuesday he'll be back in training and ready to play in Hamburg," said Hodgson.