Monday Fulham Stuff (19/04/10)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-confirms-nevland-departure-779891
Fulham boss Hodgson confirms Nevland departure

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed Erik Nevland is leaving the club.

Hodgson revealed after Saturday's 0-0 Barclays Premier League draw with Wolves that striker Nevland would leave for Norwegian side Viking Stavanger at the end of the season.

Hodgson had hoped to tempt Nevland to stay at Craven Cottage with a new one-year deal but the 32-year-old has decided to return to the club where he started his career.

"He's a marvellous player, a fantastic professional and a very good footballer," said Hodgson of the former Manchester United player.

"He has played a major part in the success we have had in the two and a half years he has been at the club and I must congratulate Viking on the signing. He'll score lots of goals for them."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/argyle/Loan-star-Stockdale-set-Home-Park-farewell/article-2035111-detail/article.html
Loan star Stockdale set for Home Park farewell

ON-LOAN Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale will make his final Home Park appearance for Argyle tonight.

His three-month stint from the Premier League club will end after the Pilgrims' trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

His loan deal cannot be extended any longer than that, so Stockdale will not be available for the season-ending clash against Peterborough United at Home Park on Sunday, May 2.

Romain Larrieu had been Argyle's 'keeper for the first 24 matches this season, until the arrival of Stockdale in January.

Stockdale, 24, went straight into the side for the Pilgrims' 1-0 home defeat of Derby County.


He has started every league game since then and, after an alarming loss of form, has responded with some outstanding displays of late.

Larrieu, 33, is set to return to action for Argyle against already-relegated Peterborough.

The French shot-stopper has been an unused substitute in every match since Stockdale came to Home Park.

The plan is for Larrieu to play for the reserves in their away game against Reading on April 26, as preparation for the season-ending Championship clash with Peterborough.

Stockdale will be making his 20th appearance for the Pilgrims tonight, and hoping for a fourth clean sheet.

He signed an extended contract with Fulham at the end of December, which will take him through to the summer of 2013.

Meanwhile, Argyle captain Carl Fletcher is set to return from injury against champions-elect Newcastle.

The midfielder suffered a badly gashed knee in the 2-0 home defeat by Blackpool on March 27 and was sidelined for three matches.

Fletcher was then forced to miss a fourth successive game by a calf injury he picked up in training.

His experience and leadership would be invaluable for Argyle in their tussle with Newcastle.

Pilgrims' boss Paul Mariner stopped short of confirming the 30-year-old would start the game, but he admitted: "Carl Fletcher has trained well this week."

Another midfielder, Luke Summerfield, is also available to Mariner after recovering from a hamstring injury.

He is set to be included among Argyle's substitutes tonight.

Summerfield replaced Fletcher against Blackpool, but had to hobble off before the end of the contest.

Mariner believes Iceland international Kari Arnason will return to action before the end of the season following a hip injury.

But the visit of Newcastle is likely to be too soon for him to be considered for selection.

Arnason suffered a torn hip muscle in Argyle's 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe United on March 20.

The Pilgrims' squad and coaching staff attended Plymouth Albion's 19-14 win against the Cornish Pirates at Brickfields on Friday night.

They were invited to the game by Albion's chairman of rugby Graham Dawe.

Mariner said: "We have trained very hard this week, and had a great night at Plymouth Albion on Friday.

"Graham Dawe invited us down and it was fantastic. I want to thank them for their hospitality. It was absolutely second to none.

"Everybody was there, staff included, and I'm glad they (Albion) won. They will be coming to our game and, hopefully, we can do the same."

Argyle's clash against Newcastle is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, but Mariner hopes that will not affect the attendance at Home Park too much.

He believes there is plenty of incentive for the Green Army to turn-out in force.

Mariner said: "They might see the best team in our division get their championship, or they might see us pull off an upset.

"There is quite a lot hanging on it, and I think the fans are fully aware of the situation and they will come along."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7604736/Fulham-call-to-postpone-Europa-League-trip-if-grounded-by-volcanic-ash-cloud.html
Fulham call to postpone Europa League trip if grounded by volcanic ash cloud
Fulham supporters have been singing all season about going on a European tour but they reckoned without the volcanic ash cloud that could ground Thursday night's Europa League semi-final in Hamburg.



The team had planned to fly by private jet to the north German city on Wednesday morning, followed by about 2,000 fans who were promised an "unforgettable trip" by the travel advert in Saturday's match programme.

That might be one way to describe a land journey if Uefa give the game the go-ahead today, and Fulham manager Roy Hodgson warned: "It will be a disadvantage if we can't fly. One of the major difficulties will be finding alternative means of travel. Trains are fully booked and we would not be able to book until sometime on Monday, which is very late.

"It would be a disaster for the supporters, a real shame for all these fans. If there is a solution to switch the games and make it a week later, then we'll happily abide by it."

Back at Craven Cottage, Fulham played out a predictable draw with Wolverhampton, with the home side happy not to pick up any fresh injuries while the Midlanders collected a draw that keeps them six points above the relegation zone.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, whose side have now lost just once in their last seven matches, is still not taking anything for granted.

"I don't think we are there yet but games are running out and we've taken another point," he said. "But this is the silly season, results are strange and I don't want any silly results that might upset us."

No silly results here, though hard-working Wolves survived one serious scare, when Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, who had been largely well-shackled by Jody Craddock, drove against a post in the second half.

How to get to Hamburg . . .

By sea: If there is a ferry, Harwich to Esbjerg takes 18 hours, then a 169-mile drive to Hamburg. Travel time: 23hrs.

By train: A 7.30am departure from St Pancras will have you, via Eurostar and ICE trains and stretch-your-leg opportunities at Brussels and Cologne, pulling into Hamburg at 6.12pm. Seats still available but pricey and going fast (13hrs).

By road: It's a 600-mile haul from London to Hamburg, via Eurotunnel (10hrs and a high boredom factor).

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/04/19/SOCCER_Fulham_Hodgson.html&TEAMHD=soccer
HODGSON HOPING FOR FAIR RESOLUTION

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson believes it would be unfair if UEFA forced his side to travel to Hamburg for Thursday's Europa League semi final by land.

The Cottagers' first leg in Germany is in jeopardy thanks to the volcanic ash cloud which has engulfed Europe's skies, causing Britain's airports to remain closed all weekend.

Should British airspace remain closed until Wednesday, Fulham would have to catch a train or ferry to mainland Europe before making their way to northern Germany by road or rail.

Hodgson believes that would put his side's chances of making their first European final in history under threat.

"It will be a disadvantage if we can't fly and were obliged to find other means of travel," said Hodgson after Saturday's goalless draw with Wolves.

"One of the major difficulties will be finding that means of travel. "We wouldn't be able to contemplate booking anything until probably sometime during Monday, which would make it very late."

UEFA are expected to confirm on Monday whether or not the Europa League semi-finals will go ahead.

Hodgson said his side will abide by any decision that UEFA make, and is confident that Europe's governing body will make the right call.

"We'll deal with whatever situation occurs," said the 62-year-old.

"If it turns out that we are told that you have to travel anyway and you have to make the best of it and you have to travel there as best you can then we'll travel there the best we can and we'll still do our best on the night.

"I'm convinced UEFA want to make it as level a playing field as possible."

Approximately 2,500 Fulham fans have bought tickets for the game against the German side, who include former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy among their ranks.

Hodgson believes those fans will be the losers if they have to make the journey should airspace remain closed.

"It would be a disaster for them," said the former Inter Milan boss.

"It would be a real shame. For 30 or 40 people you might find train seats but for the 2,500 who have been really looking forward to this game then it's different."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6102938/Hodgson-hoping-for-level-playing-field-
Hodgson hoping for 'level playing field'

Roy Hodgson believes it would be unfair if UEFA chiefs forced Fulham to travel to Hamburg for Thursday's Europa League semi-final by land.

The Cottagers' first leg in Germany is in jeopardy thanks to the volcanic ash cloud which has engulfed Europe's skies, causing Britain's airports to remain closed all weekend.

Should British airspace remain closed until Wednesday, Fulham would have to catch a train or ferry to mainland Europe before making their way to northern Germany by road or rail.

Hodgson believes that would put his side's chances of making their first European final in history under threat.

"It will be a disadvantage if we can't fly and were obliged to find other means of travel," said Hodgson after Saturday's goalless draw with Wolves.

"One of the major difficulties will be finding that means of travel.

"We wouldn't be able to contemplate booking anything until probably sometime during Monday, which would make it very late."

UEFA are expected to confirm on Monday whether or not the Europa League semi-finals will go ahead.

Hodgson said his side will abide by any decision that UEFA make, and is confident that Europe's governing body will make the right call.

"We'll deal with whatever situation occurs," said the 62-year-old.

"If it turns out that we are told that you have to travel anyway and you have to make the best of it and you have to travel there as best you can then we'll travel there the best we can and we'll still do our best on the night.

"I'm convinced UEFA want to make it as level a playing field as possible."

Approximately 2,500 Fulham fans have bought tickets for the game against the German side, who include former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy among their ranks.

Hodgson believes those fans will be the losers if they have to make the journey should airspace remain closed.

"It would be a disaster for them," said the former Inter Milan boss.

"It would be a real shame. For 30 or 40 people you might find train seats but for the 2,500 who have been really looking forward to this game then it's different."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/comment/sport/football/alternative-premiership-players-of-the-year-list-$1372158.htm
Alternative Premiership players of the year list



After the PFA announced its nominations for the player of the year award last week, Matt Hallam takes a look at some of this season's stand-out performers who haven't been recognised.

It's that time of year again. As another Premier League season comes to a close the trophies are polished up we try and pick the players who have lit up this year's competition.

Last week the PFA announced their nominations with Wayne Rooney the bookmakers' favourite to be named player of the year ahead of Didier Drogba, Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Tevez.

Despite many suggesting the quality of the Premier League has dropped this year, these players have excelled for their clubs with Rooney and Drogba firing Manchester United and Chelsea to a close title race whilst Fabregas and Tevez have been inspirational players for Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, they are not the only ones to have caught the eye this season.

Everton finished last season strongly with their appearance in the FA Cup final, but a long list of injuries hampered their form at the end of last year. With Mikel Arteta sidelined Steven Piennar became one of David Moyes' key players and a major creative influence for the Toffees. The South African international's performances have reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea and Tottenham and with Piennar set to star at the World Cup this summer Moyes will be hoping to keep hold of one of his most technically gifted players.

With Manchester City splashing millions in the transfer market in the summer, Arsene Wenger allowed Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to move to Eastlands. As a replacement for the Ivory Coast international defender Wenger signed Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for £10 million. The 24-year-old Belgium quickly formed a formidable partnership with William Gallas at the centre of Arsenal's defence and has also proved to be useful in attack - scoring eight goals so far this season to make him the highest scoring defender in the league.

After taking over at Sunderland one of Steve Bruce's first signings was Darren Bent. The former Charlton striker struggled at Tottenham but he has had a fine season alongside his strike partner Kenwyne Jones, scoring 23 goals. His goal scoring has earned him England call-ups - most recently against Brazil - but his performances on the international stage have not matched those at club level and he appears an outside bet for the World Cup with Jermain Defoe seemingly ahead of him in Fabio Capello's pecking order.

Another Englishman impressing has been Fulham's Bobby Zamora. Roy Hodgson placed the striker on the transfer list last summer, however Zamora decided against joining Hull and stayed at Craven Cottage. That decision has paid dividends for Hodgson with Zamora hitting 23 goals in the absence of the injured Andrew Johnson and firing Fulham into the Europa League semi-finals.

After avoiding relegation in their first Premier League season Stoke have made rapid progress and become one of the league's toughest opponents. Tony Pulis has made a number of shrewd signings to achieve this and none more so than Matthew Etherington who arrived in January 2009. The former West Ham and Tottenham winger has been well guided by Pulis after losing form and confidence during his addiction to gambling and has been a revelation this season, scoring six goals. His pace on the wing has given Stoke a great outlet and his delivery from wide has provided endless ammunition for Ricardo Fuller.

And finally we come to Scott Dann of Birmingam City. The former Coventry City defender arrived at St Andrews during the summer and slotted in alongside fellow newcomer Roger Johnson to form a mean back line. After winning the Championship to gain promotion many predicted Birmingham would struggle to stay up. However, Alex McLeish's side are on course for the clubs highest finish in the top flight and went a record 12 games unbeaten earlier in the season. Considering it is Dann's first season in the Premier League, he has had a fine season, subduing some of the league's top strikers.

So, Rooney may look set to take most of the plaudits after a magnificent season at Old Trafford, but the Premier League is scattered with players who deserve recognition for their performances.

[ScalleysDad]

JC.
The key point to your key point about Craddock, Berra and BZ is that most of us could see a change of plan was needed. The aerial route to BZ left him with too much to do and the zig zag passing route left him crowded out. On those two factors alone his attempt on goal was remarkable. Okaka running at the defence would have been an unknown quantity, for both sides actually. He might not have completed a mazy dribble into the box and fired into the top corner but the "hold out a all cost" back four would have certainly given away free kicks outside the box. Even Mr Dean would have blown up for players going to ground. It seems shirt tugging, climbing and obstruction are not offences on his list.

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/8622315.stm
Fulham's Europa League semi at Hamburg to go ahead
Fulham's Europa League semi-final tie at Hamburg will go ahead on Thursday, the Premier League club has said.

The first leg clash had been in doubt because of the cloud of volcanic ash that has drifted from Iceland and grounded flights across Europe.

It has yet to be announced whether the other semi-final between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will be played on the same night in Spain.

A formal announcement from Uefa is expected later on Monday.

More to follow.