Tuesday Fulham Stuff (10/04/10)

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/FulhamHostGBDeafTeam.aspx
Fulham to Host GB Deaf Team
 
Fulham's Motspur Park Training Ground has been chosen as the venue to host Great Britain's Deaf Football Team as they take on Israel's Deaf Football Team for a place in the European Deaf Football Championships to be held in Denmark next year.

The first leg will be played at Fulham's Training Ground on Saturday April 24th, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets are available to purchase online|, priced £5 for adults and £1 for juniors (under-16s).
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/FulhamHostGBDeafTeam.aspx#ixzz0lcRHXJ4E

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HamburgMatchConfirmation.aspx
Hamburg Confirmation
 
The Club can confirm that its Europa League Semi-Final match V Hamburg will take place on Thursday 22 April (kick-off 8:05 BST), as planned. The team has a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening.

At this stage the Club still cannot confirm whether the planes scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday to transport fans and media will be able to travel, and is in regular dialogue with the aviation authorities to enable it to inform all parties at the earliest opportunity when a decision is made.
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HamburgMatchConfirmation.aspx#ixzz0lcRpMSts

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/StokeResvFulhamRes.aspx
Stoke Res 1-3 Fulham Res


Fulham's Reserves recorded a comfortable victory over Stoke City on Monday evening. Goals from Keanu Marsh Brown, Michael Uwezu and Chris Buchtmann were enough to hand Billy McKinlay's side all three points.

The Whites started the game in fine fashion and took the lead in the fourth minute through Marsh Brown, who rounded off a good Fulham move with a crisp finish.

Fulham doubled their advantage after 30 minutes when a nice attacking move down the right flank allowed Marsh Brown to feed the ball into the path of Uwezu who finished well from close range.

As the game approached half-time, the home side managed to pull a goal back when Louis Moult reacted quickest in the box and fired past Neal Etheridge.

Fulham continued their search for a third goal following the half-time interval and they deservedly re-established a two-goal cushion on 57 minutes when Chris Buchtmann's free-kick was diverted past Stoke goalkeeper Dave Parton.

The goal was enough to guarantee all three points for the Whites, indeed they could have added to their tally but for the goalkeeping heroics of Parton.

David Elm also showed no ill effects following his recent virus and produced a hard-working performance up front. The Swedish striker led the line well along with Michael Uzewu.

Speaking after the match, Fulham's Reserve Team manager Billy McKinlay gave his reaction to the victory:

"We were deserved winners on the night after a really good performance," he said. "It was a difficult night to play football due to the pitch but we wanted to get out of the traps early. We played some really good football in the early part of the game and getting the goal settled us in.

"The fact that we were playing some good football and causing them problems on a very difficult surface pleased me. Stoke were putting us under a lot of pressure, they were working really hard.

"The goal before half-time got them back into the game and gave them a lift. It was slightly disappointing from our point of view to concede a set-piece. But, once again, we worked really hard to earn the right to play and after Chris' goal we created numerous chances and probably should have won by a greater margin." 

Fulham: Etheridge, Marquez-Sanchez, Briggs, Pierre, Toure, Pritchard, Marsh Brown, Buchtmann, Uwezu (Trotta 75), Elm (Payne 87), Smith (Harris 84). Subs (Unused): Bettinelli.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/StokeResvFulhamRes.aspx#ixzz0lcSBq4KU

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http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/hodgson-seeks-uefa-solution-with-travel-plan-still-grounded-2143355.html
Hodgson seeks UEFA solution with travel plan still grounded

ROY HODGSON has urged UEFA not to force Fulham to travel by land and sea to Hamburg for Thursday's Europa League semi-final should the flight restrictions caused by the cloud of volcanic ash over Europe continue.

Europe's governing body will make a decision today about the week's European fixtures, although it is expected Lyon and Barcelona will journey by rail for the first legs of their respective Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich and Internazionale. Fulham manager Hodgson expects UEFA to make exceptions for Fulham and Liverpool because of the complication of getting to mainland Europe, with the Merseyside club away to Atletico Madrid.

"I'm convinced that's what UEFA want as well. Not just for us but the big teams left in the semi-finals of the Champions League and Europa League," Hodgson said.

"They will want to make sure there's no risk afterwards that one of the teams turns round and say it wasn't fair, that they had to travel 20 hours in difficult conditions, whereas when the next game is played the team can fly for an hour and be there to play.

"My hope remains that the volcanic ash will pass over or will no longer be deemed to be a problem and flights will continue. It would be nice to play the game as scheduled."

Hodgson, after his team's dreadful stalemate with Wolves, agreed that the advantage of playing the second leg at home could disappear: "It will be a disadvantage if we can't fly and are obliged to find other means of travel.

One of the major difficulties will be finding that means of travel. It's not going to be easy. The trains are fully booked because there are no flights.

"If there is a solution, which might be to switch the games and make it a week later, and a week later again, then we'll happily abide by it."

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Smalling, Konchesky; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Zamora, Gera. Substitutes not used: Zuberbühler (gk), Pantsil, Okaka, Nevland, Greening, Dikgacoi.

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

Referee: M Dean (Wirral).

Booked: Fulham Zamora.

Man of the match: Craddock.

Attendance: 25,597.

- James Wrigley

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/SeatReleaseinfo.aspx
Seat Release Update 

Seat Release Deadline Update:
Due to the high number of renewal applications delivered to the Ticket Office on Monday, the Club is still in the process of renewing supporters' seats for the 2010/11 season.

Whilst the Club processes these applications, Season Ticket seats will not be released. The Club will announce a revised seat release date in due course.

In the meantime, supporters can still renew their seat for the 2010/11 season via online purchase only.

Keep checking fulhamfc.com for details in the coming days for a seat release announcement. We appreciate your patience during this busy period.
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/SeatReleaseinfo.aspx#ixzz0lcSm1CeA

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http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-unhappy-if-hamburg-flight-blocked-780691
Fulham boss Hodgson unhappy if Hamburg flight blocked

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson believes they will be at a massive disadvantage if they're forced to travel to Hamburg for their Europa League semi 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."

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http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/131465/Fulham-s-Aaron-Hughes-desperate-to-win-European-trophy/
FULHAM'S AARON HUGHES DESPERATE TO WIN EUROPEAN TROPHY

Aaron Hughes is desperate to win Fulham's first ever European trophy - but admits he has no idea where the club's sparse trophy cabinet is!

The Cottagers geared up for their scheduled Europa League semi-final first-leg clash in Hamburg on Thursday with a goalless draw against Wolves.

With Premier League survival guaranteed, boss Roy Hodgson has openly admitted his side's crack at European glory is now the No.1 priority.

And Hughes admits he is buzzing at the prospect of ending Fulham's nine year trophy drought - but isn't quite sure whereabouts in Craven Cottage the silverware would rest.

He said: "I don't actually know where the trophy cabinet room is here! My knowledge of the ground is terrible.

"I don't know how big the room is, but it's a big old trophy, isn't it? It would be a nice one to get to bring back."

And Hughes has urged his side to break their European trophy duck for the club's popular Egyptian chairman Mohamed Al Fayed.

The Harrods owner was given a rapturous round of applause from the home support as he walked across the pitch prior to the dull clash against Mick McCarthy's side.

Hughes added: "He has been in a few times throughout the season just to say, 'Well done and keep going'. He sends that message down to the training ground from his office, so he's been good.

"We have come a long way from that day in Portsmouth [survival on the last day in 2008] and I don't think that if we would have said where we are now many people would have believed us.

"I know there are not many chairmen who would get a standing ovation from all of the supporters.

"It would be fantastic to do it for everyone, but he is the chairman and he has done a lot for this club and for us.

"If we could bring the trophy back for him, that would make his day. But winning the Europa League wouldn't only be great for him, but it would be for the fans and for us.

"There are a lot of us who haven't necessarily won anything in football, certainly nothing of that prestige.

"Danny [Murphy] has been there and got a few bits and pieces with Liverpool and maybe Damien Duff, but the majority of us haven't, so, for us, it would be big thing."

But before Hughes can even contemplate a return to Hamburg for the Europa League Final - the central defender knows he and Brede Hangeland, who missed Saturday's clash due to his wife going into labour, must deal with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The former Manchester United triker is on loan at the Bundesliga club from Real Madrid and Hughes said: "We know what he was like from his time at Manchester United - a few of us have played against him before.

"He's a goalscorer, he's a strong physical presence and he has a lot of ability, which is why he did so well there. He will be a threat."

Predictably, it was Bobby Zamora who went closest to breaking the deadlock on Saturday when his fierce strike from 20 yards smashed on to the post in the 65th minute.

The draw should guarantee Wolves' survival, but McCarthy isn't so sure.

He said: "Are we planning for next season? Not yet. We need some points.

"We're not scoring goals at the moment, but if we get three clean sheets, I'll take it."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6103503,00.html
Fulham game to go ahead
Europa League semi-final still set for Thursday

Fulham have confirmed their Europa League semi-final first leg with Hamburg in Germany on Thursday will go ahead as planned.

The game on Thursday was in doubt because of the volcanic ash cloud which has engulfed Europe's skies, causing Britain's airports to remain closed all weekend.

Parts of UK airspace are set to reopen on Tuesday but Fulham are planning to travel to Germany by land.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson felt the arduous travelling conditions would prove a disadvantage to his side as they look to reach their first European final

A club statement read: "The club can confirm that its Europa League Semi-Final match v Hamburg will take place on Thursday 22 April, as planned.

"The team has a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening.

"At this stage the club still cannot confirm whether the planes scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday to transport fans and media will be able to travel, and is in regular dialogue with the aviation authorities to enable it to inform all parties at the earliest opportunity when a decision is made."

It seems highly likely that Liverpool's trip to Atletico Madrid in the second semi-final will also go ahead as planned with the Merseyside club also facing a long road trip to Spain

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http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hodgson-hoping-for-fair-deal-1053130.html
Hodgson hoping for fair deal
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson believes his side will be at a disadvantage if they are forced to travel to Hamburg by land.

The two sides are scheduled to square off in the Nordbank Arena on Thursday in the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final clash, but UEFA has yet to confirm whether the ties will go ahead due to the volcanic ash cloud across Europe's skies which has grounded airplanes around the continent.

UEFA has already stated that the Champions League semi-finals (scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday) will go ahead, suggesting Hodgson's side will be forced to travel, and punters looking to use their free bet may agree with the Cottagers boss that it would be unfair for his side.

"It will be a disadvantage if we can't fly and were obliged to find other means of travel," said Hodgson.

"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."

Fulham are looking to land their first major trophy and have beaten holders Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus, as well as German champions Wolfsburg to make the last four, with the winners playing either Liverpool or Atletico Madrid in the final - which is taking place in Hamburg.

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http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/19/1430260/europa-league-match-for-fulham-in
Europa League Match for Fulham in Germany this Thursday will go on as planned
According to the Fulhamfc.com article, " Hamburg Confirmation"  the club can verify that Fulham's Europa League Semifinals match in Germany this Thursday April 22nd will go on as planned. The game takes place at 8:05 BST and 3:05 EST. The article also mentions that the club has a a contingency travel plan that will have Fulham arrive in Germany by Wednesday Evening.

The second leg of this Europa League Semifinals will take place on Thursday April 29th at Craven Cottage. Later this week I will have my match preview of the first leg of the Europa League Semifinals.

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http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6103511/Cottagers-cheesed-off-as-tie-goes-ahead
Cottagers cheesed off as tie goes ahead

Fulham have confirmed their Europa League semi-final first leg with Hamburg in Germany on Thursday will go ahead as planned.

The Cottagers' first leg in Germany was thought to be in jeopardy thanks to the volcanic ash cloud which has engulfed Europe's skies, causing Britain's airports to remain closed until 1am tomorrow morning at the earliest.

But a statement on Fulham's website confirmed that the match will take place at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

The statement read: "The club can confirm that its Europa League semi-final match versus Hamburg will take place on Thursday, April 22 as planned."

The Fulham team are scheduled to fly to the northern German city by private jet on Wednesday morning before taking part in a training session at Hamburg's ground.

The club say they have put contingency plans in place which will enable them to make the journey by other means should the flight ban remain in place.

The club have also booked planes to fly fans and media to the game, but they admitted that they were unsure whether these flights would also be able to go ahead.

"The team has a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening," the statement continued.

"At this stage the club still cannot confirm whether the planes scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday to transport fans and media will be able to travel, and is in regular dialogue with the aviation authorities to enable it to inform all parties at the earliest opportunity when a decision is made."

UEFA are expected to confirm later this afternoon whether the first leg of Liverpool's semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium, which is due to take place on the same day, will go ahead.

Should Fulham be unable to make the 95-minute journey by plane, they could have to make a 10-hour, 580-mile road trip to get to the Hamburg.

This could have profound implications on Fulham's preparations for the tie, which is arguably the biggest in their history.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wolves that he thought it would be unfair if UEFA forced his side to travel by land to the game.

"It will be a disadvantage if we can't fly and were obliged to find other means of travel," the 62 year old said.

He also admitted after the draw at Craven Cottage that he would have to abide by UEFA's decision though.

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

Most of the 2,500 Fulham fans who are expected to travel to the game have booked tickets on the Ryanair, EasyJet, bmibaby and Lufthansa flights scheduled to travel to Hamburg over the next few days.

Ryanair has already cancelled one of its flights on Wednesday morning and all other airlines are warning that delays may occur once British airspace opens.

Hodgson said it would be a "disaster" if those fans, many of whom have followed the team since their European campaign began in July, could not get to Thursday's game.

"It would be a disaster for them if they couldn't get flights there," 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."

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/19/fulham-hamburg-to-go-ahead
Liverpool and Fulham semi-finals to go ahead despite travel chaos
• Both ties goes ahead despite flight ban
• Players, supporters and media face travel headache

Liverpool are still exploring their travel options for their journey to Madrid after Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg with Atlético was ordered to go ahead by Uefa.

Rafael Benítez's side must first come through their meeting with West Ham at Anfield tonight before embarking on a 2,600 mile round-trip to Madrid.

The disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud, with UK airports unlikely to reopen until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest, has forced Liverpool to consider travelling to mainland Europe by train.

The club, however, are looking to shorten travel time by chartering a plane from France into the Spanish capital, whose airport is already accepting inbound flights.

There is no suggestion that Liverpool's Premier League trip to Burnley on Sunday will be postponed.

Fulham's Europa League semi-final first leg against Hamburg in Germany is also set to go ahead on Thursday, the club have confirmed.

The club admit they are unable to guarantee whether flights for supporters and travelling media would run as scheduled.

A Fulham statement read: "The club can confirm that its Europa League semi-final match v Hamburg will take place on Thursday 22 April (kick-off 8:05pm BST), as planned.

"The team has a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening.

"At this stage the club still cannot confirm whether the planes scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday to transport fans and media will be able to travel, and is in regular dialogue with the aviation authorities to enable it to inform all parties at the earliest opportunity when a decision is made."

The announcement does not rule out the matches being postponed nearer the time, if the travel situation continues to be such a problem. "Uefa is continuing to closely monitor the travel situation throughout Europe and beyond, in an effort to confirm the staging of a number of matches that are due to take place this week in Uefa competitions," it said in a statement.

"Regarding the Europa League semi-final first-leg matches scheduled for Thursday 22 April between Club Atlético de Madrid and Liverpool FC, and Hamburg SV and Fulham FC, it is planned that both games will go ahead as normal.

"However, with the majority of airspace over Europe still closed and other forms of transport limited or fully booked, Uefa are in close contact with both English clubs on the travel options available to them. Further news and information on the exact travel possibilities for these away teams is expected over the next 24 hours."

Both the Champions League semi-finals, between Internazionale and Barcelona, and Bayern Munich and Lyon, are going ahead, with the visiting teams travelling overland by coach.

Uefa has postponed Sunday's Women's Champions League semi-final decider between the Swedish side Umea IK and Lyon, however.

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BBC Sport - Volcano's ash cloud causes sporting chaos
Volcano's ash cloud causes sporting chaos
Event organisers from around the world of sport have been forced to alter their plans by the volcanic ash cloud that has grounded planes around Europe.

Airspace remains closed, or partially closed, in more than 20 countries with weather experts predicting that wind patterns mean the cloud is not likely to move far until later in the week.


FOOTBALL
The midweek Uefa Champions League semi-final first legs will go ahead after Barcelona and Lyon agreed to travel by road to Inter Milan and Bayern Munich respectively.

Uefa says Liverpool must make the 900-mile trip (1,200 miles by road) to Madrid for Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg match against Spanish side Atletico, even if they cannot get on a plane.

Fulham have made contingency plans to make a 570-mile road journey to Hamburg in Germany for their own Europa League last-four encounter should they be unable to fly.

Premier League referee Steve Bennett has been stranded in Romania after attending a coaching seminar.

Bennett was replaced by Martin Atkinson for Saturday's match between Manchester United and Manchester City, but hopes to be back to officiate this weekend.

Meanwhile, BBC TV presenter Gary Lineker completed a near 24-hour journey by plane, train and car from Tenerife to London for the Match of the Day programme on Saturday night.

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http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1477224.html
Lucescu tips Fulham in final straight
Winner of the UEFA Cup last season with FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Mircea Lucescu knows the value of the new UEFA Europa League and is tipping the surprise semi-finalists to win it.

If it takes one to know one, then it is worth listening to Mircea Lucescu's claim that Fulham FC, the UEFA Europa League's surprise semi-finalists, can create a small piece of history during the next month.

Just as Lucescu guided his FC Shakhtar Donetsk side to their first European trophy by winning the UEFA Cup last May, so he can see another of the coaching fraternity's wise old heads, Englishman Roy Hodgson, pulling off a similar feat with a Fulham side who have never before won a major trophy.

Lucescu speaks from unhappy personal experience when he tips Fulham, Hamburger SV's semi-final opponents, to go all the way – after all it was the Premier League team who dethroned Shakhtar in the round of 32, winning 2-1 in London then earning a 1-1 draw in Ukraine.

There is also a historical omen, as Lucescu told UEFA.com. "The last time we were knocked out of the competition, we lost to Sevilla with an [Andrés] Palop goal and they went on to win the UEFA Cup. I think it can be the same thing and Fulham can win it."

Fulham are the one team among the final four never to have contested a European semi-final, yet Lucescu believes this is not a problem. "Fulham can do it even if they have to play against Liverpool or Atlético Madrid [in the final] because they have improved their game from one match to the next. They are much more powerful than at the beginning. They are a good, very organised team and have a very good coach.

"They can easily change the way they are playing. In the first leg against them, they played one kind of game, then in the second leg they played very well in defence. They were so well organised that it was impossible to score and they had a very good goalkeeper. Fulham based their game on team organisation and Hamburg will have a lot of problems qualifying against them."

The 64-year-old Romanian is two years Hodgson's senior and he is full of praise for his fellow sexagenarian: "I realise that Fulham are in this situation because Roy Hodgson is their coach. He is a strategist and a very tactical coach who has a good understanding with his players. He knows all about football and is experienced."

Lucescu knows just what it means to win a European trophy and describes last May's UEFA Cup triumph with Shakhtar as the high point of his career. "I have been a coach for 35 years, I eliminated Italy from Europe in 1984 [as Romania coach] and have had success in every country I have worked, but winning the UEFA Cup was the best thing in my life," he said.

"I'm speaking about club competitions because for the national team it was qualifying for France '84. But they were fantastic scenes [after Shakhtar defeated Werder Bremen]. It is one of the most difficult things a coach can do because winning match after match – there are 19 matches in one year – is not easy for anybody."

Lucescu himself is building a big history with Shakhtar, presently tied on points with leaders and eternal rivals FC Dynamo Kyiv at the Ukrainian Premier League summit. "We still have to play against them at home and because of this we have more of a chance than them," he said.

Win or lose the title, Lucescu is proud of his achievements in Donetsk. "Before I came, coaches lasted six months or one year maximum, but I have been here six years and next season will be my seventh. I think that is legendary already.

"We have won a lot of titles – the championship three times, the cup twice, two Super Cups and the UEFA Cup. And Shakhtar are becoming an important club in Europe. I think Shakhtar have a good future in European competitions."

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7607227/Europa-League-semi-finals-to-go-ahead-despite-volcanic-ash-cloud.html
Europa League semi-finals to go ahead despite volcanic ash cloud
Uefa says both Europa League semi-finals, which involve Fulham and Liverpool, will go ahead as planned on Thursday despite the cloud of volcanic ash that has closed airports across much of Europe.

Liverpool will have to find an alternative route to Spain for the first leg of its semi-final against Atletico Madrid, while Fulham says it has "a contingency plan" to get its players to Germany in time for its game against Hamburg.

The west London club did not immediately confirm whether the plan involved taking a ferry to mainland Europe or using the channel tunnel, but they must be in the German port 24 hours earlier.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hoping flights will have resumed by Wednesday but the club has made alternative arrangements in case that does not happen.

"The team has a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening," a club statement read.

Although the squad will be able to get to Hamburg, Fulham fans who had planned to fly to Germany may miss out on the biggest European match in the west London club's history.

The club statement added: "At this stage the club still cannot confirm whether the planes scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday to transport fans and media will be able to travel, and is in regular dialogue with the aviation authorities to enable it to inform all parties at the earliest opportunity when a decision is made."

Liverpool, who play West Ham in the Premier League tonight, have already made contingency plans to get to the Spanish capital, a 2,600-mile round trip, without flying.

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http://www.evertonfc.com//news/archive/2010/04/19/fulham-game-is-on?utm_source=rss_everton&utm_medium=rss_feed&utm_term=Fulham+Game+Is+On
FULHAM GAME IS ON

Everton's game with Fulham this weekend will go ahead as scheduled after UEFA confirmed both Europa League semi-finals will take place on Thursday.

Today officials confirmed that The Cottagers' clash in Hamburg won't be postponed despite the on going travel chaos.

Flights have been grounded across Europe since Thursday after drifting ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland caused safety concerns.

There had been media speculation that Sunday's Premier League game at Goodison Park could be affected if the Europa League semi-finals were delayed.

It has now been confirmed that this is not the case and the 3pm kick-off will go ahead as Everton face Fulham.

Roy Hodgson's side have a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening.

Everton will face Fulham on Sunday 25 April at Goodison

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http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=195787
Fulham - Hamburg Chaos Beckons!
I`ve always believed that despite the fact the massive cash injection from television makes our game a more attractive proposition; it still remains the property of the fan.

Without the loyal supporters that travel the length and breadth of the country, and this season across Europe, the game wouldn`t retain its natural charm.

Therefore, with UEFA set to announce whether the Europa League games, on Thursday, will go ahead with the current volcano scenario, I have a nasty feeling that we`re about to get stitched up.

With both Champions League semi-finals given the go-ahead, I can`t, despite there being a stretch of water between us and the European mainland, see UEFA doing anything other than insist the game goes ahead.

If it does, there is every likelihood that the 2,000 Fulham supporters scheduled to cheer on their side in Hamburg will be drastically reduced.

Common sense tells you that, with the skies closed, rail / sea tickets are like gold dust. Discussing the situation, (Sir) Roy Hodgson shares several of my fears, remarking,

"It will be a disadvantage if we can`t fly and are obliged to find other means of travel."

"We may have to travel for 20 hours whereas when the next game is played, Hamburg can be here in an hour."

"And it would be a disaster for the fans. You might find trains for 30 or 40 people but not for the 2,000 who have planned holidays around it."

"If there is a solution, which might be to switch the games and make them a week later then we`ll happily abide by it."

"If it turns out we have to travel, we`ll get there the best we can and still do our best on the night."

Will common sense prevail or will the tight schedules UEFA operate to mean most of those wanting to cheer our side on, in Germany, will miss out?

Postscript - As we suspected common sense has gone out of the window with the announcement that the game WILL go ahead this Thursday. Unless the wind changes direction that`s my trip down the pan!





Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=195787#ixzz0lcXuy86V

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http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/fulham-get-europa-league-go-ahead-555219063.html
Fulham get Europa League go ahead
Fulham have confirmed that the first leg of their Europa League semi-final in Hamburg on Thursday will go ahead as planned.

The Cottagers' first leg in Germany was thought to be in jeopardy due to the volcanic ash cloud which has engulfed Europe's skies, causing Britain's airports to remain closed until 1am on Tuesday morning at the earliest. However, a statement on Fulham's website confirmed that the match will take place at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

The statement read: "The club can confirm that its Europa League semi-final match versus Hamburg will take place on Thursday, April 22 as planned."

The Fulham team are scheduled to fly to the northern German city by private jet on Wednesday morning before taking part in a training session at Hamburg's ground.

The club say they have put contingency plans in place which will enable them to make the journey by other means should the flight ban remain in place.

Fulham have also booked planes to fly fans and media to the game, but they admitted that they were unsure whether these flights would also be able to go ahead.

"The team has a contingency plan for travel to enable them to arrive in Hamburg in time for their scheduled match preparations on Wednesday evening," the statement continued.

"At this stage the club still cannot confirm whether the planes scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday to transport fans and media will be able to travel, and is in regular dialogue with the aviation authorities to enable it to inform all parties at the earliest opportunity when a decision is made."

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/04/19/1885597/shakhtar-donetsk-coach-mircea-lucescu-tips-fulham-for-europa
Shakhtar Donetsk Coach Mircea Lucescu Tips Fulham For Europa League Glory
The highly rated coach has pointed out Fulham as his personal favourites to win the Europa League...

Premier League side Fulham have been the surprise package of this year's Europa League and have already eliminated holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian giants Juventus and German champions Wolfsburg on their way to the semi-finals.

The Londoners will now have to deal with Hamburger SV if they are to make it into the final, and Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu is convinced that Fulham have what it takes to lift the trophy at the end of the competition.

"Fulham can do it even if they have to play against Liverpool or Atletico Madrid in the final, because they have improved their game from one match to the next. They are much more powerful than at the beginning. They are a good, very organised team and have a very good coach," said Lucescu on the official UEFA website.

"They can easily change the way they are playing. In the first leg against us, they played one kind of game, then in the second leg they played very well in defence.

"They were so well organised that it was impossible to score and they have a very good goalkeeper. Fulham based their game on team organisation and Hamburg will have a lot of problems qualifying against them."

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http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=195786
Fulham - Hughes on Europa League!
One of our unsung heroes this season has been our central defender, Aaron Hughes.

Hughes, often under-rated but very much valued, is the perfect partner for Brede Hangeland and their partnership is the cornerstone on which our defensive strengths have been developed.

Now (volcano permitting), as we enter what just has to be our most crucial fixture of the season, Hamburg away, Aaron has spoke about the occasion and of how he`d like nothing better than to win the trophy for our owner, remarking,

"It would be fantastic to do it for everyone but Mr Fayed is the chairman and has done a lot for this club and for us."

"If we could bring the trophy back for him that would make his day and ours. It would make him extremely proud."

No doubt it would and to see Mr Fayed dancing a jig of delight would surely make all those troubled times worthwhile.

Continuing, Aaron touches on the bad days and reflects on just how far Fulham Football Club have come since that nail-biting day at Fratton Park when we were staring straight at the relegation trapdoor but also what it would mean to fall at this late stage of the competition, commenting,

"We have come a long way from that day at Portsmouth two years ago when we survived on the final day."

"To go out on Europe in the semis would be the worst because you are just one step away from the final. We know what is at stake. All the games we played. All the games that were changed to a Sunday and the effort we put in."

Before poignantly adding,

"I don`t know where the trophy room is at Craven Cottage."

"But it`s a big old trophy, a nice one to bring back."

I`m not sure we`ve ever had need for a trophy cabinet Aaron, major honours have been a little Spartan shall we say. But, we`re sure that Mr Fayed wouldn`t object to dipping his hand into his pocket to purchase something nice and exclusive for the Europa League trophy to be housed in!




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=195786#ixzz0lcYrfxjD