Tuesday Fulham Stuff (18/12/12)

[White Noise]

Harry poised for battle Fulham and Udinese over £1.5m French starlet Sylla



By Simon Jones

PUBLISHED:22:33, 17 December 2012| UPDATED:22:33, 17 December 2012


Fulham and Queens Park Rangers are among clubs watching France Under 21 international Yacouba Sylla.


The Clermont midfielder has been attracting interest from Udinese and Stuttgart also and is available for £1.5million.

Meanwhile, Manchester United sent scouts to watch Bordeaux's 0-0 draw with St Etienne last week.



Wanted: Clermont-Ferrand's Senegalese midfielder Yacouba Sylla (right)

Aston Villa are closing on a deal for Finnish U17 international Obed Malolo, 15, from HJK Helsinki.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2249662/QPR-Fulham-Udinese-eye-Yacouba-Sylla-Clermont.html#ixzz2FO1a617C

[White Noise]

Charles Sale: Top flight divided on financial fair play ahead of summit



By Charles Sale

PUBLISHED:23:21, 17 December 2012| UPDATED:23:21, 17 December 2012
 

There is considerable lobbying going on between the 20 Premier League clubs ahead of Tuesday's chairmen's summit over financial fair play (FFP), an issue that has split the elite division.

The PL executive, who need agreement from 14 clubs for rule changes, have put forward two proposals: a long-term broad acceptance of UEFA's FFP break-even policy, and a shorter-term salary cap that will see clubs allowed only to increase wages by a gross £4million a year.

Supporters of the short-term plan are led by Sunderland's Ellis Short — the first of the American owners to become so engaged in club business — and West Ham's David Gold, who want a resolution passed before the January transfer window.

Manchester United's David Gill, Tottenham's Daniel Levy and Arsenal's Ivan Gazidis head those in favour of the long-term solution along UEFA lines.

Meanwhile, the four clubs most opposed to any FFP restrictions — Manchester City, West Bromwich, Fulham and Aston Villa — are under pressure to change their view that no interference works best.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2249711/Premier-League-chairman-divided-financial-fair-play-regulations--Charles-Sale.html#ixzz2FO2AqPl1

[White Noise]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-set-to-make-surprise-move-1494696


Mackie it happen: Fulham set to make surprise move for QPR striker


17 Dec 2012 22:29


Cottagers could get the hard running forward on the cheap if Harry brings in new faces in January



Hot Scot: Mackie has been a regular starter under Redknapp


Fulham boss Martin Jol is ready to make a surprise move for QPR striker Jamie Mackie in a rare raid on his club's local rivals.

Jol is keen to snap up the Scotland international forward to add fresh legs to his attack - and he is waiting to see if he becomes available.

Mackie has been a starter for Harry Redknapp so far but he may be squeezed out of the side if the new Rangers chief signs recruits.

It would be an unpopular deal because the two clubs do not get on, but Mackie may be willing to switch for a game and a bigger contract.

Mackie was a target for Blackburn Rovers in the last window and was rated at around £3 million at the time.

If Fulham can get him for that fee or less Jol will add the hard-running forward to his squad in the window.

Meanwhile, QPR are ready to offer Nicolas Anelka a short-term escape from China.

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/12/17/3609577/-


Liverpool defender Johnson ready to 'put things right' against Fulham


The England right-back feels his side need to make amends against the Cottagers this weekend after a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday


17 Dec 2012 17:03:00


By Andy Robson


Liverpool defender Glen Johnson feels his team need to "put things right" for their 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday by bouncing back against Fulham.

Paul Lambert's young team held firm for the majority of the game, with the Reds unable to either pass their way around or penetrate the resilient Villans' backline, which again prevailed in a 3-5-2 formation.

Brendan Rodgers' side have now picked up just 12 points from a possible 27 at home this season, carrying on their poor form from last season in which they dropped 30 points in their 19 games at Anfield.

Johnson admits that their failure to accumulate victories at Anfield could be the difference between Champions League and Europa League football next season, and says they need to put the defeat behind them quickly.

"Any game you lose is disappointing," Johnson told the Liverpool Echo.

"I think we were lacking a bit of tempo. It was difficult and it was just one of those games.

"It was a great opportunity to pick up three more points and we missed out. We have to put this behind us. It's gone now and there's nothing we can do about it.

"We have a lot of games coming up and we have to look to put things right next weekend."

The marauding right-back, whose shot was turned in by Steven Gerrard for a consolation goal, also felt that Liverpool were unlucky to fall behind as they had dominated possession.

He continued: "Early on we had so much of the ball and dominated the game. They went in front completely against the run of play.

"When we were 1-0 down, we still had a big chance as there was plenty of time left in the game. But the second goal before half-time left us with a lot to do.

"You can say we needed to pass the ball that bit quicker, but sometimes it's difficult to play too quick because you have so much room.

"When you're in loads of room then you are supposed to move into that space. When the opposition are so compact around the edge of the box then your little passes have to be perfect.

"When you have a day like we did when your passing isn't perfect, that makes it very difficult to break them down."

On Saturday, Liverpool welcome a Fulham side with the second-worst away defence in the league but also know that they themselves will need to be alert at the back as no team outside the top five have scored more goals away from home than the Cottagers this season, with 13.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/17/u21s-score


Man City U21s 1-1 Fulham U21s



Monday 17 December 2012 17:02


Fulham Under-21s brought the curtain down on the first part of their 2012/13 league campaign with a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Monday afternoon.

Ryan Williams had opened the scoring for the Whites in the first period, only for England youth international George Evans to equalise for the home side with a long-range strike.

Manager Kit Symons was pleased with his side's efforts in the game, but felt they should have perhaps been out of sight before the Blues equalised.

"We scored a good goal in the first half through Ryan," Kit told fulhamfc.com. "It was good build-up play; a pull-back from Charles Banya and Ryan was there on the edge of the box to slot home with a calm finish.

"I thought we were by far the better team in the first half and should have gone in two or three up really. We didn't make our dominance count so I stressed that point to the boys at half-time.

"Manchester City made a change at half-time and went 4-4-2 and equalised through a freak goal. Neil [Etheridge] came out to clear one, he shanked it and it went to the City boy who took a touch and put it in from just inside our half.

"Then, to be fair, it became very end to end with both teams having good chances and the second half was pretty even I'd say. The game became quite stretched and open with both sides counter-attacking and getting bodies forward and it could have gone either way I suppose. Overall, it was a decent performance from us but when you're on top in games – like we were first half – you need to make it count."

The result means the Under-21s finished fifth in their group and, while there have been plenty of positives to take from the campaign so far, Kit knows his side are capable of better.

"We've shown progression throughout the season with a young side," he explained. "So, overall, it's been okay. There's plenty of room for improvement, though, and that's what we'll be expecting after Christmas."

Fulham Team: 1. Etheridge, 2. Brister, 3. Briggs, 4. Tavares, 5. Musa, 6. Pritchard, 7. Williams, 8. Vigen Christensen, 9. Altman, 10. Frei, 11. Banya

Subs: 12. Bettinelli, 14. Donegan, 15. Islamovic, 16. Passley, 17. Woodrow

[White Noise]

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Match-reports/2012/December/City-EDS-v-Fulham-U21s-Barclays-U21-Premier-League-18-December-2012

City 1 - Fulham 1


Match reports

Mon 17 Dec 2012, 4:43PM


Posted by Mark Booth



Attilio Lombardo's Elite Development Squad signed off for 2012 with a battling 1-1 draw at home to Fulham.

A spectacular 40 yard from George Evans cancelled out an early strike from the visitors to make honours even in a full-blooded affair at a sodden Platt Lane.

City knew that a win would propel them into Qualification Tier One when the league resumes after Christmas and a point would be enough to see them climb off the bottom of the table.

Attilio Lombardo was able to name a strong XI, bolstered by Denis Suarez and Albert Rusnak, who both made returns to the starting line-up after their long injury lay-offs.

Karim Rekik was named on the substitute bench for the first-team's 3-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend and he returned to captain the Elite Development Squad.

Despite the game taking place at 2pm, it was a dark, dreary backdrop that greeted the visit of the Cottagers which made for a scrappy opening half in which the sides dug trenches and bedded in for a bruising midfield battle that Fulham gained the upper hand in after 17 minutes.

Tricky Fulham winger Charles Banya pitched a teasing ball into the penalty area and Eirik Johansen's punch dropped favourably for Ryan Williams to power home from 15 yards.

City responded well to the set-back and created chances to level, with Luca Scapuzzi assuming the role of architect for a flurry of opportunities on the half-hour mark.

First, Suarez was unable to turn his lay-off towards goal, with the ball drifting wide from a vicious strike, before Marcos Lopes tested Neil Etheridge in the Fulham goal.

Lombardo gambled at half-time, sacrificing Rusnak for striker Devante Cole who joined Scapuzzi upfront in the pursuit of an equaliser.

They didn't have to wait long as Evans arrived first onto a clearance from Etheridge and let fly from close to the half way line with a measured but powerful strike that crept into the far corner.

It was an audacious effort from the midfielder who was first to every ball in this encounter and showcased his supreme passing range in midfield.

It could  have got even better for City in the second half as Suarez, Ntcham and Drury terrorized the visitors with their pace and power but it was the totem of Scapuzzi that had the half's best opportunity, turning a Pozo shot onto the crossbar from close range with 10 minutes to go.

Lopes, Drury and Pozo had late half chances but a combination of good goalkeeping and misfortune kept honours even.

City EDS finish in sixth position and will start the second half of the season in Qualification Group Two.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/17/wigley-reaction


Wigley's Cup Reaction


Monday 17 December 2012 16:00


Steve Wigley praised his battling side after Fulham's Under-18s defeated Middlesbrough 6-4 after extra-time at Motspur Park in an incredible FA Youth Cup tie on Saturday.

The Whites were 3-1 up at one stage, only for the boys from Teeside to haul themselves back into the game, before taking the lead in extra-time, despite being down to 10 men.

Wigley's charges did not panic, though, and three strikes from Moussa Dembele, Cauley Woodrow and Muamer Tankovic assured them safe passage into the Fourth Round.

"We have played Middlesbrough three times this year and scored a lot of goals against them," Steve told fulhamfc.com. "But I always knew it would be a difficult game and, to be fair to Middlesbrough, they gave everything. They will have gone home on that coach knackered, because they put a shift in.

"We were 4-3 down and going into the last period, but we knew that we can always score. So I still had the belief and confidence that the lads would eventually work our way through, which is what happened in the end.

"It's a different competition [to the league] and you would like to go deep into it because it's an experience for the lads. Some of the lads always look at the FA Youth Cup before the year starts and, for the likes of Cauley, Stephen Arthurworrey, Josh Passley - people like that - it will be their last crack at it."

The Whites will now face a trip to Arsenal in the Fourth Round and Wigley knows his players will need no reminding how difficult that tie will be.

"We've got a tough draw at Arsenal in the next round," he admitted. "It's a great club, with a great tradition of producing young players. People like Steve Sidwell started at Arsenal and what a good career he's had. We'd be talking a long time if we wanted to list all that their academy has done.

"The players know that they'll have to be at their best. Maybe on Saturday we might have just been a bit too confident and it might have caught us out a little bit."

With the first part of the campaign reaching its conclusion on Wednesday (12pm) with a home fixture against leaders Chelsea, Steve is beginning to look ahead to the latter stages of the new league format with the Whites guaranteed a second-place finish in their group.

"We are waiting for our new fixtures now," he explained. "There were three separate divisions which were made up of all the clubs from around the country. One week you're up at Middlesbrough and Liverpool, the next week you might be playing somebody local.

"So what has happened now is the top two teams in the three groups, plus the two best third-placed teams, have all gone into what's classed as Group One; the elite group. Then the league is separated downwards from there. So we'll have a tough set of games after Christmas.

"They are the best set of games that are available, though, because we've achieved what we wanted to and the lads have put us in a nice position. As I've said before, it's not about winning leagues, but I do believe the more games you win, the more players improve as well."

[White Noise]

Arsenal clash with West Ham threatened after Tube drivers announce Boxing Day strike


By Laurie Whitwell

PUBLISHED:13:37, 17 December 2012| UPDATED:16:51, 17 December 2012

Comments (69)


Arsenal are set to postpone their Boxing Day clash with West Ham until the new year after the proposed London Underground strike was confirmed by the Aslef union.

The club will not officially call off the encounter until the industrial action by Tube drivers is ratified by authorities but it appears likely it will be 2013 before Sam Allardyce brings his team to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's 60,000-seater ground is five minutes' walk from Holloway Road station in north London, with Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Park also close by. Many fans use the service to get to games so a suspension would cause chaos if the match went ahead.



Boxing Day games under threat


Barclays Premier League  


Arsenal v West Ham

Fulham v Southampton

nPower Championship

Charlton v Ipswich

nPower League One


Leyton Orient v Swindon

nPower League Two


Dagenham and Redbridge v Southend


A strike by Tube drivers last year forced Arsenal to delay their Boxing Day match with Wolves by 24 hours but they cannot do the same this year as they have a game against Newcastle on December 29. Twelve months ago the club cited the 'duty of care' they had to both sets of supporters and staff.

A midweek evening in January seems the likeliest date for re-staging but neighbours Tottenham Hotspur and the FA Cup are also factors to be considered.

QPR's match with West Brom will kick off at 3pm as planned after the club held a meeting this afternoon to discuss the matter.

Loftus Road is close to three Tube stations and fans are often reliant on the service but a statement on Ranger's website read: 'Supporters are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to and from Loftus Road.

'Buses will be running on the usual Sunday/Bank Holiday service on the day of the fixture, whilst parking in the borough will be free.

'Supporters who are unable to attend the fixture owing to the Tube strikes will be entitled to a full refund.'

Fulham will wait for official confirmation of the Tube strike before deciding if any action needs to be taken over their Boxing Day match with Southampton at Craven Cottage.

A club spokesman said: 'We are monitoring situation and putting contingency in place but remain fully committed to the game going ahead as scheduled.'

Fulham play Swansea three days later.

Charlton are the only Championship side hosting a Boxing Day fixture in the capital but it is understood their match with Ipswich should not be too badly disrupted and will go ahead. Most home fans travel in from Kent rather than central London.

The announcement by Aslef means London Underground drivers are on course to walk out on Boxing Day, as well as January 18 and 25 in a row over bank holiday pay. It will be the third successive Christmas walkout by Tube drivers.

The move was announced after Aslef members voted by 9-1 in favour of strikes. A spokesman said: 'The ballot result shows the strength of feeling that remains on this issue.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2249424/Tube-strike-threatens-cause-Boxing-Day-chaos-football-fans.html#ixzz2FO4xbiXb

[White Noise]

Champions City plan standing trial as campaign for terracing return gathers momentum



By Paul Collins


PUBLISHED:11:42, 17 December 2012| UPDATED:13:29, 17 December 2012

Comments (33)


Manchester City want to spearhead the campaign to bring safe standing to the Premier League.

The champions are planning to trial a return to terracing but need the backing of the Football Association.

Aston Villa and West Ham are the only other top-flight clubs to openly back the initiative.

'Manchester City Football Club is supportive of initiatives to enhance safely, our fans' matchday experience if supported by the appropriate football authorities,' a spokesman told the Manchester Evening News.

Standing was banned in the top two divisions following the Taylor Report into the Hillsborough Disaster.

A total of 96 Liverpool fans were killed in 1989 but the Hillsborough Independent Panel recently placed the blame for the tragedy at the door of South Yorkshire Police.

That was a boost to the campaign to bring safe standing back to the Premier League.

National fans group the Football Supporters Federation believe the introduction of 'rail seat' zones, which are present in Germany's Bundesliga, would improve the atmosphere in English grounds.

They took their campaign to Parliament earlier this month and were backed by 13 clubs, including Villa.

But City's bitter rivals Manchester United oppose the idea.

A source told the MEN that OId Trafford would be 'incapable' of supporting standing sections.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2249342/Manchester-City-want-trial-standing-area.html#ixzz2FO5yOFyx

[White Noise]

Kelly demands immediate response from Fulham


The 29-year-old defender has urged his side to quickly bounce back from their defeat to west London rivals QPR when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday


17 Dec 2012 20:53:00





By Matthew Smith


Fulham defender Stephen Kelly has called on his side to atone for their west London derby defeat to QPR when they take on Liverpool.

The Rs earned their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Martin Jol's men at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

And the Irishman expressed disappointment at his side's lacklustre performance against their rivals before insisting upon an instant improvement.

"In the first half we never got ourselves into it," Kelly told the club's official website.

"We seemed to be on the back foot and never got going. They came at us and we didn't have anything to counter that.

"We got a goal towards the end we were pushing and pushing but it never came. Overall, we're disappointed for everyone.

"Come here, with it being a derby and being big rivals, we wanted to give the fans something to cheer like last season when we won here.

"They came out in their droves on Saturday and it's a shame we couldn't give something back to them. We've got to pick ourselves up and go on from there.

"It is something we have to learn from and look ahead to the next game. We've got a big match at Liverpool on Saturday. It's a tough place to go but we did well there last year."

[White Noise]

Bouazza hit by own fans


Published: 7 hrs ago



EX-FULHAM ace Hameur Bouazza has been beaten up by his own club's fans.

The Algeria winger, 27, who had top-flight spells with Watford and the Cottagers, now plays for Racing Santander in Spain.

He was followed home after the second division side's 1-0 weekend loss to Sabadell and attacked by hooded thugs.

Bouazza said: "It was an ambush.

"The fans are unhappy as we have not stopped losing recently.

"They think we are going to be relegated once again. But we have time to escape."


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4702921/Hameur-Bouazza-beaten-up-by-own-fans.html#ixzz2FO7J4w38

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/18/u18s-highlights


U18s 6-4 Middlesbrough (AET)


Tuesday 18 December 2012 09:00


Watch the goals as our U18s made a sensational comeback in extra-time to triumph in a 10-goal FA Youth Cup thriller.

Fulham U18s 6-4 Middlesbrough U18s (AET) - FA Youth Cup 3rd Round

Fulham's Under-18s booked their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup after a crazy 10-goal thriller with Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon eventually saw the Whites triumph 6-4 after extra-time.

Postponed from Thursday due to a frozen pitch, Middlesbrough went in front through Matty Elsdon, but Fulham levelled through Emerson Hyndman.

The Whites then went in front thanks to George Williams and they led 3-1 when Cauley Woodrow scored from the penalty spot.

Boro missed a chance to reduce the deficit when Max Oberschmidt saved Jimmy Warnett's penalty. But the North-East outfit did make it 3-2 when Jordan Jones scored.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Robbie Tinkler received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. But, despite their numerical disadvantage, they made it 3-3 when Jones curled home a free-kick for his second of the game to take the tie to extra-time.

Boro completed their remarkable turnaround when Scott McCarthy put them in front but Moussa Dembele, Woodrow and Maumer Tankovic found the net for the Whites to seal a remarkable win for Steve Wigley's side.

The victory means Fulham will face London rivals Arsenal in the Fourth Round of the competition.

[White Noise]

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-17619232-detail/story.html


Relieved David Stockdale to extend Hull City stay?


Tuesday, December 18, 2012


Hull Daily Mail


By Philip Buckingham


HULL City goalkeeper David Stockdale says it is a "relief" to be playing first-team football again after a frustrating time at Fulham.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who joined the Tigers on loan initially until January, has been thrust straight into the team by manager Steve Bruce after a dip in confidence and form by fellow loan signing Ben Amos.

Featuring in City's last five games, the shot-stopper's stock has continued to rise with a number of assured displays, culminating in his second clean sheet in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Without a first team appearance at Fulham for 10 months, Stockdale jumped at the opportunity to come to the KC and has pledged to maintain his form for as long as his deal lasts.

He told the Mail: "It's just a relief, to be honest, to be playing again. I'll try and play well and keep it going up to that Blackpool game.

"It's one of the worst positions. You don't come into football just to pick up money – I didn't anyway. It's not about money for me. It's about playing.

"I was knocking on Martin Jol's door every other week, not because Mark Schwarzer was playing bad, just because I want to play football.

"There's only so much you can do and he agreed to let me come out here."

Initially on loan from the west London side until January 1, City are keen to keep hold of Stockdale until the end of the season, a deal which has now been given the green light by Fulham manager Martin Jol.

With Schwarzer firmly installed as his preferred choice, the Dutch boss has told Stockdale he will be allowed to stay at City as long as his number one avoids injury.

"As long as Mark is fit he will stay there," said Jol.

"We have a recall clause and if necessary we will get him back. If not, then he will stay there."

[White Noise]

http://www.eplindex.com/23572/premier-leagues-top-goal-scorers-shots-per-goal-analysis.html

[alfie]

Arsenal clash with West Ham threatened after Tube drivers announce Boxing Day strike


By Laurie Whitwell

PUBLISHED:13:37, 17 December 2012| UPDATED:16:51, 17 December 2012

Comments (69)


Arsenal are set to postpone their Boxing Day clash with West Ham until the new year after the proposed London Underground strike was confirmed by the Aslef union.

The club will not officially call off the encounter until the industrial action by Tube drivers is ratified by authorities but it appears likely it will be 2013 before Sam Allardyce brings his team to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's 60,000-seater ground is five minutes' walk from Holloway Road station in north London, with Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Park also close by. Many fans use the service to get to games so a suspension would cause chaos if the match went ahead.



Boxing Day games under threat


Barclays Premier League  


Arsenal v West Ham

Fulham v Southampton

nPower Championship

Charlton v Ipswich

nPower League One


Leyton Orient v Swindon

nPower League Two


Dagenham and Redbridge v Southend


A strike by Tube drivers last year forced Arsenal to delay their Boxing Day match with Wolves by 24 hours but they cannot do the same this year as they have a game against Newcastle on December 29. Twelve months ago the club cited the 'duty of care' they had to both sets of supporters and staff.

A midweek evening in January seems the likeliest date for re-staging but neighbours Tottenham Hotspur and the FA Cup are also factors to be considered.

QPR's match with West Brom will kick off at 3pm as planned after the club held a meeting this afternoon to discuss the matter.

Loftus Road is close to three Tube stations and fans are often reliant on the service but a statement on Ranger's website read: 'Supporters are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to and from Loftus Road.

'Buses will be running on the usual Sunday/Bank Holiday service on the day of the fixture, whilst parking in the borough will be free.

'Supporters who are unable to attend the fixture owing to the Tube strikes will be entitled to a full refund.'

Fulham will wait for official confirmation of the Tube strike before deciding if any action needs to be taken over their Boxing Day match with Southampton at Craven Cottage.

A club spokesman said: 'We are monitoring situation and putting contingency in place but remain fully committed to the game going ahead as scheduled.'

Fulham play Swansea three days later.

Charlton are the only Championship side hosting a Boxing Day fixture in the capital but it is understood their match with Ipswich should not be too badly disrupted and will go ahead. Most home fans travel in from Kent rather than central London.

The announcement by Aslef means London Underground drivers are on course to walk out on Boxing Day, as well as January 18 and 25 in a row over bank holiday pay. It will be the third successive Christmas walkout by Tube drivers.

The move was announced after Aslef members voted by 9-1 in favour of strikes. A spokesman said: 'The ballot result shows the strength of feeling that remains on this issue.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2249424/Tube-strike-threatens-cause-Boxing-Day-chaos-football-fans.html#ixzz2FO4xbiXb

i think the ballot shows a sense of greed, i would have assumed that bank holiday payrates had already been discussed when they put in their annual pay claims.

[White Noise]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/8341624


Molde yet to receive an offer for Premier League target Vegard Forren


By Kent Hedlundh.   


Last Updated: December 18, 2012 4:54pm



Vegard Forren: Linked with a move to the Premier League in January

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he expects a lot of interest in Vegard Forren during the transfer window, but says there have not yet been any bids.

The Norway defender has impressed for both club and country in 2012 and reports have suggested he could soon be heading to the Premier League.

Everton manager David Moyes has been to watch him in action, while Manchester United and Fulham have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

However, Solskjaer has warned that Molde are under no pressure to sell and will demand a good price for the centre-back.

"We haven't received any offer for Vegard." Solskjaer told Romsdals Budstikke.

"But there are many who have enquired about Vegard. I am expecting that we might receive an offer in January.

"Either we get good offers for Vegard when the transfer window opens or we will be happy to keep him in Molde.

"We are not depending on player sales for financial reasons."

Solskjaer also confirmed that Molde had rebuffed an offer for one of the other players at the club.

He said: "We have received one offer from a foreign club for one of our players, but it is not interesting for either the player or MFK."

[White Noise]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11714/8341475


David Stockdale has spoken of his "relief" at playing regular first-team football


Last Updated: December 18, 2012 3:44pm



David Stockdale: Playing regular football


Hull goalkeeper David Stockdale has spoken of his "relief" at playing regular first-team football again.

The 27-year-old, who is on loan with the Tigers until January, had not made an appearance for Fulham for over 10 months before moving to the KC Stadium.

But Stockdale has been a key player in City's rise up the Championship keeping two clean sheets in his last four appearances as Steve Bruce's side have climbed up to fourth.

"It's just a relief, to be honest, to be playing again. I'll try and play well and keep it going up to that Blackpool game," he told the Hull Daily Mail.

"It's one of the worst positions. You don't come into football just to pick up money - I didn't anyway. It's not about money for me. It's about playing.

"I was knocking on Martin Jol's door every other week, not because Mark Schwarzer was playing badly, just because I want to play football. There's only so much you can do and he agreed to let me come out here."

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2012/12/18/82029-32452030/


'Murdered man' was Fulham FC fan and regular at Craven Cottage


By Adam Courtney


Dec 18 2012



A murder took place at 67 Talgarth Road, Hammersmith


THE man found murdered in a West Kensington hostel last week was a Fulham fan and a regular at Craven Cottage.

David Remmer, 35, who was believed to have been a father of two, was found dead at the hostel for the homeless in Talgarth Road, West Kensington, last Thursday. A post mortem examination is still going on but police believe he was stabbed.

Tributes were paid to him on fan sites. One man wrote on friendsoffulham.com: "Dave was a regular Fulham goer and one of the louder characters at the back of the Hammersmith End. I'd known Dave for 20-odd years, although we were no longer close friends. He was only 35 and leaves two children behind."

The hostel at which Mr Remmer was staying is run by Hestia Housing, which provides accommodation for the homeless, in conjunction with Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Both declined to comment on the incident.

A spokeswoman for London Ambulance said: "We were called to an incident at an address in Talgarth Road. We sent two single responder cars to the patient, a man in his 30s, but he was dead at the scene."

There have so far been no arrests.

Neighbours said the area is beset by social problems including drug taking and antisocial behaviour. One, who didn't want to be named, said: "There has been lots of threatening behaviour on this street, particularly down the West Kensington side. There is always a group of people hanging around intimidating me as I walk past, shouting things like 'what are you looking at' and I have seen them passing things to each other.

"There always seems to be arguments going on around the street, I've seen several fights. Some of the people have a really aggressive attitude. The police must be aware of it but they choose to do nothing.

"I have lived here for 17 years but I do not feel safe anymore at all. In January my house was broken into and burgled while I was away and the police did nothing about it. I am thinking of moving out of London."


Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2012/12/18/82029-32452030/#ixzz2FRPrfdcA

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Arsenal in talks with Premier League to postpone West Ham game until 2013 as Tube drivers announce Boxing Day strike


By Laurie Whitwell

PUBLISHED:15:12, 18 December 2012| UPDATED:15:38, 18 December 2012

Comments (6)


Arsenal are locked in talks with the Premier League over postponing their Christmas clash with West Ham after Tube workers announced they would strike on Boxing Day.

A club statement issued today read: 'Arsenal Football Club is currently in discussions with the Premier League, West Ham United, police and relevant authorities over the possible postponement of the Boxing Day fixture at Emirates Stadium, following the announcement that London Underground drivers plan industrial action on that day.

'The match is in doubt due to the difficulties of getting 60,000 supporters, plus matchday staff and employees to the stadium safely in the advent of disruption to public transport on a public holiday.

'The Club will make a further announcement as soon as a final decision is made.'

Although Arsenal have not made a final decision on whether to call off proceedings, it seems likely that Sam Allardyce will have to wait until the New Year to take his side to the Emirates.

Arsenal's 60,000-seater ground is five minutes' walk from Holloway Road station in north London, with Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Park also close by.

Many fans use the service to get to games so a suspension would cause chaos if the match went ahead.

A strike by Tube drivers last year forced Arsenal to delay their Boxing Day match with Wolves by 24 hours but they cannot do the same this year as they have a game against Newcastle on December 29.

Twelve months ago the club cited the 'duty of care' they had to both sets of supporters and staff.

A midweek evening in January seems the likeliest date for re-staging but neighbours Tottenham Hotspur and the FA Cup are also factors to be considered.

QPR's match with West Brom will kick off at 3pm as planned after the club held a meeting this afternoon to discuss the matter.

Loftus Road is close to three Tube stations and fans are often reliant on the service but a statement on Ranger's website read: 'Supporters are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to and from Loftus Road.

'Buses will be running on the usual Sunday/Bank Holiday service on the day of the fixture, whilst parking in the borough will be free.

'Supporters who are unable to attend the fixture owing to the Tube strikes will be entitled to a full refund.'

Fulham will wait for official confirmation of the Tube strike before deciding if any action needs to be taken over their Boxing Day match with Southampton at Craven Cottage.

A club spokesman said: 'We are monitoring situation and putting contingency in place but remain fully committed to the game going ahead as scheduled.'
Fulham play Swansea three days later.

Charlton are the only Championship side hosting a Boxing Day fixture in the capital but it is understood their match with Ipswich should not be too badly disrupted and will go ahead. Most home fans travel in from Kent rather than central London.

The announcement by Aslef means London Underground drivers are on course to walk out on Boxing Day, as well as January 18 and 25 in a row over bank holiday pay. It will be the third successive Christmas walkout by Tube drivers.

The move was announced after Aslef members voted by 9-1 in favour of strikes. A spokesman said: 'The ballot result shows the strength of feeling that remains on this issue.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2250035/London-Tube-strike-Arsenal-v-West-Ham-Boxing-Day-game-off.html#ixzz2FRR9P3yO

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Bees boss plays down Forrester reports



Dec 17 2012 By Jacob Murtagh


UWE Rosler insists Brentford have had no enquiries about in-form winger Harry Forrester as speculation about his future increases.

The 21-year-old has bagged seven goals in 25 games for the Bees this season, but is in the final year of his contract at Griffin Park.

Brentford begun negotiations to tie Forrester to a long-term deal at the beginning of October, but the former Aston Villa youngster has so far failed to put pen to paper.

Villa are reported to be preparing a £300,000 January bid to bring the midfielder back to the Midlands just 18 months after he quit the club, while Fulham, Wigan, Southampton, Reading and Celtic have also been linked.

However, Bees boss Rosler insists there has been no contact and is fighting to keep him in TW8.

He said: "We are fighting tooth and nail to keep Harry at the club.

"We have spoken to him on several occasions and the owner [Matthew Benham] has also had a meeting with him.

"But at the moment Harry has not signed the contract extension on offer, despite the club's best efforts.

"His agent seems to be very active, but we haven't received any enquiries for him.

"We're still hopeful of being able to secure the player."