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Wednesday Fulham Stuff(05/06/13)...

Started by WhiteJC, June 05, 2013, 04:29:02 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Philippine Azkals triumph in Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was in imperious form as the Philippine Azkals defeated Hong Kong for the first time in history in their friendly match at the Mong Kok Stadium Tuesday night.

James Younghusband scored the winning goal for the Philippines but Etheridge pulled off several stunning saves in the second half to deny goals for the former Crown colony.

Before Tuesday's match, the Philippines had not beaten Hong Kong in 6 previous FIFA-sanctioned meetings.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss deployed a strong starting line-up consisting of Etheridge, skipper Chieffy Caligdong, brothers James and Phil Younghusband, Stephan Schröck, Chris Greatwich, Rob Gier, Jeffrey Christiaens, Carli De Murga, Paul Mulders, and Juani Guirado.

With Schröck pulling the strings in midfield, the Azkals established a foothold early in the match.

Hong Kong's early attacks were tentative, with Fulham's Etheridge and the Philippines' back 4 keeping the hosts at bay.

The Azkals broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when James Younghusband scored with a header.

Hong Kong tried to look for an equalizer, with their best attempt coming in the 69th minute when they were given a penalty for a foul by Guirado inside the box.

Etheridge, the man of the match, saved the penalty shot.

He was cat-quick in the dying minutes of the match, when he parried attempt after attempt by Hong Kong's players.

The match was a fiesty affair, complete with flying tackles, yellow cards, and a head butt by a Hong Kong player on Greatwich that escaped the referee's attention.

Hong Kong had 18 shots, with 7 on target. The Philippines had 7 shots, with only 2 on target.

One of those shots, Younghusband's header, proved to be the difference in the match.



http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/06/04/13/philippine-azkals-triumph-hong-kong?

WhiteJC

 
Tottenham Declare Interest In Kacaniklic
by LRCN on JUNE 4, 2013



Young winger Alex Kacaniklic enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season with Fulham during the last campaign, scoring four times and appearing in more than half of Fulham's Premier League games, but this hasn't gone unnoticed as Tottenham Hotspur become the first club to declare their interest in the 21-year old. The North Londoners sent their top scout to watch Kacaniklic play and score for his native Sweden during the recent international period, with his agent quoted as telling Swedish press

I know that Tottenham were at the game and looked at Alex, and I talked to their representative who was in attendance. Obviously Alexander interests many clubs, as he continues to perform well in international games and in the Premier League.

On his international performances, PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimovich said

We found each other well and created a goal, even if we could have scored a couple more. He hasn't played many international games, but he's doing well.

Losing Kacaniklic would be a huge blow to Fulham and their policy of bringing through youth, as the former Liverpool youth team player looked set to play an important role next season. With the past history of transfers between Tottenham and Fulham, it does not seem beyond the realms of possibility – although quite what role 'Kaca', as he is known by fans, will play in Tottenham's first team is unknown.

LRCN



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/06/tottenham-declare-interest-in-kacaniklic/?

WhiteJC

 
Etheridge Stands Firm

Neil Etheridge helped the Philippines to pick up their first win over Hong Kong in a friendly on Tuesday by saving a penalty.

The Azkals went ahead as James Younghusband scored a header from Stephan Shrock's cross in the 33rd minute and it stayed that way until half-time as Etheridge stood firm in the face of some strong Hong Kong pressure.

After the break, Hong Kong continued to press and had a great chance to equalise from the spot in the 67th minute. Juani Guirado was booked for a foul in the box, but the visitors breathed a sigh of relief as our goalkeeper pulled off a fine save from Chan Siu Ki with his feet - before hacking the rebound clear - to ensure that the Philippines stayed on top.

With the clock ticking down, Etheridge was called into action twice in the last few minutes, but was able to keep out the attacks to ensure a clean sheet and an historic 1-0 win for his side.

Elsewhere, on loan defender Stanislav Manolev played as Bulgaria continued their fine form on their Asian tour as they won 2-1 in a friendly match against Kazakhstan at the Almaty Arena stadium.

After a goalless first half, Bulgarian Georgi Iliev open the scoring in the 57th minute and defender Ivan Ivanov doubled the lead just three minutes later. Kazakhstan's Dmitriy Shomko got one back for the home side, but it was not enough to seal a draw.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/04/etheridge-stands-firm?


WhiteJC

 
Fulham Complete Capture Of Roma Star

According to the player himself, Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's future lies with Premier League outfit Fulham.

Although the deal has not been confirmed as official by either club, the Dutchman took to his Twitter page to reveal that a deal is done.

He tweeted from his page: "It is official, next season I will be a goalkeeper of Fulham FC."

The former Ajax net-minder has endured a turbulent time with the Giallorossi throughout his two years there having been hung out to dry for some high-profile errors.

He was due to sign for the Cottagers in January on transfer deadline day but the move could not be forced through in time.



http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/06/fulham-complete-capture-of-roma-star/?

WhiteJC

 
Alexander Kacaniklic disappointed with Fulham finish

Fulham midfielder Alexander Kacaniklic has admitted that the club should have finished higher in the Premier League table last season.

The Cottagers ended the campaign in 12th place after six defeats in their final eight matches.

"At times I thought we could go on and finish in a very good position, but for whatever reason, it wasn't to be," Kacaniklic told the club's official website.

"It was a disappointing way to end the season as, traditionally, we're a side that finishes campaigns strongly."

Kacaniklic scored four goals in 30 appearances for Fulham last term.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/kacaniklic-disappointed-with-fulham-finish_87548.html

WhiteJC

 
Our buddy John Pantsil endorses Derek Boateng

White-for-life John Pantsil and fellow Ghana international has given Fulham the thumbs-up for signing Derek Boateng.

Pantsil told Ghanasoccernet.com, "It is a great move and Fulham is a good team and especially when an African player moves there, they really take good care of the player. There he will get much playing time which will help him and the national team, with the exposure and experience he will succeed."

While I'm sure Pantsil is a tad biased, it's good to hear from someone who plays with him that he believes the player will help

It's also really good to hear that the club welcomes not just African players but foreign players in general with open arms and former players felt comfortable in the environment.

Boateng signed for Fulham on a free transfer May 22 of this year, and will help boost a weakened Fulham midfield that was exposed in the final third of the Premier League season.

Boateng has been capped 32 times for Ghana since 1999, while Pantsil has seen the national squad 62 times since his first cap in 2001.

The two most recently helped Ghana to the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations before losing to Burkina Faso on penalties.



http://fulhamsfinest.com/2013/06/04/our-buddy-john-pantsil-endorses-derek-boateng/?


WhiteJC

 
Azkals beat Hong Kong for the first time, behind mammoth Neil Etheridge performance

Hong Kong became the latest name on a growing list of nations the Philippines has finally defeated under manager Dan Palami and coach Michael Weiss, as the Azkals edged out the home team, 1-0, on Tuesday, at the Mong Kok Stadium in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

James Younghusband scored the lone goal in the 33rd minute, climbing above his man to reach the ball after a defensive error. Hong Kong had a penalty in the second, but top scorer Chan Siu Ki opted to pass the ball down the middle and Neil Etheridge stopped it with his legs.

Etheridge made another good save later on, from a flicked-on header on a corner, before saving once more from Chan Siu Ki, as Hong Kong opened up the Philippines, but the Fulham goalkeeper spread himself big to block the poked effort from point-blank range.

It was a solid performance overall for the Azkals in difficult rainy conditions, and now they have recorded their first-ever win over Hong Kong.

First half

Both teams started the match at a fast tempo, pushing hard and high, passing and moving without the ball. For the opening skirmishes though, the teams largely canceled each other out.

The best chance of the early stages came when Stephan Schrock tried a cheeky effort from just outside the area, making the ball bounce on the wet surface right in front of the keeper to force an awkward stop from young Chinese Super League goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai.

The Azkals then countered as Jeffrey Christiaens drove forward with the ball and found Schrock. With Christiaens bursting down the center to Schrock's right, the Bundesliga midfielder took the ball outside the last defender and tried to chip into the middle to find Christiaens, but the cross was just too high.

It looked as if Hong Kong had avoided the danger even though the Philippines won back possession, and Schrock curled in a cross from the left. But with a poor touch to clear the ball away, Chan Wai Ho, Hong Kong's captain, spooned the ball up in the air and James Younghusband stole in to jump over his marker and head towards goal.

The ball creeped into the corner, despite Yapp at full stretch, as the older Younghusband scored his eighth international goal for the Philippines in the 33rd minute.

Hong Kong was then forced into an early substitution as Chu Siu Kei came out limping, replaced by Lam Ka Wai. Then, Neil Etheridge wasn't certain a cross-shot wasn't creeping in. The keeper dove at full stretch to tip it away from goal and Carli De Murga swept up to clear the ball out for a corner.

From the corner, the Hong Kong captain Chan got up amongst the crowd to glance a header just wide of the goal, sending a warning shot to the Azkals defense in the 38th minute.

Second half

Hong Kong pressed forward, and a decent cross found Chan Siu Ki in the 52nd minute but his header bounced wide. The home team then made a double substitution with Lee Wai Lim and Jaimes McKee replacing Lee Hong Lim and Chan Mai Fai to keep legs fresh. After Schrock chipped the ball over in the 64th minute, Hong Kong made their fourth substitution, with Lo Kwan Yee on for Kwok Kin Pong.

Hong Kong then won a penalty. Juani Guirado seemed to slide for an age while catching his man in the pouring rain in the 67th minute, and the Hong Kong attacker smartly went down.

Before Chan Siu Ki took the penalty, OJ Porteria came on for Rob Gier as a striker replaced a central defender, while the Philippines' captain's armband was handed to a third player in the match. Chan decided to pass the penalty down the middle, and though Neil Etheridge dove to his right, he managed to get a foot to the ball. With the ball bobbling, Etheridge was quick to kick it clear, as he kept the Azkals ahead with his second penalty save- the first coming against North Korea in the 2012 Challenge Cup.

Marwin Angeles came on in the 70th minute for Paul Mulders, while Wong Wai replaced Leung Chun Ping for Hong Kong later. Chan Man Fai earned the next booking for dangerously sliding in on Schrock from behind, while luckily avoiding punishment for a short headbutt that missed Chris Greatwich.

Hong Kong almost equalized when Lam Ka Wai curled in a corner at the near post in the 85th minute, and a glanced header almost snuck in until an alert Etheridge reacted quickly. Cheung Kin Fung struck a free kick around the wall but into Etheridge's hands.

Hong Kong got their best chance against the Azkals from open play. Lee Hong Lim split two defenders to feed his teammate, whose low cross to the backpost went behind the Azkals' line. Chan Siu Ki was onto it and poked towards goal, but Etheridge pulled off another fantastic stop from point-blank range as he underlined a man of the match performance.

If there was any doubt that Neil Etheridge was not the Philippines' number one keeper, it was erased with this performance, stopping all of Hong Kong's seven shots on target from eighteen total, compared to the Philippines' seven shots and two on target.

Into injury time, Lexton Moy made a cameo appearance, having replacing Javier Patino in the line-up, as the latter wasn't released by his Thai club Buriram United.

What's next for the Philippines?

It was a good victory away from home for the Philippines. The Azkals will be applauded, as Neil Etheridge and Stephan Schrock stood out. Fans would have wanted to see Manny and Mike Ott brought on though, as they traveled from Germany.

The Azkals have a friendly with India scheduled on September 6 next, though there are more FIFA international dates in between, with time to prepare for the SEA Games at the end of 2013 and the 2014 Challenge Cup next March.

The Peace Cup will likely be repeated, too. But for now, the team can rest on their fourth straight win in 2013 and their fourth straight clean sheet – with clinical finishing and great goalkeeping spelling the difference between the sides. - RAF, GMA News



http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/311409/sports/football/azkals-beat-hong-kong-for-the-first-time-behind-mammoth-neil-etheridge-performance?

WhiteJC

 
Omri Excited

Young Fulham prospect Omri Altman will be in action in this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship and it's all the more special for the forward as it will be held in his native Israel.

Altman joined the Club in the summer of 2011 and was a key performer in the Under-21s squad last season. The Whites missed out on the Play-Offs in Group One of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League, but the Israeli won't be resting his legs this summer as he'll be called into action for his national team – an honour he's very much looking forward to.

"It's very big for me," told the official website. "The tournament is very good and a lot of people come to watch, so it's good for every player who's going to play. I'll play against England as well so that will be fun and I hope it will be good."

Israel's senior team are ranked 59th in the world by FIFA, but the football-mad country is on tenterhooks ahead of the summertournament and Altman admits he has been blown away by the passion of the home support so far.

"It's the first time that Israel have got a tournament like this," he said. "Everyone in the whole country is so excited about it and they are talking about it all the time. Everyone just wants it to be good and I'm sure it will be.

"The fans are so passionate about football and about the national team. They really want us to do well and succeed. Every week I get calls and messages from people in Israel who are so excited and just waiting for this tournament to arrive."

Israel have been drawn in Group A alongside England, Italy and Norway and, although his country face a tough task against some of Europe's big guns, Altman knows it's a competition that has launched the careers of some of the best in the world – the likes of Luis Figo [1994], Andrea Pirlo [2000] and Juan Mata [2011] have been named the tournament's Golden Player in the past.

"We're the underdogs, for sure," he added. "But you never know and we feel like we can do it. The Israel manager will be watching and I'm sure some people at the Club will be watching me as well so it can be a great step for me."

Altman is certainly hoping to use the tournament to prove himself ready to figure in Manager Martin Jol's plans for next season.

"The second half of the season was very good for me, I think. And for the team as well," he said. "My development here has been great and I love to come here every morning and train with my teammates. I just hope that I can make the breakthrough into the First Team next season."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/05/omri-excited?

WhiteJC

 
Season Review: August

The 2012/13 season began well as the first home game at Craven Cottage also brought about the biggest win of the campaign. An impressive 5-0 defeat of Norwich City gave fans the chance to see the Whites attack in full flow and the players almost pulled off a shock at Old Trafford in the next game as they went 1-0 up inside three minutes, before falling 3-2 to the eventual champions.

Having expended a lot of energy against United, some tired legs at the end of August then saw the end of our Capital One Cup hopes as npower Championship side Sheffield Wednesday knocked us out in the Second Round thanks to a Gary Madine penalty.

And, while the end of the summer transfer window saw some Fulham favourites depart, there were also some arrivals as Dimitar Berbatov, Ashkan Dejagah and Kieran Richardson came in during a frenetic final few days to boost the squad.

Fulham 5-0 Norwich City – 18.08.2013
- Watch Highlights here

It was a baptism of firepower for Norwich manager Chris Hughton, as the Whites began the season in white-hot form. The game started well as John Arne-Riise picked out Damien Duff with a wonderful long ball and the Irishman controlled it well in the area to slot into the bottom corner in the 26th minute. Mladen Petrić then bagged his first goal for the Club since joining in the summer as he headed home a corner just before the break and he picked up his second on 54 minutes courtesy of a long-range deflected shot. Young winger Alexander Kačaniklić got himself on the scoresheet eight minutes later after a nice passing move saw him put through on goal from Petric's flick and the fifth was sealed from the spot as Steve Sidwell converted following a foul on Hugo Rodallega. Top of the league!

Manchester United 3-2 Fulham – 25.08.2013
- Watch Highlights here

Full of confidence going up to Manchester, the Whites started as they had finished at the Cottage. Petrić fooled Michael Carrick into a foul on the edge of the box inside three minutes and a well-worked training ground move saw Duff finish off Bryan Ruiz's low cross. However, a 10th-minute stunner from Robin van Persie got United back into the game and Shinji Kagawa beat the offside trap to slot home a rebound to put them ahead. Then it was 3-1 before half-time as Rafael appeared at the far post to head home. Fulham showed some fight and, after Petrić had hit the bar following a stunning save from David De Gea, Matthew Briggs' cross was bundled into his own net by Nemanja Vidic. It was not be, though, and we dropped to sixth after our brief exploits at the top.

Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Fulham – 28.08.2013

Our efforts in the Capital One Cup ended before they had really begun - in the Second Round - as we fell to a 1-0 away defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. On 50 minutes, Stephen Kelly was adjudged to have fouled Chris Maguire inside the box and Madine sent Mark Schwarzer the wrong way to seal the win. But we were unlucky not to equalise as Brede Hangeland had what looked to be a fine goal disallowed by the assistant's flag 10 minutes later.

Extra-Time

Duff announced his international retirement after 14 years of representing the Republic of Ireland. The winger made his debut in 1998 and won 100 caps to become the fifth most capped Irish player of all time.
Emerson Hyndman's hat-trick, plus Cauley Woodrow (2), Lyle Della Verde and Moussa Dembele earned our Under-18s a fine 7-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The final few days of the transfer window saw the departures of Rafik Halliche, Danny Hoesen, Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.
However, Berbatov arrived in style from Manchester United, Dejagah signed from Wolfsburg and Richardson joined from Sunderland.

Buy the official Fulham 2012/13 season review DVD from the Club shop here.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/05/season-review-august?


WhiteJC

 
Cottagers on alert as Vydra seeks move

Reported Fulham target Matej Vydra has his sights set on a move to the Premier League, according to his agent Ondrej Chovanec.

Vydra spent last season on loan at Watford in the Championship from Italian side Udinese but is reluctant to return to the Hornets for another campaign in the second tier next season.

Udinese and Watford are both owned by the Pozzo family, who are keen to send Vydra back to Vicarage Road next season.

However, Chovanec claims the 22-year-old has no interest in playing in the Championship next season and believes a summer transfer is an option for the Czech international.

"I can't imagine him playing Championship again right now," Chovanec told the Evening Standard. "We discussed it with the boy and he would like to play with the top players on the top level.

It's difficult because he was very happy at Watford, but if you get the opportunity to play Premier League or German Bundesliga would you say no? "He is the number one Czech international striker and he would like to play the same level competition as [Chelsea keeper ]Petr Cech is doing."

Fulham have been tipped to make a move for the striker as boss Martin Jol is keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2013-14 campaign to ease the pressure on Dimitar Berbatov.

Chovanec claims the Pozzo family will be willing to discuss a potential transfer as long as an acceptable bid is received, although the Cottagers could face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Spurs if reports are to be believed.

"They would like him to go back to Watford next season because they want to make the team strong and they want to finish the job," added Chovanec.

"The Pozzos are always saying if the player wants to leave and the offer is good enough then let's discuss.

At the moment he would like to play in the highest league. He had two or three proposals from Premier League clubs in January and he has had fresh proposals."



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-on-alert-as-vydra-seeks-move-1596951.html?

WhiteJC

 
Trouble For Tank

Young Fulham prospect Muamer Tankovic was unable to help Sweden to overcome France in the UEFA Under-19 European Championships on Wednesday.

Tankovic started up front for the Swedes and played 87 minutes in the first Elite Group One match in Lindabrunn, Austria, but was powerless to do anything about an eighth-minute opener from Stade Rennes' Adrien Hunou.

The French eased into half-time without too much trouble and then doubled their lead shortly after as Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot struck in the 56th minute.

Sweden pushed to try and get back into the game, but Hunou netted his second in the 77th minute to condemn Tankovic's side to a 3-0 defeat that leaves them bottom of the group.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/05/trouble-for-tank?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's Football Club stadium expansion throws sailing clubs' future into doubt

The future of two historic sailing clubs is in doubt if Fulham Football Club's stadium expansion goes ahead - because the change in tide could turn races into a "frustrating lottery".

Members of Ranelagh and South Bank sailing clubs, both located in Putney Embankment, fear the changes in wind conditions created by the construction will mean they can no longer race.

The football club was granted planning permission last year to redevelop the riverside stand at its Craven Cottage stadium, in Stevenage Road, Fulham.

It includes plans to extend the ground's capacity to 30,000 while opening the riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith.

The extended stand will encroach into the river by 11m, causing the strength of the breeze to reduce and make sailing difficult.

When permission was first granted Fulham agreed to pay South Bank to make improvements in order to secure members.

However, when discussions broke down the money was withdrawn, with both clubs fearing they will lose members.

Allan Munro-Faure, commodore of South Bank sailing club, said: "Because we are opposite the football club, we said we don't want to be a difficult neighbour.

"The money was going to be because we can't race opposite our club any more. It is quite a big impact not being able to race."

Nick Price, 71, commodore of Ranelagh, established in the 19th century, said: "Wind from the south west blows across the river towards the stadium slightly against us as we sail into the incoming tide.

"When we sail from Hammersmith towards Putney where the stadium is we have to act against the tide. It is going to make it very difficult to sail."

An environmental assessment found 42 per cent of races would be impossible and 41 per cent a frustrating lottery, leaving only 17 per cent raceable.

Ranelagh lost 36 per cent of its members when the current riverside stand was built.

The assesment states: "The encroachment and changes to air-flows will force sailors further out into the river and into the path of the oncoming rowers and other boats.

"In low wind speeds and within the area of turbulence, sailors will lose steerage way and be unable to keep clear."

A spokesman for Fulham Football Club said: "'The club is keen to work with all local groups as part of the stadium plans and held extensive consultation to this extent."



http://www.streathamguardian.co.uk/sport/10464887._/?


WhiteJC

 
SEAN DAVIS: We saw the Portsmouth meltdown coming - Sol Campbell said 'This can't be right, something must be going on'

Sean Davis is a former Fulham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Bolton and England U21 midfielder. He is one of the few players to have played in all four top divisions for the same club. In his debut Footballers' Football Column he talks about coming through the leagues at Craven Cottage, moving to Portsmouth and the downfall that followed and having to retire through injury at 33. He also discusses his ambition to act as a role model for young players trying to make it. Before you read his column, watch his video below.

Looking at what has happened to my old club Portsmouth is upsetting. From winning the FA Cup to being in League Two in such a short space of time is very sad to see.

Out of everyone it has hit the fans the hardest. It is them I feel the most for, they are probably the most local and loyal fans I have ever seen and it is a shame for them, but I guess they are in a good place now as they own the club.

I would love to see them bounce back because I really enjoyed my time there. I was signed by Harry Redknapp along with Noe Pamarot and Pedro Mendes in a joint deal from Tottenham.


Good to be back: Sean Davis played in a charity game for Fulham against Sealand at Craven Cottage in May

I loved everything about the club, the stadium, even though some people would say it was shabby, had a great atmosphere. The changing rooms were a state and the showers never had hot water, but things like that never bothered me as I'd come from Fulham when it was like that in the early days. I think it was a bit of a culture shock for Pedro Mendes though.

We won the FA Cup and although I did not play in the final it was great to be in the squad at the time. We were a close group and I lost my place to Lassana Diarra, he was a great player who went on to play for Real Madrid, so I could not have too many complaints.

I was eligible for a medal but had it stolen from the hotel after the game, which I was gutted about, so I don't have a medal. Which is the only downside of that season.

But in terms of the bad times, we saw it coming. There was the season where there were 15 players out of contract. I remember Sol Campbell saying, 'This can't be right, something must be going on.' And he was right.

The one good thing is that we all stuck together. I keep in touch with the kitman now, Big Kev but some of the staff got made redundant which was a shame. When I left more people lost their jobs and that was very sad.

The spirit inside the club was fantastic and the players chipped in to help keep some of the staff in jobs.

But it is amazing to think how far I had come from being a skinny 15-year-old turning up for a trial at Fulham. I was signed on a YTS deal and at the time Fulham were in the bottom division and going nowhere.

But I am glad I came through then in that era as it made you appreciate what you had.

We used to do all sorts, if we were training we could not leave the training ground until the first team players had left. We were not allowed in the canteen until the first team had eaten.

We had to scrub the changing rooms clean. And night games were the worst when we had to clean both changing rooms and try finish in time to make the last train from Putney to Clapham Junction, most of the time we missed it so we had to club together to get a taxi.


Sticking together: Sean Davis enjoyed his time at Portsmouth


Signing on: Davis and Pedro Mendes were signed by Harry Redknapp for Portsmouth


We had to clean the first team players' boots, I used to look after John Hamsher and Paul Moody. His were a nightmare as they were a size 12 and he always used to moan as I used to soak them, I was probably the worst boot boy at the club.

When I moved on and had a boot boy of my own when I was at Portsmouth and I always related to them and I used to look after them and give them big tips at Christmas, the most I got was about £40, so I gave them a bit more than that.

But it was different times, I was a Premier League player whereas when I was a boot boy we were in the bottom division. I talked to the young lads and tried to give them advice and help them out where I could.

Micky Adams was great, he gave me my debut and I will always be grateful to him for that. But he is the only manager I have ever been scared of. All the players were scared of him. If you were called into his office you knew you were in for a b********, he made me want to cry.


Scary: Davis says Micky Adams is the most frightening manager he has played for

The biggest change at Fulham came when Mohammed Al Fayed took over. When the chairman came in Micky Adams left, which at the time we thought was a big blow, but then Kevin Keegan came in and that was the moment you think 'Wow, this club is going somewhere.'

A lot of people at the time questioned the motives of Mohammed Al Fayed but over the years he has proved what a fantastic chairman he is and how much he deserves the success that Fulham have enjoyed over the past few years.

That was the big change, but with more money you get more physios, nutritionists and everything goes up a level. Things changed under Kevin Keegan, but when Jean Tigana came in then things really went up 20 notches.


Changing times: Davis says things started to improve when Mohammed Al Fayed took over the club

Everything changed, the way we trained, what time we trained, the way we eat, the way you conduct yourself on and off the pitch.

I remember going to a game under Micky Adams away at Carlisle, I was not in the squad but I sat on the bench for experience, we won the game and effectively sealed promotion to Division Two and on the coach on the way back we had fish and chips.

That sort of thing stopped when Tigana came in. We were not even allowed ketchup at the dinner table. Fizzy drinks were banned, everything went.

Some of the older players could not really understand it, but in the long run it was fantastic. Core work is massive now in the game but back then no one had heard of it, and we were doing it.

We were prepared so well for that season and we had the right players and the right team spirit and it all clicked and we were promoted to the Premier League.


On his case: Davis says Jean Tigana was the most influential manager in his carrer - even if he was always on his case


Special talent: Davis could not believe how good Louis Saha was when he signed for Fulham


Tigana was great with me. He used to moan at me and Zat Knight who were the young pros in the squad, I didn't really understand why at the time, but you realised he was helping you.

One thing I would say to any young player now is that if a manager does not really say anything to you then you should be worried. If the manager is always on at you then it shows he cares about you and wants you to progress.

There were loads of highlights through that season, not least because I scored some important goals. Blackburn away and then Sheffield Wednesday at home towards the end of the season were both key goals and helped us win the title.

I remember pre-season that year being a bit different. We signed a lot of players and I remember the first time I saw Louis Saha play and I just thought, 'Wow this guy is special'.

We were hit massively that season when Chris Coleman had his car accident. I remember hearing the news, I was in Clapham Junction and my sister phoned me and asked if I had heard the news. She told me and I was absolutely shocked.


Jumping for joy: Davis celebrates a stoppage time winner for Fulham at Blackburn to all but secure promotion to the Premier League


Championship winning strike: Davis secured the Division One title with a late goal against Sheffield Wednesday


Going up as Champions: Fulham won Division One in 2001

VIDEO: Watch Sean Davis' stoppage time goal against Blackburn for Fulham

Sean Davis' top ten Fulham goals

It would be easy for our season to have drifted away from that point, but we were such a close squad that we were determined to win promotion for Chris.

Cookie was the captain and got everyone going was the main part of our team, so losing him was massive. Players used to have messages for him on our shirts when we scored and it was a shame he never got to play in the Premier League.

Towards the end of the second season in the Barclays Premier League, Jean was sacked and Cookie took over.

It was a bit strange at first, just because he had been such an influential figure in the dressing room. But I think he did a really good job at distancing himself from the squad and being the manager.

 
Shock: Davis said Chris Coleman's car accident hit the squad hard they wanted to win promotion for him

He is very knowledgeable about the game and that has helped him progress to the level he is today. It was obviously hard for him as we always used to go out for a beer but you can't do that when you are manager.

The hardest thing was when I left, I said I would stay and then I saw a couple of other players leave and Spurs came in for me but it was hard to leave. But I went back to the training ground a few weeks later to see him and we made up, so it was OK in the end.

Moving to Spurs was a bit of a nightmare, Jacques Santini signed me but soon left and Martin Jol took over, I played the first four games, got injured and then was out for three months. In that time my daughter was born 10 weeks premature.
It was a difficult time and I did not really manage to get fully fit before I left.

     
Through the years: Davis in his playing days for Fulham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Bolton

Bolton was the same. It was horrific. I've never tried so hard to get fit in my life, I really wanted to get back and help the side out.

I was probably fitter in the gym in the last few years at Bolton than I ever was. The problem was I could not take it out on to the pitch as every time I ran my leg would swell up and I could not take it, so I had to retire.

I don't have regrets but I would have done a lot more injury prevention work when I was younger. I would not have left Fulham knowing what I know now, I'd have stayed there for my whole career, but life doesn't work like that and you can't have regrets.

Looking forward, I'd love to help out the Fulham Academy in the areas that I know, Battersea, Clapham, Brixton. There is so much talent that goes missing.

So I would like to be a role model for these kids and show that you can make it from these areas. I hope to sit down with Fulham and come up with a plan, but I'd like to reaffirm myself with the club.


Helpign out: Davis wants to be a role model for young footballers from the same area in London as him

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When I was young I was a nightmare, I was a pain in the a*** and my attitude was terrible. I lived in an area where there were so many players who were better than me and did not make it. Maybe because they did not have the right people to look up to, people did not understand their attitudes, so I think I can help.

There have not been that many young English homegrown players who have come through at Fulham. I know Huw Jennings down at the academy and he does a fantastic job and is producing some good players.

But it can always help if you can get some local players. I think it is important as they can relate to the fans and have the same relationship I had with the fans.

They related to me as homegrown player who was one of their own and I hardly ever got booed they were always pushing me to do well. And I would like to help find more players from the local area to play for the club.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2334377/The-Footballers-Football-Column--Sean-Davis-We-saw-Portsmouth-meltdown-coming.html#ixzz2VLq1y9xR
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Joe McDonald

Quote from: WhiteJC on June 05, 2013, 03:08:42 PM

Fulham's Football Club stadium expansion throws sailing clubs' future into doubt

The future of two historic sailing clubs is in doubt if Fulham Football Club's stadium expansion goes ahead - because the change in tide could turn races into a "frustrating lottery".

Members of Ranelagh and South Bank sailing clubs, both located in Putney Embankment, fear the changes in wind conditions created by the construction will mean they can no longer race.

The football club was granted planning permission last year to redevelop the riverside stand at its Craven Cottage stadium, in Stevenage Road, Fulham.

It includes plans to extend the ground's capacity to 30,000 while opening the riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith.

The extended stand will encroach into the river by 11m, causing the strength of the breeze to reduce and make sailing difficult.

When permission was first granted Fulham agreed to pay South Bank to make improvements in order to secure members.

However, when discussions broke down the money was withdrawn, with both clubs fearing they will lose members.

Allan Munro-Faure, commodore of South Bank sailing club, said: "Because we are opposite the football club, we said we don't want to be a difficult neighbour.

"The money was going to be because we can't race opposite our club any more. It is quite a big impact not being able to race."

Nick Price, 71, commodore of Ranelagh, established in the 19th century, said: "Wind from the south west blows across the river towards the stadium slightly against us as we sail into the incoming tide.

"When we sail from Hammersmith towards Putney where the stadium is we have to act against the tide. It is going to make it very difficult to sail."

An environmental assessment found 42 per cent of races would be impossible and 41 per cent a frustrating lottery, leaving only 17 per cent raceable.

Ranelagh lost 36 per cent of its members when the current riverside stand was built.

The assesment states: "The encroachment and changes to air-flows will force sailors further out into the river and into the path of the oncoming rowers and other boats.

"In low wind speeds and within the area of turbulence, sailors will lose steerage way and be unable to keep clear."

A spokesman for Fulham Football Club said: "'The club is keen to work with all local groups as part of the stadium plans and held extensive consultation to this extent."



http://www.streathamguardian.co.uk/sport/10464887._/?

I find it interesting that greater scrutiny isn't given by architects to the micro-climates their buildings will create - you see it in all new developments; areas where litter is swept by the wind due to new structures being in place for example.

Given the club has offered the sailing clubs money, wouldn't a possible mooring for a barge with a generator and some large industrial fans create the necessary winds required for their sailing?

I wouldn't want our club to be bad neighbours and we should at least be looking to help the sailing clubs find some solutions as I'm sure if there were to be neighbouring residential developments that were to impact on our clubs potential to grow or even continue exist we would explore all possibilities.

Roberty

#14
This is old news - a report was in the Fulham Cronicle on May 13

I would imagine they had been holding out for a lottery win but it seems the council brought things to a conclusion when they made the following decision:-

Last week they were told council planners were recommending withdrawal of the offer because the new stand would not 'preclude the continuation' of sailing.

The moral of this story is "don't over play your hand".

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2013/05/13/82029-33312993/
It could be better but it's real life and not a fantasy


WhiteJC

 
Stekelenburg Signs



Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Holland international goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, from AS Roma on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee which will see the player remain with the Whites until at least the summer of 2017.

The 30-year-old began his senior career at Ajax, having progressed through the Dutch club's youth system.

Stekelenburg made more than 280 appearances during 11 seasons at Ajax, winning two league titles, three Dutch cups and four Dutch Super Cups before moving to Serie A and the Italian capital in 2011. He worked with current Fulham Manager Martin Jol at Ajax during the 2009/10 campaign.

Stekelenburg has 54 caps for the Netherlands and became first-choice goalkeeper following the retirement of Edwin van der Sar, having been understudy to the former Fulham man earlier in his career and at Euro 2008.

He reached the Final of the 2010 World Cup with Netherlands, narrowly losing out 1-0 to Spain in extra-time, and he represented his country at last summer's Euro 2012.

Speaking from a central London hotel, Stekelenburg said: "I am very happy to be joining Fulham, and to have everything sorted out so early in the summer, so I can really focus on preparations for playing in the Barclays Premier League next season.

"It's good that I'll be joining Martin again, he knows my capabilities very well, so I am just looking forward to joining up with the team in pre-season and enjoying some time with them prior to the new season starting."

Jol added: "Maarten Stekelenburg is a fine quality goalkeeper who I know well from my time working with him at Ajax and of course as the Dutch international goalkeeper I have always had an additional interest in his career. I am sure that he will do well here at Fulham in the Premier League.

"He is a player of great quality and technical ability whose distribution and ability to react quickly and read the game is exceptional; he will be a fantastic addition to the talented team of keepers that we already have. I am delighted that he was so keen to come to join us and am very happy with the way that the summer is shaping up in terms of our signings, so on the whole I'm ever so pleased."

See Maarten and the rest of the team in action at all 19 Barclays Premier League home games next season with a Fulham FC Season Ticket, find out more at fulhamfc.com/seasontickets

Also, you will soon be able to pre-order the new adidas Training Kit worn here from the official Shop. Keep an eye on fulhamfc.com for details.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/05/stekelenburg