Thursday Fulham Stuff (03/06/10)

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http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/06/03/arsenal-target-6m-england-man-to-resolve-problem-area-emirates-boss-wants-west-ham-keeper-robert-green/
Arsenal Target £6m England Man to Resolve Problem Area: Emirates Boss Wants West Ham Keeper Robert Green

Arsene Wenger will reportedly turn his attentions to West Ham keeper Robert Green to resolve his goalkeeping crisis after apparently opting against a move for Fulham’s Australian goalie Michael Schwarzer. The Arsenal boss has decided that a move for England international Green would be a better long term option than the Cottagers man who is seven years his senior.

If the north London club convince the Hammers to sell it could set off a chain reaction of moves that could see Portsmouth keeper David James make a dramatic return to Upton Park who are of course set to announce former Pompey boss Avram Grant as their new boss.

After four seasons as a Hammer, the last three of which he has been an ever present, the 30 year old is apparently very much interested in speculation linking him with a move to the Emirates where he will finally get a chance to prove himself on a grander scale, with the chance to play Champions League football something he would surely jump at.

The asking price for the former Norwich City man could be the one sticking point with the east London club valuing him at around £9m and Arsenal seeking a deal of around £6m for the Chertsey born custodian.

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http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/William-Hill-odds-for-Next-Permanent-Liverpool-Manager-201006030024/
William Hill odds for Next Permanent Liverpool Manager

Liverpool FC have offered Benitez a severance deal to leave immediately. If the manager accepts the offer, he could have departed Liverpool by the weekend.

Under Benitez, Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 but they finished a lowly seventh in the Premier League last season.

Benitez has recently been linked with the job at Inter Milan.

There will be no shortage of potential suitors for the manager's job at Anfield.

Roy Hodgson (5/1) had an impressive season at Fulham last year, where he guided them to the Europa League final.

Guus Hiddink (8/1) has huge managerial experience and won the 2009 FA Cup final with Chelsea.

Martin O'Neill (7/4 ) has resolved his differences with Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner and his team plays attractive football.

The Favourites:
Martin O'Neill  7/4
Roy Hodgson 5/1
Jurgen Klinsmann 6/1
Kenny Dalglish 7/1
Guus Hiddink 8/1

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http://timesonline.typepad.com/sports_book/2010/06/oneill-favourite-to-succeed-benitez.html
O'Neill favourite to succeed Benitez

With reports suggesting Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is poised to leave Anfield, bookmakers have started betting on who will be the club’s next permanent manager. Martin O’Neill is  the initial favourite, with Ladbrokes quoting 2-1 and Paddy Power a tad longer at 9-4.

Benitez’s position has been the subject of speculation for some time but news that the Anfield hierarchy are negotiating his departure after a poor season suggests a new name will be on the manager’s door by the start of next season.

Villa boss O’Neill is followed in the betting by Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who is 3-1 with Ladbrokes and 100-30 with Paddy Power.

Fans’ favourite Kenny Dalglish is also proving popular for a return at 5-1 with Paddy Power. Ladbrokes make the Kop legend 6-1.

Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “The money says O’Neill but for many it would be a surprise as the canny coach tends to go somewhere heading in an upward direction.

“Despite that though the Liverpool job remains one of the biggest in English football and betting on their next manager will be frenetic.”

Nick Weinberg, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: “Martin O’Neill’s credentials are in no doubt. Aston Villa’s transformation under his guidance will not have gone unnoticed by the Liverpool hierarchy.”

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http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Mark-Hughes-interested-in-succeeding-Benitez-as-Liverpool-boss/8115/?
Mark Hughes interested in succeeding Benitez as Liverpool boss

IMScouting understands from key sources that former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is interested in succeeding Rafa Benitez as Liverpool manager.

Benitez's Anfield exit has just been confirmed, with the two sides parting ways by mutual consent.  The Spaniard enjoyed almost six years at the helm, winning the Champions League and the FA Cup, but last season proved to be disastrous for Liverpool with Benitez now paying the price.

Inter Milan are assumed to be planning to offer Benitez the opportunity to take over at the San Siro, succeeding his arch-rival Jose Mourinho.

IMScouting understands that Mark Hughes is keen to be considered for the job as new Liverpool manager.  The Welshman was controversially removed as manager of Manchester City in December to make way for Roberto Mancini.  He has previously coached Blackburn Rovers and the Wales national team, following a highly successful playing career including spells at Barcelona, Chelsea and primarily Manchester United.

In addition to Hughes, other frontrunners expected to be linked to the Liverpool hotseat include Martin O'Neill, Guus Hiddink and a possible return for Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.