Friday Fulham Stuff (04/06/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2559/rumours/2010/06/04/1957920/west-ham-united-tussling-with-fulham-to-sign-former?
West Ham United tussling with Fulham to sign former Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne - report

West Ham United have reportedly crossed swords with Fulham in a fight to sign Frederic Piquionne from Olympique Lyonnais.

The Frenchman spent a season-long loan spell at Portsmouth, and former Pompey boss Avram Grant - the new man at the helm of West Ham - is believed to have been impressed with the performances put in by the hitman during that period.

Now, The Mirror claims that the 31-year-old is in no mood to return to OL, where he had a disappointing time prior to being loaned out to Pompey.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Fulham have launched a £2 million bid to prise the forward away from the Ligue 1 club.

However, it is believed that the Israeli boss is intent on bringing Piquionne to the Boleyn Ground.

It is said that the former Monaco player will partner Yakubu up front next season, as Goal.com UK recently revealed that the Nigerian has agreed a deal in principle to become Grant's first major signing at the east London club.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/WerderBremenFriendly.aspx?
Werder Bremen Friendly

The Club can confirm that Roy Hodgson's Team will play Werder Bremen in a friendly fixture at the Cottage on Saturday 7th August (KO 3pm). Ticket information will be published on fulhamfc.com in due course.

Three pre-season friendly fixtures have now been confirmed, with the Whites playing Brentford (14 July / A), Bournemouth (17 July / A)  and Werder Bremen (7 August / H).



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/WerderBremenFriendly.aspx?#ixzz0psoGKv2w

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/FulhamDeafTeamVictory.aspx
Fulham DFC Trophy Winners

Fulham DFC 3 - 2 Doncaster Deaf FC

British Deaf Cup Final, Goodison Park



FDFC played their final and most important match of their season on a warm Sunday afternoon at Goodison Park, the home of Everton FC. The squad, who had taken the decision to stay overnight near Liverpool in order to maximise preparation time for the match, were all ready to give it their all in order to secure the BDF Trophy for the third time in seven years. The lustre of playing in a Premier League stadium simply added to the occasion, particularly for one die-hard Everton supporter amongst the squad.

With a almost full-strength side to choose from, the Gaffer had yet another tough decision to make. In the confines of the spacious home dressing room (there was much debate amongst the players as to who was sitting in Wayne Rooney's seat!), the squad was decided.

Michael Roberts kept his place in goal, playing behind a back four consisting of Vorster, McDougall, Harding and Captain Evans. Lampert and Gregory were selected as centre midfielders, with Swift and Monksfield operating down the left and right flanks respectively. 46-goal striker Ailey and Hogan continued their 'Little and Large' partnership, and completed the first eleven selection. Rumours that the Gaffer was to select himself as one of the subs proved to be, thankfully, unfounded.....



After a few words of encouragement from the Chairman (which mainly consisted of his moaning about how lucky we all were and 'it wasn't like this in my day') and the Gaffer, the team went out to face Doncaster Deaf FC, a team which Fulham had never beaten before, and who knocked out FDFC after extra time in the semi-finals of the EDF Cup a month previously. Everyone was under no illusions about the need to stay focused and determined in order to achieve victory.

Once the match went underway, Doncaster started very strongly, pressing the FDFC midfield with a high tempo performance and putting in some very solid tackles. The FDFC rearguard was stretched on occasions, but never quite broke. Early opportunities for Hogan and Ailey to counter-attack quickly came to nothing in the face of Doncaster's capable custodian, Sam Kitchin.

The action wasn't confined to the pitch, with the Gaffer rapidly exhausting his supply of chewing gum and prowling the technical area with the air of a Icelandic volcano due to erupt.

The eruption was not long in coming, when Doncaster drew first blood, centre back Seon Anderson rising well to meet Naylor's corner to plant a header past Roberts and Swift at the near post. FDFC really should have done much better to snuff out the cross, and it was now clear that the road to victory had just become that bit longer.

Nonetheless, going behind had woken up FDFC's as yet dormant midfield, who began to spark into life. Several chances soon came, with a headed chance for Ailey from Monksfield's excellent cross after great interplay in midfield being the highlight. Hogan also almost got on the receiving end of an intuitive no-look pass by Lampert, only to see the ball take a cruel bounce and take the ball away from him as he closed in.

With Gregory beginning to take the game to Doncaster in the midfield engine room, it only seemed to be a matter of time before Fulham profited from their new-found dominance of the game. However, it was Doncaster who came closest to scoring again, when a bye-line cross dipped over Roberts in the FDFC goal, only to be cleared away off the crossbar by Evans, who insisted that his clearance was all 'part of the master plan'.....

As the half-time whistle blew on a frenetic and even first half, FDFC knew that they had to come out stronger and take the game to Doncaster more. After the Gaffer spouted lava in the dressing room, that feeling only became stronger! Funny that....

The second half started, with FDFC looking to get back into the match. Swift, who had settled down after a poor first half, provided some entertainment by skinning two Doncaster players on the left flank before playing the ball across the mouth of the goal. The Doncaster team smothered the danger, but it was a clear show of intent by FDFC.

As Fulham continued to take control of the second half, Doncaster started to falter, and several tactical fouls were given in FDFC's favour, which allowed the Whites to build up increased pressure.

On the hour, the much-needed equaliser came. A FDFC corner was half cleared by the Doncaster rearguard and the ball fell at the feet of Swift, who played the ball across to Gregory. The Welshman, perhaps remembering his misses in the first half, opted to put the ball into the box. An umarked Evans was on hand to rise and flick the ball in off the near post from fifteen yards out. A well-taken goal, and a much needed one. Looks like the Captain's 'master plan' might have worked out there.....

Encouraged, FDFC continued to attack, with further chances falling at the feet of Gregory and Lampert who unsurprisingly, missed the target. Doncaster started to get back into the game, and Roberts had to be at his best to tip over a dangerous Denmead shot over the crossbar. In the meantime, Gill came on for Harding at left back.

FDFC then took the lead with ten minutes of normal time remaining, when Hogan ran behind the Doncaster defence to get on the end of a great cross-field ball from Lampert, gathering the ball and hitting the ball past an exposed Kitchin at the near post. Soon after, Vorster came off for Willis, with Monksfield dropping back into defence.

Any joy FDFC felt at taking the lead was quickly tempered when Doncaster equalised soon after, following FDFC's failure to clear away the initial cross sufficiently enough. Ailey and Evans then had the opportunity to win the game in the last few minutes, but both were denied by a Kitchin double save, saving Ailey's follow-up shot from a free-kick and saving Evans' shot on the rebound.

And so the game went into extra time. The Gaffer, smoke still blowing out of his top after his latest volcanic eruption, urged the team on and pointed out that FDFC looked the fitter of the two teams.

The fresh legs of Willis were used to great effect in the first half of extra time, with Hogan heading just wide of the post after a searing run and cross by the youngster. There was also time for Evans to make a nuisance of himself at yet another set piece, rising to flick on a deep ball from Monksfield on to the post and out.

However, it was early in the second half of extra time when FDFC finally made their pressure count, with Ailey meeting Hogan's cross to knock the ball past Kitchin in the Doncaster goal to give FDFC the lead for the second time in the game. Ailey's goal was his 47th in all competitive matches this season, easily a new club record.

Undeterred, Doncaster roused themselves for one final effort, and were almost rewarded for their adventure as an increasingly anxious and defensive FDFC (after Hogan had gone off for Burns, FDFC switched to a 4-5-1 formation), struggled to clear their lines, giving Doncaster some half-chances inside the box. However, FDFC managed to survive the late onslaught as the referee blew the whistle for full-time.

As the FDFC dugout celebrated, the players made sure to shake the Doncaster players' hands as both team played a part in making the match an extremely competitive final. FDFC claimed the BDF trophy for the third time in seven years, with captain Evans lifting the trophy aloft, much to the delight of the players.

To round things off, Evans also collected the Man of the Match award, selected by the referee, although the award could have gone to one of several candidates on both sides.

The new season will see FDFC strive to keep their hard-won BDF trophy at Craven Cottage and to build on this success in the new up-coming league campaign.

Final score Fulham Deaf FC 3 - 2 Doncaster Deaf FC after extra time (HT 0 – 1, FT 2 - 2)

FDFC Line-up :- Roberts, Vorster (Willis 80), McDougall, Evans, Harding, (Gill 70), Monksfield, Gregory, Lampert, Swift, Hogan (Burns 110) and Ailey

Subs not used :- Bovino and Rumney








Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/FulhamDeafTeamVictory.aspx#ixzz0psp5ANMB

[WhiteJC]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-boss-earns-right-to-have-a-crack-at-big-clu?
Fulham boss earns right to have a crack at 'big' club
Liverpool could do a lot worse than give Roy Hodgson the job

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has emerged as an early favourite to replace Rafael Benitez, who is now odds-on to pitch up at Inter Milan.

Hodgson has been widely recognised for the wonderful job he has done at Fulham, and his reward could be a last chance to manage one of the country's 'big' clubs.

Martin O'Neill and Guus Hiddink are two other names in the frame at this early stage, as Kenny Dalglish steps into the breach to find the ideal man for the job.

Former captain and assistant to Gerard Houllier Phil Thompson expressed concern that whoever took over would have a job on his hands keeping hold of star turns Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"We need our star players if we are going to make any impact next year," he said. "Not just impact on the playing field, we have a worldwide fan base of over 100 million people.

"They need star names, they need people to cling to and that is why we need Torres and Gerrard to stay there.

"It's wrong looking at it as 'will they be more likely to stay now because Benitez has gone?'. It's certainly a difficult situation.

"Hopefully when they make a decision and somebody different comes in, maybe they'll make the players commit at least for another 12 months."

There are no easy answers for Liverpool fans and this is one saga that could continue for the whole summer as a sideshow to the World Cup. And what chance a World Cup boss pitching up at Anfield next season?

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200810
Fulham - Liverpool Poised to Pounce!
As expected and as we implied yesterday, it hasn`t taken long for the mane of Roy Hodgson to be linked with the vacant position at Anfield.

With Rafa Benitez now confined to the history books, Roy Hodgson is named as the early front-runner to take over the role.

Other candidates rumoured to be in the frame are:- Martin O`Neill, Slaven Bilic, Jorge Jesus, Mark Hughes and Sven Goran Eriksson.

Here at Vital Fulham we`d like to cheekily suggest that those other five would do a far superior job at Anfield than our Roy!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200810#ixzz0pspuTYbr

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200809
Fulham - Piquionne Tabloid Confusion!
Don`t you just love those who work for the tabloid press!

Yesterday they were assuring us that the Portsmouth striker, Frederic Piquionne, was a done deal and that Roy Hodgson had persuaded the striker that his future was at Craven Cottage.

Today, they`re coming at us from a different angle and they`re now suggesting that Avram Grant, the newly installed West Ham manager may be about to pounce and take his former Portsmouth associate to Upton Park.

Come on guys, make your minds up!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200809#ixzz0psq9Fm59

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/6/4/1500890/cottagers-daily-rumor-mill-update?
Cottagers Daily Rumor Mill Update: Have West Ham entered to battle Fulham in the transfer of Frederic Piquionne?

I now have an update on the Frederic Piquionne rumors. According to the Daily Mirror story by Darren Lewis , West Ham have entered to battle Fulham for Piquionne's possible transfer. New manager Avram Grant looks like he is starting the process of trying to upgrade his club. Piquionne played for Grant last year for Portsmouth. He was on loan from him parent club Lyon.   

On June 2nd,  I had a post that Fulham could be preparing to make a deal and sign Frederic Piquionne, This information was according to the Daily Mirror story by Alan Nixon. This article mentioned that Fulham and Lyon have agreed to a fee for Frederic Piquionne. The article also talked about that Piquionne had already met with Roy Hodgson.

As with rumors there are twists and turns to stories like the potential transfer of Frederic Piquionne. Fulham might now have competition from West Ham for the transfer of Piquionne. When there is more information regarding the potential transfer of Frederic Piquionne I will have another update.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200814
Fulham - Coleman Lined Up for New Post?
After a managerial adventure that has seen Chris Coleman take the reigns at Real Sociadad and then Coventry after leaving Fulham, Chris could be set for a new post.

Axed by Coventry, at the end of last season, the ex-Fulham player and manager could be returning to manage a club he also played for - Crystal Palace.

Rumours are rife that the Welshman is seen as the person to try and return Crystal Palace to their former heights.

If so we wish him well.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200814#ixzz0ptCzIOWU

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200813
Fulham Courting Hannover Striker?
As confusion reigns over whether Frederic Piquionne is bound for Craven Cottage or not; the media are also linking Fulham with a move for another striker.

The man in question is the Hannover striker Jan Schlaudraff.

At twenty-six years of age the striker, who has also played for Bayern Munich, didn`t have the best of seasons with Hannover. Fitness problems, allied with a loss in form, saw him restricted to a mere 10 performances.

But, the Daily Mail carries a lovely quote, attributed to Roy Hodgson, that suggests there could be an element of truth in Fulham`s interest, where he`s said to have remarked,

"I am aware of Jan Schlaudraff."

"He is a very fast player that is also able to score goals. He could add something to our squad."

This one could be interesting to keep an eye on!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200813#ixzz0ptDIN3Y0

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6191110/Bremen-announce-Fulham-date?
Bremen announce Fulham date

Werder Bremen have announced they will be playing a friendly match away to Fulham on August 7 as part of their pre-season preparations.

The northern Germany side will begin their preparations for the 2010/11 season on July 5 and have friendlies lined up against Uerdingen, Reutlingen and Freiburg before flying to London to take on last season's beaten Europa League finalists at Craven Cottage.

The game will be Bremen's last practice run-out before their participation in the first round of the DFB-Pokal in mid-August.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/?p=7219
Curse of the Captains
by lydia on June 4, 2010

The 2010 World Cup starts in 7 days. However, I cannot believe the amount of captains being declared unfit due to injuries recieved so close to them having the highest honour of pulling on the armband on a national scene.

Being from Northern Ireland, I wouldn't go going as far as saying I'm supporting England but I really feel for  you, especially your captain. I would never have wanted this is happen. In case some of yous haven't heard, Ferdinand is OUT of the world Cup and Michael Dawson is going to be leaving for South Africa tonight.

We already know about Michael Ballack after enduring that awful tackle during the FA Cup final. But the last big name captain to get injured is well-known to all Fulham fans for the wrong reasons- Didier Drogba. I'm not a fan of Drogba, infact, I strongly dislike him but I would never have wanted him to miss  out. He to has got injured just this morning during a warmup match with Japan. He broke his arm just after scoring the opener.

I feel for these 3 men so much but wish all of them the best during their recovery.

[Lighthouse]

Footballing history was made recently when Ivory Coast won the prestigious Toulon Under-21 Tournament. Cheick Toure, Fulham's young central defender, was part of the victorious squad and even collected an award for being the youngest player taking part in the Final, aged just 17 years old.

The Elephants secured the trophy against the odds and, as Toure explained to fulhamfc.com, their team spirit more than made up for a less than ideal preparation.

"In the beginning it was hard to see us winning the tournament because it was the first call-up for all of the players," Toure told fulhamfc.com. "We had never played together before. We had one week together and played one friendly, compared to a team like France who played maybe three or five friendly games and they play together all of the time.

"I was injured at the start of the tournament so I didn't play in the first and second games; I played in the third game against France - we lost 2-1, after that we had the semi-final which I didn't play in. I came on as a substitute in the final. I injured my foot in the friendly game against Marseille before the tournament and when I recovered it was not easy to get into a winning team.

"In the beginning it was hard but we all gave 100%. We were strong-minded and that's why we won the tournament."

The Ivory Coast qualified from a group containing France, Colombia and Japan.  They secured their place in the final by beating tournament favourites Chile and went on to record an impressive win over Denmark, who had knocked out the hotly-tipped French in the other semi-final.

"Everyone was thinking Ivory Coast won't win the tournament but because we were strong minded we were thinking like a team," said Toure. "In the coach before games we were singing African songs, it was like a family. We were playing like a family.

"The lesson I learned from Toulon is when you play football, don't think about who you are playing against, just think about what you have to do. Think about your job, don't think about the man. If you think 'I'm going to play against Rooney or Ronaldo' you will get scared. You have to brave and strong, that's why I like English football."

Toure has developed well since joined Fulham's Academy last year and graduated to Billy McKinlay's Reserve side following impressive performances at youth level. Initially he was a central midfielder by trade, but after having been switched to a central defender his game has further improved.   

"I was playing in central midfield but Gary Brazil said to me that I can play at centre back," Toure explained. "In the beginning I didn't like it but now I prefer playing centre back and I don't want to play in midfield anymore. 

"Billy McKinlay's training sessions are hard; he's a very tough man. But he's tough because he wants to help me. I want to stay in England because it's the best league, I like England and I like English football, if you can play in England you can play anywhere. I want to stay at Fulham it's a nice club and I want to improve which is why I like Fulham.

"I like winning tackles, winning headers. In the beginning it was difficult because I couldn't speak English, I didn't know what I had to do and I was sitting on the bench. I said to Lee [Hagger, Academy Manager], 'I need to start speaking English, I need to improve my English'. When I started my lessons everything started getting better. I could understand everything, even Billy's accent.   

 



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/TouresToulonTriumph.aspx#ixzz0puE40YSK

[HatterDon]

Thanks, Mr. Lighthouse. I do like keeping up with the youngsters. One question, though. Does "Toure" translate to Smith or Anderson or something? This is the third with that name to make his living in the UK. Just wondering.