Tuesday Fulham Stuff (08.06.10)

[White Noise]

http://www.kickoff.com/mobile/content/article/15926

KAGISHO DIKGACOI: WINNING ADDS TO MOTIVATION

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi believes the streak of form in piling up positive results over the past 12 games is proving a morale booster in camp ahead of the World Cup opener against Mexico on Friday.  


The reality of Bafana going on a rare 12-match unbeaten run has come just at the right time and is proving to be the tonic that Carlos Alberto Parreira's charges need.   "Winning games has been doing our confidence a lot of good," says the Fulham midfielder.   "When you are playing well and winning games, it comes as a huge motivation for the next game. Right now we don't have time to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure because the World Cup is just days away. Instead we are motivated as the support that we have also been getting has been encouraging.   "We are not reading too much into this pressure thing because when hosting this competition pressure forms part of the motivation," says Dikgcaoi, who concedes that he hasn't really been overly impressive.   "But I have been impressed with having to stick to the tactics of the coach."   Though Dikgacoi admits to having diluted knowledge about Bafana's Mexican opponents, he still views them as a force to be reckoned with.   The game against Mexico will come as the biggest that Bafana has played since returning to international football in 1992 with a win setting the tone for what could be a great tournament for the locals.   "I don't know much about them (Mexico) but every team coming here to the World Cup is good," he says.   Dikgacoi has found his former Golden Arrows team mate Thanduyise Khuboni making a lot of noise for a starting place in central midfield, as is Reneilwe Letsholonyane who appears to have elbowed out Macbeth Sibaya in the pecking order.

[White Noise]

President Obama is right behind us, reveal USA defenders Jonathan Spector and Carlos Bocanegra

By Michael Walker


Last updated at 8:28 PM on 7th June 2010

Barack Obama presumably knows a good deal more about baseball and basketball than he does about 4-4-2, but the American president delighted the US squad recently by inviting them to the White House to wish them well in South Africa.

It was a gesture much appreciated by the players, with West Ham's Jonathan Spector saying: 'We met president Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden.

'It was a big honour to meet all of them. It's nice to have their support.

'He gave a brief speech but he's a busy man and he had a lot of important things to take care of. He wished us luck and told us we have the support of the nation.

'Ten to 15 years ago it's probable that the US soccer team would never have had a meeting with the president, but that depends on the president. It's well documented that he's a sports fan, soccer included.

'Soccer has come a long way in the US. We grabbed the attention of the general public in the States with the Confederations Cup last year. We know the only way to sustain that interest is to be successful at this World Cup.'

Spector was unable to ask Obama about the outlandish rumour that he is a West Ham fan.

'Obama didn't mention being a West Ham fan. We didn't have a lot of face time with him,' he added.

But former Fulham defender and current US captain, Carlos Bocanegra, confirmed that the White House visit had been a morale-boosting exercise: 'It was cool, a great experience for the whole team.

'That was my first time at the White House and it was a nice last thing to do before we set off to the World Cup. 'It's a good incentive.

'I felt pretty patriotic at the White House that day.'

Football remains a sport trying to break through in the States but Bocanegra is optimistic that a successful World Cup could see the game lift a level in terms of public interest.

'Man, we're trying to dominate like the US does in other sports,' he said.

'We're on the right path and getting better and better. You guys have had a domestic league for over 100 years. We've had one for 14 years.

'It would be nice if the Kobe Bryants of this world started choosing soccer. I don't know if that's ever going to happen. It's a different dynamic in the US to everywhere else in the world.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1284753/President-Obama-right-reveal-USA-defenders-Jonathan-Spector-Carlos-Bocanegra.html#ixzz0qCl6kxNw

[White Noise]

Bafana blowing own vuvuzelas as Carlos Parreira plots South Africa World Cup glory

By Michael Walker


Last updated at 9:18 PM on 7th June 2010

There will possibly be only one opportunity to use the term low key about the host nation at this World Cup and that chance arrived yesterday afternoon at a place called Sturrock Park in downtown Johannesburg.

Somehow South Africa managed to stage a lengthy practice match in front of only a few hundred locals, then headed off into the rush-hour traffic and back to their hotel.

The session was businesslike, sharp, and, yes, low-key. It was as if the country, absorbed the likes of Portugal, Argentina and England, had looked the other way.

Carlos Parreira, the vastly experienced 67-year-old Brazilian coach, appeared delighted by this development.

Parreira's return to the role of manager last October has coincided with an upturn in results for Bafana Bafana — the Boys — as they are always known at home. That has in turn led to an increase in belief that South Africa can even get out of their group, which includes France, Mexico and Uruguay.

That says something of the reduced faith under Parreira's predecessor Joel Santana. Not so long ago, of the 32 finalists, only North Korea were below South Africa in Fifa's rankings.

Even now, three days from the tournament opener against Mexico, home optimism comes wrapped in caution.

But over the past month in particular Bafana fans have begun to blow their own vuvuzela trumpet.

It might not seem like a landmark result but when South Africa defeated Thailand 4-0 in front of a full stadium in Nelspruit in May there was World Cup lift-off.

It moved to another level at the weekend when Denmark were beaten 1-0, meaning that Parreira has put together a 12-game unbeaten run. Katlego Mphela, who got two against Thailand, was the scorer against the Danes.

Mphela, a 25 year-old who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, has the nickname 'Killer' — for no other reason than a vague rhyme and because he scores goals. He got two against Spain in last summer's Confederations Cup and now has 15 in 31 appearances for Bafana.

No wonder Mphela's confidence was on view yesterday. 'The country has spent billions of rand in securing the World Cup is played in South Africa,' he said.

'We as players have a debt and are determined to pay it back by beating Mexico and forcing our way into the second round. We owe it not just to the country but our fans to succeed. We are ready and we are going to go for it.'

However, Benni McCarthy might feel that it is the form Mphela has shown over the past season that has killed the West Ham striker's hopes of playing in a third World Cup.

That may be correct up to a point — another statistic being used about Mphela is that he was the South African league's top scorer with 17 goals — but the overweight McCarthy played his own part.

Yesterday it was being reported that it was not just the 32-year-old's body fat that dismayed Parreira — it is alleged McCarthy was caught on the squad hotel's CCTV network 'entertaining women' at 4am after a recent match.

This was a massive decision by Parreira.

McCarthy is South Africa's all-time leading goalscorer and one of their most illustrious figures. There has been some carping about it but not too much.

The former Blackburn centre forward had previously twice 'retired' from international football. His omission means that when South Africa line-up against Mexico there may be seven or eight players picked from domestic clubs such as Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
Those starters who are playing abroad are captain Aaron Mokoena of Portsmouth, who has won 100 caps, and Steven Pienaar of Everton, who has 50 caps.

Fulham's Kagisho Dikgacoi has been mainly a substitute since moving to Craven Cottage last August but he is expected to be one of two defensive midfielders in a 4-5-1 formation.

Parreira led Brazil to the World Cup final in 1994 but was also Brazil's fitness coach in Mexico in 1970. The Premier League players aside, he has had the local players together for almost three months in camps, which has led to comparisons with South Korea's approach eight years ago.

The Koreans were super-fit and made it to the semi-finals. If Bafana Bafana run close to that, there will be no more under-the-radar sessions like yesterday's.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1284765/Bafana-blowing-vuvuzelas-Carlos-Parreira-plots-South-Africa-World-Cup-glory.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0qCljbyCd

[White Noise]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7145699.ece

Decent bets

West Ham United and Fulham have offered £820,000 for Frédéric Piquionne, who scored 11 goals for Portsmouth on loan last season. Lyons want closer to £2.6 million for the forward, 31.

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/07/rafa-benitez-4m-inter-deal

Liverpool's own search for a new manager is expected to lead to an approach for Fulham's Roy Hodgson, who has a £2.5m release clause in his 12-month rolling contract at Craven Cottage and is on holiday. There has been no official move for the 62-year-old as yet.

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2867/debate/2010/06/07/1956239/goalcom-special-roy-hodgson-surges-to-joint-favourite-to

Goal.com Special: Roy Hodgson surges to joint-favourite to become next Liverpool manager
Fulham boss joins O'Neill in race to succeed Benitez...


By Richard Parry & Adithya Ananth


7 Jun 2010 14:22:00

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is emerging as the front-runner to become Liverpool's next manager, after the 62-year-old became the joint-favourite with Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill to succeed Rafael Benitez in the Anfield hot seat.

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish remains in third place, whilst Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has also seen his odds shorten to 12-1.

Having publically admitted his interest in the job, former England and Manchester City head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has become the joint-fourth favourite alongside Jurgen Klinsmann, as an extensive field of potential candidates continue to be linked with the Reds job.

After a season of underachievement, Liverpool failed to mount a Premier League title challenge as the Reds finished in a disappointing seventh place, adding to the fans' misery after being dumped out of the Champions League in the group stages.



Goal.com UK looks at the credentials of those who are emerging as the leading candidates to take over from Benitez...



Martin O'Neill
Aston Villa

Age: 58

Key achievements: Promotion to Premier League and 2 League Cups (Leicester City)
3 SPL titles, 3 Scottish Cups, 1 Scottish League Cup and UEFA Cup Runner-up in 2003 (Celtic)


Titan Bet odds: 2/1



Roy Hodgson
Fulham

Age: 62

Key achievements: 2 Allsvenskan titles (Halmstads)
4 Allsvenskan titles and 2 Svenska Cupen (Malmo)
1 Danish Superliga and 1 Danish Super Cup (Copenhagen)
1997 UEFA Cup final (Inter)
2010 Europa League final (Fulham)

Titan Bet odds: 2/1


Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool (club ambassador)

Age: 59

Key achievements: 3 Football League First Division titles and 2 FA Cups (Liverpool)
1 Premier League title (Blackburn Rovers)
Scottish League Cup (Celtic)

Titan Bet odds: 9/2




Jurgen Klinsmann
Unattached

Age: 45

Key achievements: Third place in 2006 World Cup (Germany)
Second place in Bundesliga (Bayern Munich)

Titan Bet odds: 10/1






Sven-Goran Eriksson
Ivory Coast
Age: 62

Key Achievements: The former England coach enjoyed much success while managing in Italy, claiming the Serie A title with Lazio in 2000 along with the Coppa Italia (1998, 2000). He also won both the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in 1999, and the UEFA Super Cup in the same year.

Titan Bet odds: 10/1


Harry Redknapp
Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 63

Key Acheivements: The Spurs gaffer secured Champions League football for the first time in the club's history last season with a top four finish in the Premier League. At Portsmouth, the former West Ham boss won the FA Cup in 2008.

Titan Bet odds: 12/1




Guus Hiddink
Turkey
Age: 63

Key achievements: 1 Champions League, 6 Eredivisie titles and 4 KNVB Cups (PSV Eindhoven)
1 Intercontinental Cup (Real Madrid)
1 FA Cup (Chelsea)
Fourth place in 1998 World Cup (Netherlands)
Fourth place in 2002 World Cup (South Korea)
Titan Bet odds: 14/1



Slaven Bilic
Croatia
Age: 41

Key achievements: Quarter-finals in Euro 2008 (Croatia)

Titan Bet odds: 15/1








Mark Hughes
Unattached
Age: 46

Key achievements: FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup final, UEFA Cup qualification (Blackburn Rovers)

Titan Bet odds: 15/1







Alex McLeish
Birmingham City
Age: 51

Key achievements: 1 Scottish First Division title (Hibernian)
2 Scottish Premier League titles, 2 Scottish Cups and 3 Scottish League Cups (Rangers)
Top 10 finish in the Premier League (Birmingham City)

Titan Bet odds: 20/1



Frank Rijkaard
Galatasaray
Age: 47

Key achievements: Euro 2000 semi-finals (Netherlands)
1 UEFA Champions League, 2 Primera Division titles and 2 Supercopa de Espana (Barcelona)

Titan Bet odds: 20/1





Sammy Lee
Liverpool assistant manager
Age: 51

Key Achievements: Enjoyed a ten-year  career with the club from 1976-86, winning three league titles and two European Cups. Has been Rafa Benitez's assistant since 2008.

Titan Bet odds: 20/1





Luiz Felipe Scolari
Unattached
Age: 61

Key Achievements: A World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, the former Chelsea boss has 17 tropies to his name thus far, most of which from his time working in Brazil.




Titan Bet odds: 20/1


Marco van Basten
Unattached
Age: 45

Key Achievements: Has managed both the Dutch national side and Ajax. Reached the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup finals.

Titan Bet odds: 30/1






Bernd Schuster
Unattached
Age: 50

Key Achievements: La Liga winner with Real Madrid in 2008, and the subsequent Supercopa in the same year.

Titan Bet odds: 30/1







John Toshack
Wales
Age: 61

Key Achievements: Winner of the Copa del Rey in 1987 with Real Madrid, the Welsh coach and former Anfield hero secured the La Liga title with the Spanish giants in 1990.


Titan Bet odds: 30/1




Kevin Keegan
Unattached
Age: 59

Key Achievements: Winner of three Football League championships (English football's second tier) with Newcastle United (1992-93), Fulham (1998-99), Manchester City (2001-02), the former Liverpool hero, and England coach, finished runner up in the Premier League whilst Newcastle boss in 1996.

Titan Bet odds: 40/1


Alan Curbishley
Unattached
Age: 52

Key Achievements: The former West Ham manager secured promotion to the Premier League with Charlton in 1998, winning the play-off final on penalties after the infamous 4-4 draw with Sunderland.

Titan Bet odds: 40/1




Marcello Lippi
Italy
Age: 62

Key Achievements:  The Italian national coach has an illustrious track record, having won 14 trophies, including five Italian league titles, and the 2006 World Cup with Italy.

Titan Bet odds: 50/1





Juande Ramos
Unattached
Age: 55

Key Achievements: Despite a sour end to his time at Tottenham, the Spaniard won the League Cup in his first season with the Londoners (2008). While at Sevilla, he lifted back-to-back UEFA Cups (2006, 2007), and the Copa del Rey in 2007.

Titan Bet odds: 50/1



Manuel Pellegrini
Unattached
Age: 56

Key achievements: During his year tenure at Villarreal, Pellegrini led the La Liga side to the Champions League semi-final in the 2005-06 season. Furthermore, the Chilean tactician led the Yellow Submarine's to their highest ever league finish, when they were runners-up to Real Madrid in the 2007-08 season, a feat he repeated with Real last season.


Louis van Gaal
Bayern Munich
Age: 58

Key achievements: 3 Eredivisie titles, 3 Dutch Super Cups, 1 Dutch Cup, 1 UEFA Cup, 1 Champions League, 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 Intercontinental Cup (Ajax)
2 Primera Division titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 1 UEFA Super Cup (Barcelona)
1 Eredivisie title (AZ Alkmaar)
1 Bundesliga title, 1 German Cup, 1 Audi Cup and Champions League Runner-up (Bayern Munich)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201071
Fulham - Bullard Move Hits Snag!
Last week it looked almost cut and dried!

The tabloids were crying in unison that Jimmy Bullard would be leaving Hull City to go to Glasgow Celtic.

But, according to news sources this morning, the proposed move has hit the buffers slightly.

Jimmy, the tabloid is reporting, wants a £2 million pay-off to leave Hull City on a free transfer that would enable whoever signs him to be able, without a transfer fee involved, to pay him something near the rumoured £45,000 a week he`s currently on.

Now please, no more money motivated comments, thank you!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201071#ixzz0qExwEOSL

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201072
Fulham - Raiding Norway (Again)!
Having seen Erik Nevland return to his homeland of Norway, the gossip column of the BBC Sport web site has us linked with another Norwegian.

Marcus Pedersen is a striker who is a mere nineteen years of age but is already creating quite a stir in his homeland playing for Stromsgodset.

Despite his youthful age scouts from several leading clubs, including West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers, as well as Fulham, are said to be lining up a bid for the lad.

Could we be replacing one Norwegian with another?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201072#ixzz0qEyHRvZT

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201070
Fulham - Ledley Linked to Fulham!
Interesting to see the name of Fulham linked with an exciting Welsh prospect.

Joe Ledley, part of the Cardiff City team who suffered Championship play-off heartache at the hands of Blackpool, is out of contract and looking to move to pastures new.

Ledley, being out of contract, wouldn`t demand a transfer fee, is being courted by several clubs, if the tabloids are to be believed, including Glasgow Celtic, Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Could Fulham pull off something of a coup and bring him to Craven Cottage?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201070#ixzz0qEyZ5H4Y

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201068
Fulham - Senderos Move?
Following the departure of Chris Smalling, to Manchester United, Fulham will, invariably, be looking for some defensive cover to back up the duo of Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland.

The latest suggestion, made by the Daily Mirror is that a possible target could be Phillipe Senderos, of Arsenal.

The centre back is out of favour at Arsenal and was loaned to Everton last year where he made 3 appearances.

With the rumours linking Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal it`s also suggested that Senderos could arrive at Craven Cottage as part exchange for the Australian.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201068#ixzz0qEyrcgaz

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201067
Fulham - Dempsey`s Right to Reply!
Next Saturday afternoon, when the United States encounter England in a group game, promises to be an enthralling affair.

The Americans, hoping for another 1950 style result, will parade our very own Clint Dempsey as one of their starting eleven.

But, reading some words from the man himself, Clint doesn`t appear to be too happy with the treatment he`s receiving from the American press who seem to think that Clint can be lazy and slow.

Faced with such criticism, Clint has taken his chance to reply, remarking,

"I pride myself on stepping up on the big occasions."

"You can question my effectiveness but you can`t question my heart and my effort."

"People who aren`t educated about the game are going to take whatever a commentator has to say as the complete truth."

"And that`s not always the case. That`s just their opinion."

"I really don`t want to get into how I`m perceived in the Premier League versus in the US."

"But I`m respected in Europe for what I do week in and week out on the highest level."

"In big games I always come through."

An interesting point about commentary teams there Clint, they`re the bane of my life with their incessant drivel. And as for stepping up for big games Fulham supporters will verify that is certainly most true.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=201067#ixzz0qEzD4jQf

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/west-bromwich-albion/6195662/Cottagers-chief-joins-striker-chase?
Cottagers chief joins striker chase

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has been linked with a move for highly-rated Norwegian Under-21 striker Marcus Pedersen.

The forward has reportedly attracted the interest of the Cottagers, West Brom, Everton, Blackburn, Bolton and Sunderland.

Pedersen, 19, currently plays for Norwegian top flight club Stromsgodset and has scored 17 goals in 38 appearances for the club.

The striker has also netted three times in four appearances for Norway's Under-21 side and is likely to have come to the attention of Hodgson as he has good links with Norwegian football, having signed Norway internationals Brede Hangeland and Bjorn Helge Riise.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/?p=7223
Fulham after Pedersen?
by DAN on JUNE 7, 2010

My boss, who thinks he's really funny, asked me this morning when Roy Hodgson will be joining Liverpool. I reminded him that, whilst one of the self-styled 'big clubs' struggled last season, Fulham actually reached a European final and that Roy might feel there's still work to be done down by the Cottage.

There isn't much to distract from the race to succeed Rafa if you've already pinned up your wallchart and read through the World Cup previews. I did find this snippet in the Daily Mail suggesting that Fulham are amongst a host of English sides showing an interest in young Norwegian striker Marcus Pedersen. As we're in the market for a forward (what with Nevland and Kamara leaving over the summer), this rumour's at least plausible, which makes a welcome change.

[ScalleysDad]

I know some people are getting brassed off with all the angst over the Roy will he won't he debacle but...............
A number of the players we ae being linked with, Pederson, Senderos and now Ledley all have that "under Roys tutulage they could get better" tag. Without that factor in place where we are looking is not overly exciting is it. The Bristol Rovers fella and Ledley will definitly need time and nurturing to make an impact in the Prem. I saw Joe Ledley play and in the chumpionship where he was a class act, against Argyle or Palace I think it was, but the gap is now huge and he could easily be our next Giles Barnes.  Post World Cup and we sign this type of player I'll actually be quite confident that Roy is staying.

[White Noise]

Celts line up bid for Norway's


By PAUL HUGHES

Published: Today
   
CELTIC are eyeing up a £2million bid for Norway's Wayne Rooney.

Gaffer-in-waiting Neil Lennon has made prolific superkid Marcus Pedersen a major target.

And Lennon - who flew back to Parkhead last night as his contract talks neared completion - has urged Hoops chiefs to find the cash to finance a deal for the striker, who has been nicknamed after England star Rooney.

Pedersen, 20 today, exploded on to the scene in Norway, making his senior debut for minnows HamKam at just 14 before winning his big move to Stromsgodset last summer.

His 17 goals in 34 games there have made him one of the hottest young strikers in Europe and prompted the Hoops to ponder a swoop.

Lennon had him watched in Saturday's 2-1 win over Tromso.

But he will face fierce competition from a host of Premier League clubs in England, including West Brom, Sunderland, Blackburn, Bolton, Everton and Fulham.

But Celtic will hope the possibility of Champions League football will be enough to tempt Pedersen, who has smashed in three goals in four games alongside Hoops defender Thomas Rogne for Norway Under-21s.

Meanwhile, Celts could lose out on midfield targets Jimmy Bullard and Joe Ledley unless they speed up Lennon's appointment.

Lennon cut short a coaching course in Ireland yesterday after being summoned to Parkhead.

It's understood he met Hoops chiefs for a final round of negotiations and will officially be paraded as the new boss either tomorrow or Thursday.

Bullard, though, could be a goner by then with Avram Grant targeting him for an emotional return to West Ham.

Hammers fan Bullard was freed by the club as a kid, but Grant wants him back and can easily afford his £45,000-a- week salary.

Stoke have also stepped up their move for Welsh cap Ledley.

Manager Tony Pulis is ready to make his move for the Cardiff star - and hopes to part fund it by flogging Liam Lawrence to Celts for £2m.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3004057/Celts-line-up-bid-for-Norways-Roo.html#ixzz0qFhliYpi

[White Noise]

Roy is right man for the Reds

IAN WRIGHT - Columnist


Published: Today
   
THE last Englishman to manage Liverpool was a bloke named Roy.

In fact, Roy Evans, who left Anfield in 1998, was the last Englishman to manage any one of the Big Four.

It's an embarrassing statistic and I thought it would be many more years before we saw someone from this country in the hotseat at Liverpool, the dark side, Arsenal or Manchester United.

But there is the possibility another Roy will be given the chance to sort out the Reds.

If Roy Hodgson is appointed by Liverpool, it would be a victory for every English coach who has become increasingly frustrated with the obsession of always looking abroad for managerial talent.

Of course, there have been some excellent appointments from the continent.

But Liverpool are in desperate need of someone who can bring in some stability while making the best of the current resources.

He may be 62 but Hodgson deserves a chance to manage a top club in this country - even if they start next season without star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

And, having coached at Inter Milan and at international level, dealing with expectation is hardly going to be a problem.

I'd certainly have Hodgson ahead of someone like Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.

Hodgson's Fulham do not deliver amazing, breathtaking football. They play a good, solid tactical game and that is what is needed at Anfield right now.

Having said that, it's not as though fans on the Kop have been treated to too much stylish, swashbuckling football over the past few years.

It was inevitable Rafa Benitez was going to leave the club when you look at their league position last season.

Liverpool fans will always point to the 2005 Champions League final win against AC Milan but, overall, that success only papered over the cracks.

So it would be a truly fantastic story if Hodgson, in the twilight of his career, could turn around the fortunes of one of the world's biggest clubs.

Fulham will miss him but I don't think even they would deny him the chance of becoming a rarity in football - an English manager at a top club.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3003644/Roy-Hodgson-should-go-to-Anfield.html#ixzz0qFj2v1qb

[Mr Fulham]

Hey White Noise, we're currently in the year 2010! :048: :clap_hands:

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/kagisho_dikgacoi_to_change_his_name_531133/index.shtml
Kagisho Dikgacoi To Change His Name!

Fulham midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi has joked he might have to change his surname to help TV presenters pronounce it!
The South Africa international laughed about the inability of English commentators to say it properly last term. He said: "I don't know what to do to get them to say it correctly. Maybe I have to change my surname."

[WhiteJC]

Hey White Noise, we're currently in the year 2010! :048: :clap_hands:

some people on here are still in 1909 

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/hodgson_wont_stand_in_way_of_dream_move_for_mark_531126/index.shtml
Hodgson Won't Stand In Way Of 'Dream Move' For Mark

Arsenal are closing in on Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The News of the World says Schwarzer's £3m move to Arsenal is on after the keeper held talks with Fulham chief Roy Hodgson.

The Aussie keeper has been targeted by Arsene Wenger as a short-term solution to Arsenal's problems in goal.

Schwarzer, 37, has a year left on his contract with Fulham and is aware that Arsenal want him to replace Manuel Almunia.

The Fulham keeper was exceptional during the club's run to the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

Hodgson is reluctant to allow the keeper to leave Fulham, but does not want to stand in the way of a dream move.