Thursday Fulham Stuff (10.06.10)

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-reject-Arsenal-move-for-Mark-Schwarzer-article454703.html

Fulham reject Arsenal move for Schwarzer



Published 23:00 09/06/10


By John Cross


Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has confirmed that the Gunners have made Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer their top target this summer.

Mirror Sport revealed on May 15 that 37-year-old Schwarzer is Arsenal's target to replace Manuel Almunia. Hill-Wood also admitted that Arsenal are almost resigned to losing William Gallas, as revealed in yesterday's Mirror Sport.

Schwarzer, who signed a new one-year contract with Fulham in April, is anxious to join Arsenal but the Gunners have had a bid knocked back. It is believed Fulham want £3million.

French veteran Gallas, 33 in August, is also a target for Paris Saint Germain and Roma after Arsenal refused to bend their rule on not giving over-30s more than a one year contract extension.

Gallas wants a new two-year deal worth £80,000-a-week. Arsenal are now looking at Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny and Dynamo Kiev's Senegalese defender Pape Diakhate as potential replacements.

Hill-Wood added: "We certainly have made an inquiry for him (Schwarzer) and they (Fulham) are not prepared to sell him, so we have gone away.

"If someone else is prepared to pay him (Gallas) that, good luck to him. We would very much like him to stay for another year, but we are not too sure about two."

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-board-want-Roy-Hodgson-NOT-Kenny-Dalglish-to-replace-sacked-Rafa-Benitez-Exclusive-article454649.html


Liverpool want Hodgson, NOT Dalglish - Exclusive


Published 23:00 09/06/10

By David Maddock

Liverpool's board will meet on Friday to agree a formal approach for Roy Hodgson.

The club will press on with their intention to ask for permission to speak to the Fulham boss, despite their own king-maker, Kenny Dalglish, admitting he would be prepared to do the vacant manager's job at Anfield.

The Kop legend has spent the past two days submerged in meetings with MD Christian Purslow to decide on a short-list of candidates to present to the board.

The pair met for six hours on Monday to discuss the best possible successor to Rafa Benitez, who was sacked last week, and considered a host of names, including Hodgson, Louis Van Gaal, Guus Hiddink, Martin O'Neill, Harry Redknapp and Mark Hughes.

And Dalglish has given his backing to his respected friend Hodgson, after enquiries ruled out the two other front-runners Van Gaal and Hiddink.

Liverpool are in no rush to appoint a replacement for Benitez, who is finally due to be unveiled as the new Inter Milan manager, following days of haggling over the role.

The board tasked Dalglish and Purslow to come up with a short-list of candidates, to allow an approach to be made to the front-runner after the formality of a vote.

The meeting will be held before the weekend, and if the club's American owners agree, Liverpool are then expected to contact Fulham for permission to hold discussions with Hodgson, who has flown to South Africa to be part of the BBC's World Cup team.

That process could take a couple of weeks, but the Merseyside club are confident they will be able to unveil their new manager before the end of the month.

Dalglish has made clear his willingness to take on the role on a permanent basis if it would help the club, but only if Liverpool can't secure the services of his top recommendation.

If Hodgson decides to stay at Fulham and Van Gaal and Hiddink remain reluctant to move to England, then he would offer to step in to fill the post during a difficult period in Anfield history.

It is more likely though, that he will be offered another role at the club working with Hodgson, should he be appointed, given the relationship the pair have.

Dalglish and Purslow considered the merits of O'Neill, who has his backers on the Reds board, but he is a deeply unpopular figure with the Liverpool fans, who have already made clear their unease at his link with the vacant position.

Hughes too, had to be discounted because of his life-long connections with Manchester United, and the fact that he also played for Everton where he remains popular - two associations that would be complete anathema to the Kop faithful.

Hodgson is a far less controversial figure who has won admirers for his tactical triumph in steering tiny Fulham to a UEFA Cup final, and his vast European experience aligned to his diplomatic skills appeals to the Liverpool board.

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/2010-world-cup-blog/World-Cup-diary-England-v-USA-preview-Moo-are-ya-Landon-Donovan-Bob-Bradley-and-the-USA-stars-hit-the-farm-ahead-of-England-game-by-Simon-Bird-article454545.html

Moo are ya? USA stars hit the farm ahead of England game

By Simon Bird in 2010 World Cup Blog

Published 17:36 09/06/10

There is a notice at the entrance of the USA training base at the Irene Farm.

"This is a 112 year old working dairy and we take no responsibility for the misbehaviour of our cows."

The MOO-S-A, as they were christened yesterday, have one of the quirkiest, yet homely, training camps, tucked away down Botha Avenue in a leafy, semi rural district of Pretoria.

Free-range chickens scattered as star player Landon Donovan and coach Bob Bradley wandered through the antique ploughs that lie rusting in the grounds earlier today. Take a deep breath and you get a lung full of agricultural smelling air, and local kids have a kick about on the lawn with an old tractor as a goal-post.


And at the Irene Farm shop, US players wander in to get their special one beer, peppermint crisps and organic chicken pies in a scene of normality that won't be played out in many camps at this World Cup.

If they were after a reminder of the ranch life back home the US could not have chosen better. They are relaxed, enjoying fishing trips, and an afternoon handling lion cubs in between training.

Across at the country lodge team spirit is high. The Xbox 360 is permanently occupied as the men who want to beat England do battle recreating their World Cup dream in virtual reality. There is even a chess corner, with Fulham's Clint Dempsey beating all comers.

The atmosphere of openness here is refreshing, with only a handful of CIA men lurking. One press conference this week saw 10 players lining up to share their thoughts on the tournament, when more paranoid other teams are rationing interviews, including England, to one a day during the build up.

If there is one aspect England needs to take from US sport it is the way players and coaches welcome in the media.

American Football, basketball and baseball are famous for shocking English reporters who venture over the Atlantic to cover games, and find themselves tape-recorders in hand interviewing the biggest stars in the dressing room. Often with top player towel around waist still dripping from his shower.

Perhaps we don't want to get that close, but there is a lesson in there. Openness brings understanding and respect. It fosters a realisation that building the profile of your sport, and your own image as an athlete through answering questions, is a must, not a chore to be avoided.

Here at Irene Farm coach Bob Bradley has the whole show sewn up. He picks the team, which included his son Michael as a holding midfielder.

Today the star player Donovan and coach Bob Bradley chatted for 40 minutes giving assured, masterful performances with humour and confidence that Saturday's game will by US soccer's moment in the sun eclipsing the famous 1-0 win in 1950.

The USA are on a charm offensive to sell soccer to their nation back home.

They also want to push their own World Cup bid for 2022. "Maybe we can trade endorsements with your people for your 2018 bid," said one official.

It is not lost on every player that Saturday's game is more than just a football match. They believe a positive result would be another pivotal moment in the development of the game in the US, luring more kids and spectators to the game.

Star man Landon Donovan was inspired to take up the game by watching Argentina in the 1994 tournament.

"For six months now it has all been about USA v England." said Donovan as he fielded questions about David Beckham, Everton and England. "We are ready for it!"

Interest in the game in the US has yet to become clear, but it will be broadcast nationwide and broadcasters hope around 17 million will tune in boosted by the Spanish and Italian speaking population.

If the USA do conjure a win then you can be sure of one thing, given their beautiful base. They'll certainly milk it.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/7815809/Kenny-Dalglish-should-come-back-to-Liverpool...but-beware-of-boardroom-politics.html

Kenny Dalglish should come back to Liverpool...but beware of boardroom politics


Should Kenny Dalglish make an emotional return to Liverpool? We ask one of the club's former managers and a fanzine editor for their opinion on one of football's most intriguing summer sub-plots.

By Rory Smith

Published: 10:41PM BST 09 Jun 2010

 
Roy Evans, former Liverpool manager

At a time when Liverpool face such uncertainty concerning the owners, there is no question that appointing Kenny as manager – even if it was only on an interim basis – would be a good idea, and I am sure I am not alone in thinking that.

It seems at the moment that there is nobody at the club at board level capable of making decisions, no chief executive who can decide the direction that Liverpool should take. At least with Kenny in place, should he return as amanager, the football side of things would be in safe hands over what is a busy period for clubs.

He knows Liverpool better than most, of course, and he would be able to work immediately with people already at the club, including the likes of Sammy Lee, the assistant manager.

That is another issue Liverpool face should they choose to appoint from outside the club. Any new manager may not meet with the approval of new owners, should they be found, and that would only result in costing the club money to pay-off him and his back-room staff. With Kenny, that would not be necessary.

No doubt, if things started to go very badly, he would face as much criticism as any other manager from the fans, but few would go into the job with as much goodwill as Kenny, so high is his standing among the supporters.

There are down sides, too, such as the fact that he has not worked as a manager for so long, but it is a case of weighing the positives against the negatives. In this case, there is only one conclusion.

Dave Usher, editor, The Liverpool Way

No Liverpool fan would object to Kenny Dalglish returning as manager and if I was asked who should succeed Rafael Benítez, I would nominate him without hesitation.

That is not to say there is no reason to be cautious, though. Most would suggest that the amount of time he has spent out of the game should count against him, but such is his standing with everyone connected to the club that, for me, that would not be a factor.

Similarly, the risk associated with returning to Liverpool now, with all the off-field problems, should not colour people's view. Kenny's legacy is such that it is guaranteed to survive, whatever happens.

The problem, though, would be the perception that Liverpool's greatest legend had agreed to work with Tom Hicks and George Gillett, the club's owners, who are hardly the sort of figures a man in Kenny's position should align himself with.

An emotional return would also put the board in an unenviable position. All of the allegations that surrounded Christian Purslow's alleged undermining of Benítez would no doubt surface again, but magnified, given Kenny's status. That may be a position the club's power-brokers are simply not prepared to put themselves in.

Rather, it is far preferable for them to take the easy option, to appoint Roy Hodgson. The speculation has been rife for weeks that he will replace Benítez. That he has not dismissed it suggests he is tempted by one last shot at a high-profile task. He may find it is a poisoned chalice, though, so determined will some fans be to compare him negatively to the Spaniard.

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http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7147124.ece

Roy Hodgson remains the front-runner for Liverpool manager's job


Tony Barrett

Liverpool will continue their pursuit of Roy Hodgson despite having been made aware of Kenny Dalglish's willingness to take over as manager.

Hodgson remains the club's prime target to succeed Rafael Benítez, who has agreed the terms of a three-year contract to become the coach of Inter Milan, the reigning European champions. However, sources insist that Liverpool have not yet made a formal approach to Fulham as they continue to weigh up the merits of a number of contenders.

The possibility of Dalglish being considered for the role has not been ruled out but he would have to convince the board that he still has what it takes to hold down one of the toughest jobs in English football after a decade out of management.

The claims of Hodgson are considered to be stronger by the Anfield hierarchy, with Christian Purslow, the managing director, particularly impressed by the Fulham manager's ability to bring stability to clubs and also his statesman-like demeanour, qualities that Purslow feels could be crucial to Liverpool at this juncture.

Hodgson is understood to be keen to embrace the challenge of revitalising a Liverpool team who finished seventh in the Barclays Premier League last season, 23 points behind Chelsea, the champions, but Fulham remain reluctant to part company with the 62-year-old after he guided them to the Europa League final last month.

Liverpool's determination to take him to Anfield could be crucial, however, and despite their financial difficulties, they would be willing to pay the £2.5 million necessary to trigger the release clause in Hodgson's contract.

Albert Riera performed a surprise about-turn last night and asked to stay at Liverpool after the departure of Benítez as manager. The winger had a running battle with Benítez last season because he felt that he should have been playing more regularly.

Riera described Benítez's regime as a "sinking ship" in March, but was forced to backtrack when a proposed move to Spartak Moscow collapsed because of his wage demands. "This was a difficult year for me and for Liverpool," he said. "Sincerely, if I can, I would like to remain at Liverpool because this club is a top one."

Riera added that he would also consider a return to Bordeaux, where he played for two years from 2003. "Concerning Bordeaux, I very much would like to return there because I have the feeling that I did not give all in my first time there," he said.

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/World-Cup-England-David-James-interview-Everything-I-ve-done-in-the-past-year-has-been-geared-towards-being-England-s-No-1-article454719.html

David James: Everything I've done in the past year has been geared towards being England's No 1


Published 23:00 09/06/10

By John Cross


This time last year, David James was in the gym with his mind focused on one thing.

"I was on the bike and all I was thinking was: 'England, World Cup, England, World Cup.' That was all I was thinking about," admits James.

Twelve months later and nothing has changed. Everything that James has done in the past year has been geared to being England's No.1.

He has been to two World Cups before. In 2002 he was third choice behind David Seaman and Nigel Martyn. In 2006, James was reserve to Paul Robinson. This time, James admits he goes into the tournament uncertain of whether he will be first or third choice this time.


It is a nervous waiting game for all three of Fabio Capello's keepers as James, Rob Green and Joe Hart all believe they have a chance of starting against USA in England's World Cup opener in Rustenburg on Saturday.

After being given the No 1 jersey, James would surely have been the obvious choice. But Capello has gained a reputation of keeping all of the players guessing right up until two hours before kick-off. But for James, having missed out on his biggest career ambition twice before, he also knows this will be his last chance of playing at a World Cup.

James, who turns 40 in August, said: "I genuinely believe England are going to be successful, I want that above everything else. I want to be part of that success so I want to be number one.

"A long time ago I stopped trying to second-guess people. I get stressed about Portsmouth losing and so I haven't burdened myself with the extra stress of wondering what's in the mind of Fabio Capello.

"I don't think about the numerical position in the squad. It may be that the number one is the fittest and plays, but the idea is that all three are out there, trying their best to be the number one.

"I've been to two World Cups before and felt that with Dave Seaman and Paul Robinson I wanted to do ­everything to help them be ready for the game.

"But I was also thinking if either came off I wanted to come on. Or if something happens I want to be the keeper to play in the next game.

"But then the final whistle blows – as it did last time against Portugal – and you're devastated, even if you've not been playing. You've given so much commitment though to the squad, to the management and you're gutted."

James, a target for West Ham and Fulham who are ready to give him another chance in the Premier League, smiles when it is suggested this will be his last chance.

"I think you might be right! This season, I've been involved in ­virtually all of the qualification games," said James. "I played in the Austria qualifier last time in the build-up to 2006, it wasn't good and that was, until this time, my only experience of a World Cup campaign, including finals and qualifying campaign.

"This time round, I've had a big impact or big influence on results and it would be nice to see that through.

"At my age, and I'm not trying to limit my potential because of my age, but it makes sense to think that there would be younger keepers coming through."

James is the obvious choice. He has the experience, presence and was, after all, given the number one shirt. Green has endured a relegation dogfight with West Ham and Hart is still seen as the young pretender.

But this season has not all gone James' way. He has been dogged by injury, having, by his own admission, rushed his rehabilitation following surgery last summer with the goal of being fit for the World Cup.

He added: "I've been playing professional football for 23 years and in that period I've suffered one calf strain before the last FA Cup final. "But the end of the season got a lot better, I've been a lot fitter."

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/09/roy-hodgson-liverpool-kenny-dalglish

Roy Hodgson still favourite for Liverpool job ahead of Kenny Dalglish

• Fulham's manager remains the leading Anfield choice

• Dalglish may have to reconsider role in managerial search


Andy Hunter guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 9 June 2010 21.39 BST


Liverpool remain keen to offer their vacant manager's position to Fulham's Roy Hodgson despite Kenny Dalglish's interest in returning to the post after a 19-year absence.

The Liverpool legend, who quit as manager in 1991 following a trophy-laden career at Anfield, has let it be known he is willing to succeed Rafael Benítez if the board deems him the best available candidate.

However, despite Dalglish's desire for the job and his popularity, the Liverpool board's preference is for a manager in the game and with recent European experience, and Fulham's Hodgson remains their leading choice. The 62-year-old has been under consideration since Benítez's departure last week and although no official approach has been made to Fulham for their manager, who is on holiday, Liverpool are interested.

Dalglish is currently charged with leading the search for Benítez's replacement as manager alongside Christian Purslow, Liverpool's managing director. Despite his present role and 10-year absence from management, the 59-year-old believes he is equipped to make a remarkable return as Liverpool manager and lift the club following the varied disappointments of last season.

The Scot would be a popular choice for many Liverpool supporters and his credentials will be considered by the Anfield board as they consider the best man to take the club forward. Liverpool do not have Champions League football or a substantial transfer budget to entice their next manager, and are also anxious to make an appointment that convinces Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano to remain at Anfield beyond this summer.

Yet with over a month until their players begin to report back for pre-season training, the Merseyside club have made it clear they are under no pressure to rush the appointment but are confident of securing their main target.

Dalglish could yet return to manage Liverpool in the event of Hodgson, who has a £2.5m release clause in his 12-month rolling contract at Craven Cottage, declining the job or the club failing to secure an alternative choice.

The former Liverpool manager, now employed as a club ambassador, is unlikely to place further pressure on the Anfield board by publicly declaring his interest and therefore risking a schism with Purslow and other directors. But Dalglish, who won the last of Liverpool's 18 league titles and claimed three championships while manager, plus seven titles and three European Cups as a player, may have to reconsider his part in the managerial search.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6198655,00.html

Mbokani keen on Fulham move


Standard ace wants Craven Cottage switch


Last updated: 9th June 2010   


Standard Liege star Dieumerci Mbokani has confirmed his interest in sealing a move to Fulham.

The DR Congo international striker is set to leave the club this summer after three years with Liege, during which time he has scored over 30 goals.

A number of Premier League sides have shown an interest with Birmingham, West Ham and Everton all making contact with Standard.

Roma are also believed to be keen, but a move to England looks to be Mbokani's preference and Fulham are leading the chase.

Standard director Pierre Francois and CEO Luciano D'Onofrio were in London earlier this week, and it is reported in Belgium that they held talks with Fulham.

Mbokani is now keen for the deal to be finalised, which could be worth up to €10million (£8.2million).

Ideal
"I knew that Fulham are interested, I also know that Lucien D'Onorfio promised to help me get a transfer a year ago and he will respect his word," he told HLN.

"I now hope that Standard will find common ground with Fulham, a club I feel is ideal."

Standard have refused to confirm they are in talks, but the player's agent Fabio Baglio admitted Fulham were keen.

"Fulham is not the only club interested in Dieumerci, but I consider Fulham the best option," he said.

"I assume that the management of Stanard and I will have contact once they have reached agreement and then everything will proceed."

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http://news.myjoyonline.com/worldcup/201006/47452.asp

World Cup 2010: John Pantsil targets semi-final for Ghana

Last Updated: Wednesday, 9 June 2010, 15:52 GMT Previous Page
   
Ghana right-back John Pantsil expects no less than a semi-final appearance for his country at the World Cup in South Africa.

The Fulham defender told BBC World Service's Sportsworld: "An African country can lift the cup.

"In Germany in 2006 we reached the last 16 but now, with Africa hosting and a stronger squad I have full confidence of us being in the semi-finals.

"It is a big chance for Africa to achieve," he added.

Ghana will be looking to build on their 2006 World Cup campaign which saw them notch up impressive wins against Czech Republic and the USA, before being knocked out by Brazil in the next round.

"Our group is very tricky but we have to focus on doing better than before," he said.

The Black Stars line up in Group D alongside Germany, Australia and Serbia. Their first game, against Serbia, takes place on 13 June in Pretoria.

After an impressive African Cup of Nations campaign, which saw Ghana lose 1-0 in the final to Egypt, confidence in the camp is high.

Pantsil missed out on the competition because of a ligament injury, but now has his sights firmly set on an outstanding showing in South Africa.

"We are not lacking in any area. We have a good first 11 and a good bench so that will help the team progress to a better level than 2006," he said.

He is also looking forward to having the full support of not only his home country Ghana, but the rest of the continent, too.

"All the African countries will get great support from South Africa. African fans will not support one country but will support Africa," Pantsil said. "In Africa we love football." 

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End of Season DVD


Wednesday 9th June 2010


Fulham FC News



2010 was the year that the football world stood back and applauded the quite remarkable achievements of a team from South West London - Fulham Football Club.

It was a campaign that saw Mohamed Al Fayed's Club defeat the powerhouses of European football: FC Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg as the Whites stormed their way to the UEFA Europa League Final.

Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson, the 2009/10 League Managers Association Manager of the Year, was the mastermind behind a season that shall never be forgotten. Hodgson's Team delivered glorious domestic and European victories at the Cottage that will live long in the memory of the Fulham faithful.


Re-live all the historic wins and memorable goals from the 2009/10 season - it was a campaign like no other and one that shall live in the hearts and minds of Fulham fans forever.

Pre-order your DVD today|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/EndofSeasonDVD.aspx?#ixzz0qOq2CNUK

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Etuhu/NigeriaShirt1.jpg


World Cup Competition


Wednesday 9th June 2010


Fulham FC News


With the signing of Philippe Senderos, Fulham will be represented at the 2010 World Cup finals by six members of the First Team squad.

The big kick-off is fast approaching and to add to the excitement we are offering you the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive Training Ground experience with our fantastic World Cup competition!

For a chance to watch the First Team put through their paces during pre-season training at Motspur Park, enjoy lunch in the players' restaurant and receive a signed shirt from your favourite Fulham player, simply guess the total number of minutes that Fulham players will play at this summer's World Cup.

To enter e-mail your guess to [email protected]| by 3pm on Friday 11th June, including your name and contact number.

The winner will be contacted on Monday 12th July.

Fulham Players in World Cup Action
Mark Schwarzer - Australia
John Pantsil - Ghana
Kagisho Dikgacoi - South Africa
Dickson Etuhu - Nigeria
Clint Dempsey - USA
Philippe Senderos - Switzerland


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/WorldCupCompetition.aspx#ixzz0qOqhP3OX

[White Noise]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7147155.ece


Dalglish has muddied Anfield waters with interest in manager's job


Hodgson is left in an awkward position after Liverpool legend puts his name forward for role in wake of Benitez's departureMatt Dickinson Commentary

Should Roy Hodgson become the new manager of Liverpool, he will do so knowing that Kenny Dalglish wanted his job. And there we were thinking that Rafael Benitez's departure was meant to cure Anfield of its internicine politics.

Instead the in-fighting may grow worse now that Dalglish, the Club Ambassador, has put his employers in an awkward position by allowing it to be known that he wants to be considered for the post.

He must have done so aware that thousands of supporters would swing behind King Kenny, deluded by romantic notions that he can click his fingers and bring the good times back to Merseyside. After all, his only valid claim to the job, more than a decade after he last worked in management, is his popularity.

Christian Purslow, the managing director, now finds himself in an unenviable position, given that scepticism about Hodgson around Anfield is liable to increase simply on the back of Dalglish's expression of interest.

But then doubts about Hodgson are reasonable, too. Is the Fulham manager, able though he is, truly the best man for the job or is he someone soothing, someone grateful for the opportunity, who can muddle through during a turbulent period?

To decide on an easy option without chasing after more ambitious targets such as Guus Hiddink, or even speaking to Martin O'Neill, is dangerous short-termism at a time when Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are considering their futures.

It paints a sorry picture of Liverpool, a great club fast in danger of becoming a Premier League basket case, where the owners are divided, the club is in vast debt and even loyal players are disaffected.

On the terraces, Mark Hughes is dismissed not because he has negligible experience in Europe but because he is associated with Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United. Dalglish is considered credible by many simply because he is King Kenny.

At this rate Liverpool will become another Newcastle United — a club where emotions run high and logic flies out of the window.

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Jamie Redknapp: If Liverpool don't appoint King Kenny Dalglish, it'll be another crying shame

By Jamie Redknapp

Last updated at 11:51 PM on 9th June 2010

Kenny Dalglish is the right man at the right time for Liverpool. He has the quality that
money cannot buy: respect. They should be crying out for his leadership now to
replace Rafa Benitez, who had to go.

I spent some time with Dalglish last week for the UNICEF game at Old Trafford and saw every day the passion and desire — and the knowledge — Kenny still has for football.

If the argument against his appointment is that he has been out of the game too long, you wouldn't know it speaking to him — line-ups, formations, players. He's been observing and building his knowledge. He's ready to return to football.

I still see Liverpool as my club. I was captain and spent more than a decade playing for the club, after Kenny signed me at the age of 17 from Bournemouth.

I remember my first day up there, wondering how I would cope away from my mum and dad. He invited me to stay at his house, where his lovely wife, Marina, cooked chicken and pasta and we spoke about football. Then he told me I had to go to bed.

It was quite early and I was a bit surprised, but you don't argue with the great Kenny Dalglish. So off I went.

I did as I was told, only to find out the next morning over breakfast that I was in the squad to face Wimbledon. I didn't know until then, he didn't tell me, but it was his way
of keeping me calm.

The day he left the club — about a month later — despite the thousands of people he needed to speak to and explain why, he called me and told me that I shouldn't worry and that Liverpool was my club. I cried my eyes out.

Even last week, Kenny still had that aura about him. He is Liverpool's Special One.
Benitez won the Champions League and the FA Cup, but it was time for him to go. I speak to some of the Liverpool players, but you don't have to do that to see how unhappy they were last season. The manager had lost the dressing room. They almost downed tools.

The players were fed up and beaten. You can't have Liverpool players like that! It reflected in their performances and their final league position. Whoever takes the job has a huge task rebuilding morale and standards.

He will inherit some good players — but not enough. He will have to take on the responsibility of keeping Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. I just think Kenny, with all his Liverpool history, will have a better chance of achieving that, as well as attracting fresh blood.

I'm not pushing him as a candidate for sentimental reasons. He will need good coaches around him and he will need a budget to improve the playing staff, but there will be no compensation package.

That gives him another advantage over Roy Hodgson and Martin O'Neill, who will both be expensive as they are under contract with rival Barclays Premier League clubs.

Liverpool supporters also hold him close to their heart forever. When he departed Anfield in 1991, he moved on to Blackburn and won the title there, finishing ahead of Manchester United on the last day of the 1994-95 season.

I was in the Liverpool team at Anfield that day — I scored the winning goal in the game against Blackburn which might have taken the title away from Kenny — but you could still feel the emotion from the Kop, once the title was confirmed by West Ham's 1-1 draw with United.

The modern Liverpool don't need just a figurehead, but a leader. Kenny can be that man.

Christian Purslow, the new managing director, has been bold with his decision to sack Benitez and now he faces a challenging period searching for the right man. The
right man, in my opinion, is under his nose.

I'll finish with a story that sums up Kenny. A couple of years ago, he took on the role of manager for the Rest of the World team against England, managed by my dad, Harry Redknapp.

It's a game where a lot of people give up their time for free, but there is still a lot of competition between the coaches. We won, Kenny's team lost, but he called it on with my dad, claiming he made a substitution that had broken the rules.

Dad sent on a player who had already been on, but it was a charity game! Kenny wasn't having it and they had strong words.

This year, when Kenny's team won, he was delighted with the victory. 'I see you're not crying now,' I said to him at the end. It's the behaviour of a winner. Kenny Dalglish is a winner. Liverpool need a bit of that right now.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1285407/Jamie-Redknapp-If-Liverpool-dont-appoint-King-Kenny-Dalglish-itll-crying-shame.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0qOzp5O3e

[White Noise]

Ful your boots with £2m, Roy

By ANDREW DILLON

Published: Today
   
ROY HODGSON will get a £2million jackpot from Fulham in the hope of keeping him away from Liverpool.

Owner Mohamed Fayed is prepared to double the manager's salary to make him stay at Craven Cottage.

Hodgson, 62, signed a £1m-a-year 12-month rolling contract in January but is Liverpool's top choice to replace sacked Rafa Benitez.

Fulham insist they have had no approach yet but are braced for a fight to hang on to their manager.

Al Fayed recently made £1.5BILLION from the sale of posh London store Harrods and has vowed to use it to plough more cash into the club.

Hodgson is also a candidate to eventually replace England boss Fabio Capello and could miss out if he joins Liverpool this summer and the Italian quits after the World Cup.

A Fulham insider explained: "Leaving Fulham to take over at England would be seen as the pinnacle of Roy's career.

"And everyone thinks that's what he would love to do.

"He could miss out on that if he gets tempted by Liverpool and then the England job comes up not long after.

"There's also the question of Liverpool being up for sale at the moment. Roy could go there under the current owners, new men come in and the job could end up being very short-term."

Hodgson's stock is at its height after he led Fulham to an unlikely Europa League final last season.

In barely two years, he saved the club from relegation then clinched seventh place in the Premier League and European football on a relatively meagre budget.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3007219/Fulham-to-double-Roy-Hodgsons-money-to-ward-off-Liverpool.html#ixzz0qQRf29My

[WhiteJC]

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/msame-at-liverpool?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ffc_liverpool_blogs+%28FFC_Liverpool_Blogs%29
Is Hodgson the answer to Liverpool's prayers?

It has been reported today that Liverpool will make a formal approach for Roy Hodgson within the next 48 hours. However, is he the man Liverpool fans want to see take charge of their club next season?

According to a shortlist drawn up by Kenny Dalglish and Christian Purslow, the Fulham boss appears to be the front-runner to take charge of the famous Merseyside club, following the departure of Rafa Benitez this past week.

Hodgson has a rolling one-year contract at Craven Cottage which was negotiated at the completion of this season's campaign. Although, significantly, his contract contains a clause which will allow the 62-year-old to depart the club and join a top one for a compensation figure of approximately £2.5 million.

Hodgson has kept quiet and has so far made no indication that he will be leaving the London outfit this summer. Liverpool have also pin-pointed Bayern Munich's manager Louis Van Gaal as another possible target. However, Dalglish and Purslow will have difficulty trying to prise the Dutch man away from the German side this summer. Nonetheless, Hodgson has been identified as the main target.

Hodgson has worked wonders for Fulham in the past 3 years since his appointment in 2007. Hodgson has moulded the London based club into a side that are hard to break down and beat. The 62-year-old also led his side to an historic UEFA Europa league cup final last month, but sadly lost the tie in extra time against Spanish side Atletico Madrid 2-1.

There is no doubt in any football fans mind that the Fulham boss knows how to manage a team. Hodgson is a fantastic manager who has a vast knowledge of the game and bags experience in abundance. He has managed several teams around Europe as well as several nations which include the likes of, Switzerland, Inter Milan, Copenhagen and Udinese.

Taking this all into consideration, would Hodgson be the ideal candidate for the job or are there better options available? More importantly, is he the man to turn things around at the club, and persuade big stars like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres into staying at Anfield next season? The Liverpool faithful will be divided if the English manager were to take charge next season.

The fact is Liverpool will need a manager sooner rather than later in order to sort out the problems that have rocked the club this season. They will need a manager who has seen and done it all, and Hodgson appears to be the man for the job in many fans eyes.

However, a majority of the Liverpool fans will feel that whoever does take charge of the club next season, will not be able to help resurrect the clubs dramatic downfall that has transpired this year. This however remains to be seen.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2010/06/10/liverpool-fc-snub-kenny-dalglish-over-manager-s-job-55578-26623968/?
Liverpool FC snub Kenny Dalglish over manager's job

LIVERPOOL FC will press ahead with their plans to speak with Roy Hodgson over the vacant manager's role – despite Kenny Dalglish declaring his interest in the position.

The Anfield hierarchy have targeted Fulham manager Hodgson as their preferred choice to succeed Rafa Benitez, who departed last Thursday after almost six years in charge.

Liverpool still intend to approach the Craven Cottage outfit later this week with a view to being given permission to talk with Hodgson, and are prepared to offer the 62-year-old a rolling 12-month contract.

Although aware of Dalglish's stance, the club were nevertheless surprised with his decision to go public with his desire to once again take on the role of manager that he

held between 1985 and 1991.

The Anfield legend has been employed in an ambassadorial capacity at the club for the past year and was thought to be advising managing Christian Purslow in determining Benitez's successor.

But now Dalglish wants to be taken into consideration for the position and as such will no longer play any part in the selection process.

Hodgson, though, remains the first choice with the club seeking a steady pair of hands to stabilise matters following the tumultuous conclusion to Benitez's reign.

Benitez will be confirmed as Inter Milan manager in the coming days after agreeing a three-year deal with the Serie A side.

The Spaniard is expected to take a number of his backroom staff from Anfield with him to the San Siro, and reports in Italy suggest he will also attempt to sign some of his former players.

Chief among them is Glen Johnson, with it being claimed the right-back is among Benitez's list of wanted players as he aims to replicate Jose Mourinho's feat of winning the treble of Italian league, cup and Champions League.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres has hailed a "perfect" comeback after making his return to action after almost two months on the sidelines.

Torres made his first appearance since undergoing surgery in April as a goalscoring second-half substitute in Spain's 6-0 friendly demolition of Poland on Tuesday night

And now the 25-year-old is hopeful of being involved when Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in Durban next Wednesday.

"I am very happy because now it is nearly two months after the surgery and I haven't noticed any problems," said Torres.

"It was a very important day to me because to play in the World Cup is most important.

"The minutes I played were useful to gain rhythm and to confirm that my knee is good.

"It was perfect, and to get a goal as well, I'm very happy."

European Championship winners Spain are among the favourites to lift the World Cup in South Africa, but Torres has warned an arduous adventure awaits.

"We have recuperated and our timing is there on the field," said the Liverpool forward. "But the World Cup is very long and it will not be easy."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0610/1224272194073.html
Hodgson remains Liverpool's choice despite interest from Dalglish

LIVERPOOL REMAIN keen to offer their vacant manager's position to Fulham's Roy Hodgson despite Kenny Dalglish's interest in returning to the post after a 19-year absence.

The Liverpool legend, who quit as manager in 1991 following a trophy-laden career at Anfield, has let it be known he is willing to succeed Rafael Benitez if the board deems him the best available candidate.

However, despite Dalglish's desire for the job and his popularity, the Liverpool board's preference is for a manager in the game and with recent European experience, and Fulham's Hodgson remains their leading choice. The 62-year-old has been under consideration since Benitez' departure last week and although no official approach has been made to Fulham for their manager, who is on holiday, Liverpool are interested.

Dalglish is currently charged with leading the search for Benitez' replacement as manager alongside Christian Purslow, Liverpool's managing director. Despite his present role and 10-year absence from management, the 59-year-old believes he is equipped to make a remarkable return as Liverpool manager and lift the club following the varied disappointments of last season.

The Scot would be a popular choice for many Liverpool supporters and his credentials will be considered by the Anfield board as they consider the best man to take the club forward. Liverpool do not have Champions League football or a substantial transfer budget to entice their next manager, and are also anxious to make an appointment that convinces Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano to remain at Anfield beyond this summer.

Yet with over a month until their players begin to report back for pre-season training, the Merseyside club have made it clear they are under no pressure to rush the appointment but are confident of securing their main target.

Dalglish could yet return to manage Liverpool in the event of Hodgson, who has a €3 million release clause in his 12-month rolling contract at Craven Cottage, declining the job or the club failing to secure an alternative choice.

The former Liverpool manager, now employed as a club ambassador, is unlikely to place further pressure on the Anfield board by publicly declaring his interest and therefore risking a schism with Purslow and other directors.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-set-offer-hodgson-bonus-stay-away-liverpool-896211?
Fulham set to offer Hodgson bonus to stay away from Liverpool

Fulham are expected to offer manager Roy Hodgson a £2milion bonus so he remains in charge at Craven Cottage.

Hodgson is being targeted by Liverpool as they seek a replacement for the departed Rafael Benitez but the Cottagers are desperate to retain the man that led them to the Europa League final last season.

Fulham owner, Mohamed Al Fayed recently made £1.5billion after selling department store Harrods so he is cashed up and ready to use his funds to further the London club, beginning with the retention of their boss.

[WhiteJC]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/403792-2010-fifa-world-cup-dempsey-could-earn-iconic-status-in-south-africa?
2010 FIFA World Cup: Dempsey Could Earn Iconic Status in South Africa

Clint Dempsey is already a firm favorite amongst American soccer fans, but he can become a world-renowned icon this summer in South Africa.

For many years American soccer fans pinned their hopes on Landon Donovan to be that man. The humble and less outspoken Donovan never seemed to embrace the role, rather allowing his performances on the pitch do the talking.

Dempsey carries himself with the  bravado and swagger that has caused Americans to rally behind him. He has become the man to inspire American hopes in the 2010 World Cup. Part of that image is due to his rapping alias "Deuce."  Clint appeared alongside fellow Texan rappers in "Don't Tread," for a video done by Nike ahead of the 2006 World Cup.

If not for Dempsey's partnership with Nike, Adidas could have made a great commercial similar to those depicting how Lionel Messi and Steven Gerrard got their "superpowers." As a boy back in Texas, Dempsey grew up in a trailer park where he learned to play football with Mexican immigrant children. While his brother was being scouted, Clint was discovered while practicing his juggling. The rest, as you may know, is history.

The other half of his image is—of course—due to his footballing ability. Dempsey combines skillful dribbling with a tenacious attitude on the pitch. His all-out effort is easily relatable, as his number eight jerseys have been the most requested in soccer shops across the United States.

His popularity grows greater by the day.

Followers of the Premier League are already well-aware of Clint's prodigious talent.  Dempsey began to make a name for himself "across the pond" in his debut season by coming off the bench and scoring the goal that saved Fulham from relegation against Liverpool. He further won the hearts of Fulham supporters by tallying two goals during a 2008-09 match against London rivals Chelsea including a last-minute equalizer.

His greatest moment for the "Cottagers" came in a thrilling comeback against Juventus in the Europa League knock-out stage. Dempsey scored a dazzling chip-shot that sent the "Old Lady of Italian football" packing. Fulham went on to reach the 2010 Europa League final but lost to Atlético Madrid in extra time.

Spanish fans were stunned as the Americans ended their 35-match unbeaten run in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Clint scored the second goal of the match in the 74th minute, putting the result out of reach for the reigning Euro 2008 champions. He opened the scoring in the tournament's final, but his country was dumped out by the mighty Brazil.

If Dempsey is able to continue his inspiring performances in South Africa, fans around the world will join his ever-growing legion of admirers. Clint Dempsey's reputation is quickly rising in world football, and he has become a symbol for the rise of America in the world's game.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dalglish-facing-liverpool-snub-2214571.html?
Dalglish facing liverpool snub
Hodgson still Reds' No 1 target despite King Kenny's interest

LIVERPOOL will still attempt to lure Fulham manager Roy Hodgson to Merseyside as Rafael Benitez's successor despite club great Kenny Dalglish's declaration of interest in returning to the Anfield dugout.

Dalglish, who is Liverpool's academy ambassador, has made it clear he would be delighted to return to the position he occupied with distinction between 1985 and 1991. But despite the strong emotional draw of seeing Dalglish back at the helm, Liverpool will not be deflected from their plan to offer the position to Hodgson.

The manager of the year, as voted by his peers, has been identified as the ideal candidate to steer the club through one of the most turbulent periods in its history, so deep have been the scars caused by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Sources at the club believe Hodgson's understated demeanour and calm manner would provide a welcome respite to the recent turmoil, while he has won praise for his ability to work on a limited budget and for his style of play.

Christian Purslow, Liverpool's managing director and the man leading the search for a new manager, has made it clear the four qualities he values most are experience, an established reputation, stability and proven ability to deliver success in Europe. Hodgson, fresh from taking Fulham to the Europa League final, ticks all the boxes.

The former Inter Milan manager has a £2.5m buy-out clause in his rolling one-year contract at Craven Cottage, a sum that would have a small impact on Liverpool's transfer funds of about £15m.

A shortlist of potential candidates, topped by Hodgson, will be presented to Liverpool's six-man board over the next few days, a move that is likely to be quickly followed by an official approach for the 62-year-old.

Though there is no bad blood between Liverpool's power-brokers and Dalglish for his statement of intent, the timing of his move has caused some perplexity, given that the club's plan of action was already in place.