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Thursday Fulham Stuff (10.06.10)

Started by White Noise, June 09, 2010, 11:25:29 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Arsenal-make-Mark-Schwarzer-their-top-transfer-target/8227/?
Arsenal make Fulham 'keeper Mark Schwarzer their top transfer target

Arsenal may have ruled themselves out of the running to sign Joe Cole, but one player firmly in the Gunners' sights is Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer .

According to the Mirror, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood confirmed that the club had made the 37-year-old Australian their "top target" this summer.

Schwarzer is out of contract next season, but is believed to favour a move to Arsenal rather than remain at the Cottagers.

Earlier this week, Schwarzer spoke to Fulham boss Roy Hodgson – who could well be on his way to Liverpool -  about a move to Arsenal. 

Nevertheless, Arsenal may be put off by Fulham's asking price, said to be in the region of £3 million.

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

WhiteJC

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/7815277/Roy-Hodgson-still-Liverpools-No-1-target-despite-Kenny-Dalglishs-interest.html?
Roy Hodgson still Liverpool's No 1 target despite Kenny Dalglish's interest
Liverpool will still attempt to lure Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, to Merseyside as Rafael Benítez's successor despite club great Kenny Dalglish's declaration of interest in returning to the Anfield dug-out.

Dalglish, who is Liverpool's Academy ambassador after rejoining the club last year, 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, whose bond with the club's fans was strengthened in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, 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.

Liverpool are £237 million in debt, will not compete in the Champions League for the first time since 2003 after finishing seventh in the Premier League and face an exodus of stars, including Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano following the chaotic infighting of the last months of Benítez's tenure.

Sources at the club believe Hodgson's understated demeanour and calm manner would provide a welcome respite to the recent turmoil, while he has also 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 above all others 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 £2.5 million buy-out clause in his rolling, one-year contract at Craven Cottage, a sum that would have a small impact on Liverpool's transfer fund of around £15 million.

A short list 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.

Dalglish's desire to be considered for the role, though, places Liverpool in an awkward position. The Scot was named in the statement which announced Benítez's departure last week as a key figure in the search for his replacement, and it would therefore take a significant U-turn by the club to explain how and why he ended up being appointed manager.

The attraction on both sides of such a move, though, is clear. Dalglish would be able to provide succour for Liverpool in their hour of need, while he could step aside with dignity should new investors willing to pay Hicks's inflated £800 million asking price for the club be found.

The American, meanwhile, and the club's board would be tempted by the prospect of making an appointment that was likely to be highly popular with Liverpool's increasingly disaffected fan base.

Though there is no bad blood between Liverpool's power-brokers and the Scot 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 when he announced his candidacy.

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6199245,00.html?
Gunners move for Schwarzer
Arsenal want Fulham ace to switch to Emirates

Arsenal have confirmed they have made an approach to sign Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Wenger wants a new No.1 and this has been confirmed by his pursuit of the Australian custodian.

Despite being 37, the former Middlesbroughshot-stopper, is still considered one of the Premier League's best and he played a huge part in Fulham's resurgence in the past couple of seasons.

Now Wenger is hoping he can strike a deal with Fulham, although they have rebuffed Arsenal'sopening advances.

"We have made an enquiry for him and they are not prepared to sell him so we have gone away," Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

"We can only hope they will change their minds, but at the moment it doesn't look like it."

Meanwhile, Hill-Wood has also confirmed that Arsenal will not be meeting the demands of William Gallas - who is out-of-contract at the end of this month.

The French international wants at least a two-year deal, which goes against Arsenal policy as they generally do not offer more than 12-month contracts to players over 30.

At 32, Gallas has only been offered a one-year extension - which he has thus far refused to sign.

"He is asking for too much for too long," he said.

"Players are going to have to learn some time that money doesn't grow on trees."


WhiteJC

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6199274/Gunners-confirm-Schwarzer-enquiry-?
Gunners confirm Schwarzer 'enquiry'

Arsenal have confirmed they have made an approach to sign Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer - but admit a deal is unlikely to happen.

Wenger wants a new number one and this has been confirmed by his pursuit of the Australian custodian.

Despite being 37, the former Middlesbrough shot-stopper is still considered one of the Premier League's best and he played a huge part in Fulham's resurgence in the past couple of seasons.

Now Wenger is hoping he can strike a deal with Fulham, although they have rebuffed Arsenal's opening advances.

"We have made an enquiry for him and they are not prepared to sell him so we have gone away," Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

"We can only hope they will change their minds, but at the moment it doesn't look like it."

Meanwhile, Hill-Wood has also confirmed that Arsenal will not be meeting the demands of William Gallas - who is out of contract at the end of this month.

The French international wants at least a two-year deal, which goes against Arsenal policy as they generally do not offer more than 12-month contracts to players over 30.

At 32, Gallas has only been offered a one-year extension - which he has thus far refused to sign.

"He is asking for too much for too long," he said. "Players are going to have to learn some time that money doesn't grow on trees."

WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1285493/Arsenal-fail-3m-bid-Fulham-keeper-Mark-Schwarzer.html?ITO=1490
Arsenal fail with £3m bid for Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer

Arsenal have had a bid for goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer rejected by Fulham.

Schwarzer, at the World Cup with Australia, has one year left on his contract at Craven Cottage and manager Roy Hodgson is keen to keep the 37-year-old.

But the stopper wants a move to the Emirates and the Gunners will not give up after their initial offer, believed to be around £3million, was unsuccessful.

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: 'We have made an enquiry for him and they are not prepared to sell him so we have gone away. We can only hope they will change their minds, but at the moment it doesn't look like it.'

Schwarzer's arrival would signal the end of Manuel Almunia's spell as No 1 while Hill-Wood also confirmed defender William Gallas is set to leave north London as he has not been offered a new two-year deal.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1285493/Arsenal-fail-3m-bid-Fulham-keeper-Mark-Schwarzer.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qRChNTJu

WhiteJC

http://hammyend.com/?p=7243
Arsenal really do want Schwarzer
by LYDIA on JUNE 10, 2010

According to the news papers this morning Arsenal confirmed their interest in one of our star men last night. They had approached Fulham but had been turned down (Go Fulham!). Although Arsenal seem to be waiting in the wings for us to change our mind. The Daily Mail thinks that Schwarzer has told Fulham that he wants to join the Gunners. Schwarzer has always said that he will stay if Hodgson stays and the morning news papers don't look too optimistic on that front!

Apparently he would go for 3million and we would sign David James from Portsmouth.


White Noise

http://www.tribalfootball.com/villarreal-striker-altidore-drops-fulham-hint-897181

Villarreal striker Altidore drops Fulham hint


10.06.10 | tribalfootball.com


Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore has dropped a big hint he wants to join Clint Dempsey at Fulham.

The USA international had a difficult six-month loan at Hull City last season.

Altidore has still not given up hope of making his mark in the Premier League and would jump at the chance of a move to the capital.

"There are some fine clubs in London," he added. "It would be a great opportunity to play there."

White Noise


http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/worldcup/article-23843259-clint-dempseys-gunning-for-england-not-a-place-in-the-history-books.do



Clint Dempsey's gunning for England, not a place in the history books

By Simon Johnson in Rustenburg



10.06.10


It is hard to imagine anyone in this country growing up not knowing what England's greatest moment on a football pitch is. The year 1966 seems to be planted in our brains since birth and in many ways that 4-2 triumph against West Germany in the World Cup Final has become the millstone around the nation's necks.

Sixteen years earlier, the USA arguably achieved the most outstanding result in their history and yet until recently their star midfielder Clint Dempsey had never even heard about the shock 1-0 victory over England — the inventors of the sport.

What happened back then has dominated the agenda since the two countries were drawn in the same group for this year's World Cup and all the talk is of whether Dempsey's current side can match the achievement of their predecessors in Rustenburg on Saturday.

The Fulham man should not be judged harshly for his previous ignorance — it is just a sign of the battle football still faces across the Atlantic to win over the public.

He said: "I wasn't aware of what happened in 1950 when I was growing up, not at all. I think in 2005 they made a movie about it. It was called The Game Of Their Lives and that's when I found out about it because they had some players who had played in the US team acting in the movie.

"But I didn't even root for the USA team in the 1994 World Cup. I didn't get into supporting the US team until 2002, that was just after High School.

"That's where I found myself really getting into the US game and passionate about my own country playing because they were playing better football.

"They weren't just out there kicking and running, they were stringing passes together, creating chances and had players who were able to make a difference. Hopefully we are able to do that now for some of the kids growing up and they will look up to us."

One suspects that another shock victory against England is what Dempsey and his team-mates need to help them win the fight for respect back home.

Twelve months ago, the 27-year-old scored the second goal in a stunning 2-0 success in the Confederations Cup over European champions Spain, who were unbeaten in 35 games at the time.

Instead of being headline news, it was mentioned as an aside at the end of the sports bulletins, with updates on baseball, the NBA, NFL and NHL taking centre stage. The achievement actually gained more exposure in the UK.

However, Dempsey feels beating England on the biggest stage will provide the boost the sport needs, even though he considers the win over Spain as more significant.

He added: "It would be a bigger story in the sense of it's at the World Cup but it's not bigger than beating a team who were on a better streak. Spain at the time were 15-0 or something crazy like that and some of the players they have, they are number one or two in the world.

"That victory does give you belief going into the England game but you can't just rely on that result and say we've done that and it's going to push us through'.

"It will be a great confidence boost for the team to start off on the right foot. Hopefully that's on the cards for us. We know we have got to fight for everything we get — we don't get a lot of coverage in the States.

"We don't get a lot of respect amongst all the sports but that's just the way it is. It will be great to have soccer one of the biggest sports in the US but that's not why we do it.

"We love it and we're passionate about it. Hopefully we inspire people and pass it down to our kids, they get inspired as well. That is the only way to change things. I'm happy with the progression of the game and hopefully it will continue."

Considering Dempsey is one of 10 players in the USA squad to have made an impact in the British game, it is perhaps surprising that many on these shores consider an opening win to be a full-gone conclusion.

Dempsey has impressed in a Fulham shirt ever since he joined from New England Revolution three years ago but then there are also creditable
performers like Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, West Ham defender Jonathan Spector and Glasgow Rangers duo Jonathan Spector and Maurice Edu.

The impact Landon Donovan made in an Everton shirt during a loan spell from LA Galaxy this season was also impressive, but the US team are
still not being taken too seriously among England supporters.

Dempsey is adamant the game on Saturday is not about proving them wrong though. He said: "Hopefully we will be able to change opinions but that's not the main goal — it is to do it for yourself and for your country, not for the people who don't believe in you.

"It doesn't bother me how people view us. You don't have control over people's opinions. At the end of the day, it's what you believe, your fans believe and the people around you, like your family and friends.

"Yeah, everybody wants respect, everybody wants to be appreciated but as long as you believe in yourself and abilities as a player and as a team, everything else will take care of itself.

"The reason we are still regarded as an underdog is because of the rankings. We're not ranked above England so we are the underdog.

"At the last World Cup we didn't even advance from our group but we are moving in the right direction, as we showed by almost winning the Confederations Cup and winning our qualifying group ahead of Mexico."

The way England have been underperforming of late, Wayne Rooney remains this country's best hope of not only securing a win over the US, but challenging for the trophy itself.

It is not a view shared by Dempsey though, who said: "England have a lot of players who can cause you problems. They're a tough team to beat and I think they will do well in this competition.

"You can't say one player is all you're going to worry about because that's just absurd.

"But we have belief in ourselves and will try to get something out of the game. We're not going to just roll over and not show up on the day.

"Hopefully we will play the football that we're capable of and get a result."

If they succeed, even their own news teams will have to sit up and take notice this time.

Clint Dempsey will wear the new Nike USA national team shirt on Saturday, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Up to eight recycled plastic bottles are used to produce each shirt, making the shirts the most environmentally-friendly and technologically-advanced kit in football history. Visit www.nikefootball.com

White Noise

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/8209533.Gargan_could_make_Sutton_return/


Sutton will also play Worthing, Havant & Waterlooville and Met Police before closing with UEFA Europa League finalists Fulham as part of the deal that took Stefan Payne to Craven Cottage last season.


WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/inspirationaltalk.aspx?
Motivational Matters



Clint Dempsey and his US team-mates received a series of motivational talks this week, including one from a legendary US serviceman, ahead of Saturday's clash with England.

The man inspiring Bob Bradley's side ahead of the World Cup Finals in South Africa was Dan Jollota, a US Army helicopter pilot whose experiences in Somalia, in 1993, inspired Ridley Scott's Hollywood blockbuster Black Hawk Down.

The Blackhawk Down mission saw US and UN forces attempt to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid in what was one of the US's biggest battles since the Vietnam War. In the intense battle with local militia a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was downed and the subsequent rescue of its crew inspired the film.

Jollota's experiences certainly had a telling impact on his compatriots. Jallota has 33 years service, winning the Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross and Fulham star Dempsey says his contribution has been invaluable.

"We have had the opportunity to have some speakers come in and it has been cool," Dempsey explained. "Like we had one of the pilots from Blackhawk Down come in to speak. The speakers helped us with team bonding.

"They brought into reality from their experiences about coming together for one team's goal and putting personal glory aside. It is about the team. To do the best that is what you need – everyone on the same page."

Dempsey is looking to replicate his European success with Fulham on the world stage with America over the next month and the attacking midfielder sees more than a few similarities between the two teams.

"The USA play in a similar style to Fulham and we'll try and do the same thing," said Dempsey. "Fulham beat Manchester United [3-0 in the Premier League] by staying compact defensively, with two solid banks of four and choosing our moments to get forward.

"We're used to being the underdog and it suits us, because we just stick to what we're good at. We're very strong defensively, like Fulham, and try to pick our moments when we go forward."

Dempsey and company will be looking get behind England's full backs on Saturday night, hoping to capitalise on the attacking nature of Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson.

"Glen Johnson is a good player, effective going forward, but when he gets forward we have a chance to hit them on the counter and give them something to worry about.

"There will be holes in that pocket he leaves open, so we have to make sure people are aware of that. Both their full-backs like to get forward and will leave holes."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/inspirationaltalk.aspx?#ixzz0qRhT1LaW

White Noise


http://hammyend.com/?p=7245



Sticking to our guns


by Dan on June 10, 2010

Lydia's already written something this morning about Arsenal's approach for Mark Schwarzer. To my mind (and I'm fully aware I might be speaking too soon), it's impressive to see Fulham telling one of the big boys to back off when they come calling for one of our players.

All too often in recent history, we've seemed to be on the verge of assembling a side capable of competing at a higher level and had to sell one of our established stars. When you think of the departures of Steed Malbranque, Louis Saha, Sean Davis and Edwin van der Sar – to name just four – you do wonder how things might have turned out had we been able to keep the nucleus of that Tigana side together for a couple more seasons.

Holding onto Schwarzer, now 37, is important precisely because of his qualities as a goalkeeper. While Hodgson's system and the ability of the understanding that Hangeland and Hughes are developed in the centre of defence have contributed greatly to Fulham's success over the last year or so, you do feel that much more confident with Schwarzer in goal. His experience means he's not fazed by a big ocassion and his positioning his first-class. Just as importantly, he's a good communicator and our back five have a reassuring solidity about them – which is a marked change after the Sanchez and Coleman years, when Fulham seemed alarmingly fragile in defence.

You can help but think whether Fulham will be just as tough in their efforts to keep Hodgson at the helm. Of course, the situation's different when dealing with your manager rather than a player. But Roy clearly does value the relationship he has with the Fulham chairman and chief executive, something he wouldn't enjoy at many other English clubs, and especially not at Liverpool, where boardroom uncertainty seems the order of the day. He might, as I wrote earlier in the week, feel there's still a job to done by the Thames. You can only hope for two things at this stage – firstly, that he opts to stay in the event of any approach from Liverpool and, secondly, that the speculation doesn't drag on for a the whole summer.

White Noise


A Momentous Occasion


Thursday 10th June 2010


Fulham FC News

Having played his part in Australia qualifying for back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history, Fulham's rock of a goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, is determined to help his country enjoy another memorable tournament.

After a 32-year absence from international football's greatest stage, the Socceroos made a strong statement of intent by reaching the knockout phase of the 2006 World Cup in Germany – thwarted only by a last-minute goal from eventual champions Italy.

Having recorded their highest ever FIFA ranking of 14th last year, Schwarzer has been a colossus during the qualifiers, conceding just two goals in 13 appearances. Praised for their defensive capabilities, they attained a record run of eight matches unbeaten en route to the Rainbow Nation.

"This is a special competition for any player," explains Mark, who has enjoyed particular success from World Cup involvement over the past five or six seasons. "It's a nice opportunity for a player to represent their country, and it doesn't get much bigger than doing that at a World Cup.

"There has been a bit of history created in recent years for Australia, what with the dramatic way that we qualified for the 2006 tournament. Having played my part in that penalty shootout win against Uruguay, it does get magnified quite a lot.

"It was great to be part of the side that reached the finals for what was the first time in more than 30 years and then, of course, progressing to the knockout round. All of that added to the euphoria and experience – and that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Hopefully, this summer we can go out to South Africa and emulate that success."

Four years on, the Socceroos are battle-hardened and experienced. This time there was no need for a dramatic intercontinental play-off, as they took part in the lengthy Asian Zone of qualifying, breezing through their opening pool, before impressing further in the final group stage, sealing qualification with two games to spare.

Qualification has seen them drawn in the daunting Group D, where Schwarzer's Australia play one of the favourites Germany, dark horses Serbia and, of course, John Pantsil's hopeful Ghana.

"It's an interesting draw for me," says Mark. "I have German heritage, so the opening game will be, personally, a momentous occasion. I played against Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup, and that was a huge honour.

"I feel the same having been drawn against them at this summer's World Cup and it's a game that I am very much looking forward to. We're talking about one of the best footballing nations on the planet.

"Of course, I'm also looking forward to playing against Johnny Pantsil, which makes it exciting also - we've already been involved in some gentle banter. But hopefully we can both win our first game and, fingers crossed, we can both progress to the knockout stage.

"It is a tough group, but we overcame a similar task four years ago, where we were in the same group as Brazil, Croatia and Japan. For me, there are a lot of similarities between those teams.

"We did well in 2006, so let's take from that – I don't think we have anything to fear. We'll probably start as the underdog, but that's not such a bad thing, because the pressure will be on the other teams.

"What I will say though, is that we are very focused and that there is an excellent attitude within the team. Because of that I think we have every chance."

Mark was speaking exclusively to Fultime Magazine. To read the full interview and the rest of a World Cup special featuring Clint Dempsey, John Pantsil, Dickson Etuhu, Kaghisho Dikgacoi, George Cohen, Paul Parker and Ray Houghton, plus reflection on an unforgettable season at Fulham, see this summer's publication, delivered to Season Ticket Holders and Members this week, or available from Club stores for just £3.50. Alternatively buy your copy online today!|

.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/SchwarzerWCPreview.aspx#ixzz0qRrvaINw


White Noise


http://voetbalkrant.com/nl/nieuws/lees/2010-06-10/mbokani-spreekt-met-as-roma


Mbokani speaks with AS Roma is the future of Dieumerci Mbokani in Serie A?


After Fulham and Everton is now AS Roma ture strongly for the Congolese striker Standard.


10.06.2010 12:08 | 3 comments


The agent of Mbokani was spotted in the Italian capital and spoke with a delegation of AS Roma, reports The Age.

The Roman club has eight million euros at auction Mbokani to get to Italy. Standard wants more for his capture striker.

AS Roma drew earlier in the week even though the Brazilian striker Adriano and, according to the Italian newspaper Corriero dello Sport also interested in Amauri. Mbokani has a contract for four seasons in Liege.

White Noise

#33


This year's bonanza (in midnight blue on the right above) is 158 pages long (in a smaller font, too!) and contains:

p2-p58 - match reports from the season spliced with David Lloyd's TOOFIF editorials to organise/enlighten/entertain

p59-p95 - essays: Nick Johnson on Tom Wilson, Jimmy Hill, and keeping the Fulham dream alive, Nick on Bobby Robson; Chopper's usuall excellent 'departing heroes' section; Tim Gelles' on our loanees

p96 - p148: a kind of biography of Roy Hodgson; I spent much of the first part of this year researching his career to-date, and here are 50+ pages exploring this in more detail than you'll find anywhere else. It's far from perfect but hopefully you'll find it interesting. Not the greatest timing, under the circumstances is it? Oh well.

p149 - p158: Colin Baker's stats looking at the season just gone (did you know that Jon Greening created 64 shots in his last season at WBA; 11 at Fulham?...)

Plus some of Orm's pictures throughout.

And so on. I always say this, but I reckon it's by far the best Review yet, and we're still going for £5 (although p&p now £2.50 as its bigger), which sounds like good value to me. If you've not bought one before, we've had really good feedback on the last three, so give it a go...

www.godsfoot.com to order! Please email me if you have any questions.

cheers

Rich

White Noise


http://www.tribalfootball.com/west-brom-eyeing-fulham-loan-signing-okaka-898191



West Brom eyeing Fulham loan signing Okaka



11.06.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Brom are being linked with Roma striker Stefano Okaka.

The youngster spent the second-half of last season on-loan at Fulham and is keen to remain at Craven Cottage. However, his loan extension is dependent on manager Roy Hodgson staying with the Cottagers.

Should Hodgson leave for Liverpool, Okaka is expected back at Roma for preseason - even though he wants to remain in England.

West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is keeping tabs on developments, according to Rome sources.