Tuesday Fulham Stuff (22/06/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6218370,00.html?
Prem eyes on Gilberto
Brazil ace linked with summer move

Skysports.com understands a number of Premier League sides are keen on bringing former Arsenal ace Gilberto Silva back to England.

Silva, who has impressed during Brazil's first two games at the World Cup, could be on the move this summer.

The 33-year-old is currently plying his trade at Panathinaikos, but the Greek club could decide to offload the midfielder to ease their financial problems.

The likes of Fulham, Blackburn, Everton and Liverpool are all thought to be monitoring Gilberto's situation at Panathinaikos.

The Premier League clubs could face competition for Gilberto's signature with a host of top Serie A, Primera Liga and Bundesliga sides all tracking the South American.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202394
Blues To Try Their Luck With Fulham Pair?

It has been reported that Birmingham City are to step in for Paul Konchesky and Bobby Zamora from Fulham while confusion is rife in the London club.

There will be uncertainty in the Fulham camp due to the Roy Hodgson and the 'will he won`t he` move away to Liverpool or even England.

Reports suggest that Blues boss Alex McLeish is loitering around ready to pounce on the pair and talk them into leaving the club for a more stable environment.

But Fulham are hoping they can keep the pair and persuade them to sign new contracts.

Read more: http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202394#ixzz0rYs1MDJd

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202410
Hodgson`s Heroes, Hodgson`s Heroes!
After our great Europa League adventure why not have another go at naming our best ever eleven.

Who would Roy pick and would any of Roy`s heroes make it into your 11?

I`ll kick start with my own eleven, please feel free to follow.

1 Schwarzer
2 Pantsil
3 Cohen
4 Mullery
5 Hangerland
6 Moore
7 Best
8 Murphy
9 Zamora
10 Haynes
11 Marsh

Not a bad lot me thinks, can you do better?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202410#ixzz0rYsLS1kv

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202409
Fulham - Hodgson`s Destiny!
It was something we touched on yesterday, the fact that this could be a seminal week when it comes to the managerial career of Roy Hodgson.

The tabloids are alive with the implication that Roy Hodgson and Fulham could be parting company his week.

Now whether that destination is Anfield or the FA Headquarters, in Soho Square, remains as cloudy a picture as ever.

With Fabio Capello teetering on the brink of disaster, the tabloid hacks suggest he may well fall on his sword if England don`t beat Slovenia this coming Wednesday.

Whilst up in Merseyside, Liverpool will also be pushing Roy for an answer, an answer that may well have to take into account the perilous ownership issues Liverpool are confronting.

Muddying the waters even further, news has filtered through from Spain that the recently dismissed Real Madrid manager, Pelligrini, linked with the Liverpool job, has told friends,

"He was heading for the Premier League."

Without specifying exactly where.

But returning to the England job, a Fulham source has indicated how much Roy yearns for that role, remarking,

"Roy is very patriotic and has always wanted the England job."

"But he would never want to push Fabio out of the door."

Wit the book-makers making Roy the 5-2 favourite for the England job, I know where my money is going, don`t you?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202409#ixzz0rYsd7Chn

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202408
Fulham - The Latest Zamora Update!
The latest piece of worrying gossip, apart from the constant worry that we could be a Roy Hodgson less club soon, relates to Bobby Zamora.

Earlier this summer (if that`s what the weather is supposed to represent), it was implied that Birmingham City were keen to sign our top scorer from 2009/2010.

The latest rumour doing the rounds suggests that they are about to revive their interest in Zamora and launch a double swoop that would see Zamora and, the recently discussed Paul Konchesky, both leaving Craven Cottage for St Andrews!

Shades of Hull`s pursuit of Zamora from last summer anyone!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202408#ixzz0rYswc4Wp

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_soccerblog/2010/06/if-dempsey-starts-up-top-who-replaces-him-in-the-middle.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sports%2Fsoccer%2Fblog%2Ftheotherfootball+%28The+Other+Football%29
If Dempsey starts up top, who replaces him in the middle?

Bob Bradley has a dilemma. Robbie Findley, the starting striker in the US' first two games, is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Even if Findley was available, it has become clear that he's not ready for starter's minutes. What is the US head coach to do? The answer may be in the second half against Slovenia: Clint Dempsey.

Dempsey is a natural left winger. He prefers that position, but with the Algeria match being the US' make-or-break point in the 2010 World Cup, all bets are off. MLSSoccer.com reported yesterday that Bradley is considering slotting Dempsey into to the striker role, making the prospect all the more likely. It is hard to argue with Bradley given Dempsey's recent performances as a striker. Where Bradley really has a dilemma is replacing Dempsey the midfielder.

The immediate answer is Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber has proven he can handle the midfield role at the international level, and played well as a second-half sub. The problem with Feilhaber is he has usually been a central midfielder, the role he played against Slovenia. It went largely unnoticed, but when Feilhaber and Maurice Edu entered the pitch, Edu actually slotted in as a defensive midfielder, allowing left back Carlos Bocanegra to push forward with more free will. Bocanegra essentially replaced Dempsey while Edu floated.

If not Feilhaber, who? Jose Torres could be an option, but after his timid performance against Slovenia it is unlikely he'll see the pitch for the rest of the tournament. DaMarcus Beasley brings experience to the position, but his lack of playing time the last few seasons makes him a liability the US cannot afford right now. Stuart Holden is the most like Dempsey as far as play style, but his lack of experience and recent recovery from injury makes his fitness a concern as well.

Perhaps the best option is to leave Dempsey at his natural position and give Edson Buddle the chance to start. Buddle proved his worth against Australia in the final tune-up match, scoring twice. He clearly has the finishing ability (9 goals in 9 MLS games this season), and knows the ins and outs of Landon Donovan's game. His experience is a question mark as well. Bradley may be saving Buddle as a second-half spark; however, Herculez Gomez is better suited for that job.

Whatever Bradley decides will likely cement his legacy as the USMNT head coach. Should his choice prove effective and lead to a win over Algeria, Bradley will just the third person to lead the US out of the group stage in the World Cup. Should his choice fail, the "Fire Bob Bradley" crowd will only get louder. For my money, Buddle is the best option. As we saw against Slovenia, Dempsey can always move up top later in the match. Hopefully the game isn't out of reach if that happens.

Adam Soucie is the author of Soccer, Not Football, a blog focused on the American game.  If you've liked this piece, check out his other work.  If you haven't liked it, he promises there's better stuff on his site.

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/world-cup-worries-for-the-whites/?
World cup worries for the whites
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 7:39 pm
Clint Dempsey and co will have wondered whether to be happy or sad after a topsy-turvy 2-2 draw with Slovenia.



And while Dickson Etuhu's Nigeria somehow threw away a more than winnable game against Greece, Mark Schwarzer and John Paintsil shared the points in a curious Saturday afternoon encounter.    Hilariously, Harry Kewell was sent off early on for handling on the line, at which point Asamoah Gyan stepped up and scored for the second game running.

[Tom]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202408
Fulham - The Latest Zamora Update!
The latest piece of worrying gossip, apart from the constant worry that we could be a Roy Hodgson less club soon, relates to Bobby Zamora.

Earlier this summer (if that`s what the weather is supposed to represent), it was implied that Birmingham City were keen to sign our top scorer from 2009/2010.

The latest rumour doing the rounds suggests that they are about to revive their interest in Zamora and launch a double swoop that would see Zamora and, the recently discussed Paul Konchesky, both leaving Craven Cottage for St Andrews!

Shades of Hull`s pursuit of Zamora from last summer anyone!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202408#ixzz0rYswc4Wp

Not going to happen! Have I mentioned that I am sick of all this made up sh!t?

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/129580-kenny-dalglish-considering-liverpool-fc-walkout-if-roy-hodgson-is-appointed.html?
Kenny Dalglish considering Liverpool FC walkout if Roy Hodgson is appointed

Kenny Dalglish will consider his future at Liverpool if Roy Hodgson is appointed manager.

Currently working as a youth ambassador at the club's youth academy in Kirkby, the legendary Scot has been involved in the selection process to find Rafael Benitez's successor and has made it known that he does not support the decision of the Anfield board to approach the Fulham manager.

Dalglish, 59, had made it known to the club that he wished to be considered for the role which he held between 1985 and 1991 due to a lack of outstanding candidates, despite his friendship with Hodgson, who is one of the BBC's pundits at the World Cup in South Africa.

Reports in Chile last weekend claimed that former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini had been offered the role on Friday - news which was met with strong approval from supporters unlike Hodgson, whose possible arrival has divided opinion amongst the Kop.

Question marks over his credentials in the Premier League remain unanswered despite an impressive run in last season's Europa League that saw his Fulham side cruelly denied their first European trophy against Atletico Madrid at the final in Hamburg.

Liverpool fans continue to hold Dalglish in high esteem after an illustrious playing and managerial career that has entitled him to a legendary status unrivalled by any former player in the club's history.

His longstanding affinity with the club, most notably during the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, and upholding the 'Liverpool way' has made him a firm favourite for the role amongst supporters.

But the board believe his management hiatus since leaving Celtic in 2000 makes him a weaker candidate than Hodgson, who has been involved in day-to-day management at Craven Cottage since late 2007.

Hodgson's appointment could be confirmed as early as the end of this week, forcing Dalglish to reconsider his position at the club he served selflessly for over 14 years both on and off the pitch.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/22/roy-hodgson-liverpool?
Liverpool in race to sign Roy Hodgson before England are tempted
• Fulham manager may prefer to play waiting game
• Hodgson appointment may upset Kenny Dalglish

Liverpool hope to agree a deal with Roy Hodgson to become their new manager before England's make-or-break game against Slovenia tomorrow, despite concerns the appointment will prompt Kenny Dalglish to reconsider his future at the club.

Anfield officials had been confident of appointing the Fulham manager as successor to Rafael Benítez by the end of this week, only for the uncertainty over Fabio Capello's position should England fail to qualify from their World Cup group to hasten their approach. Hodgson is considered a strong candidate for the England job should Capello quit.

Mindful of a potential rival for their first choice to replace Benítez, the Liverpool board is now looking to secure an agreement from Hodgson before England's fate in Group C is determined. The 62-year-old is well aware of Liverpool's interest and his likely transfer budget at Anfield but may prefer to delay a decision on his future until after the game in Port Elizabeth.

An added complication for the Liverpool hierarchy, and particularly the managing director, Christian Purslow, is Dalglish's opposition to Hodgson's appointment and his disillusionment with how the process of identifying the new manager has unfolded.

In a statement confirming Benítez's departure this month, Liverpool announced that Dalglish would work alongside Purslow in the search for the club's next manager. Since then, however, Dalglish has made it known that he wants the job due to what he perceives as a lack of better qualified and available candidates. He is a long-time friend of Hodgson but feels his recommendations to the board have been ignored and that the Fulham manager is not the right man to take Liverpool forward at a critical juncture in their history. The Scot is likely to reconsider his role at Liverpool, which is officially that of a club ambassador with input into the club's youth academy, should Hodgson be installed as manager this week.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202445
Fulham - Should Hodgson Go?
Rumours have been rife about the supposed departure of Roy Hodgson from Fulham FC. Be it to Liverpool or England, the media and bookies alike make it seem an inevitability that Hodgson will not be the man to carry us forward into 2010/11.

The man himself, though, has kept his cards close to his chest. There is no doubt he has a big choice on his hands which houses 3 plausible outcomes; one of which relies completely on the resignation of Fabio Capello from England, which I must say, doesn't seem all too likely.

He has the option of slugging it out by the Thames (I use that derogatory term with irony I can assure you), taking up the opportunity Liverpool offer him, or, if the scenario were to arise, taking the helm of our proud nation following an abysmally embarrassing resignation from Don Capello.

From the outside it could be suggested that humble Fulham offer little to a manager who clearly possesses a wealth of experience and talent. Without an enormous amount of financial support, it is likely that we will not be surpassing the magnificent 7th place finish of 2009 any time in the near future.

Yet, it is that mediocrity that brings out the best in Sir Roy. I'm sure he would rank last season's European exploits as one of his greatest achievements, and the press were certainly backing him as one of the greatest managers around.

That kind of 'underdog support' from the footballing world cannot be envied by the likes of Liverpool, where expectancy provides pressure and pressure provides problems.

Roy has it easy here at Fulham in that sense. As long as he continues to over-achieve, just slightly, he will be a favourite to not only us Fulham fans, but every football pundit in the land.

To further the argument, the support he receives for constant 'barrier breaking' here at the Cottage leads to better opportunities in the future. Assuming for optimism's sake, England do just fine in the World Cup and Capello is kept a hold of by the FA, Hodgson will want a strong CV in order to show the FA he is the right Englishman for the job when Fabio does eventually leave for pastures new. He will have that here at Fulham, where he has a secure job. A job that we all know he can do well.

Liverpool could, on the other hand, spell problems for Roy's long-term future plans.

Most have the Liverpool vacancy down as a dream job. A big club in disastrous despair. Such a huge side should, in theory, be easy to rebuild, especially with such applaudable wisdom at the helm.

However, it can be equally argued that Merseyside is no place for Roy, not just because of the accent.

It's a risk, and I think it is difficult to doubt that. Yes, they are a top team, but they are a top team with financial difficulties, board room bust ups and unrest amongst the 'oh-so-brilliant' players.

The passionate Liverpudlian fans will expect the best of Roy. They will want unrivaled success at Anfield which will be difficult to come by given the extreme fiscal benefits that the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City hold over them.

While the job is a big job, it could prove to be the undoing of Hodgson, and I think he knows it. He has security here in Fulham, and the England job is all but in the proverbial bag if he can continue doing just half of what he's already achieved for us over the coming months and years.

So, as an obvious candidate to be employed as Roy Hodgson's personal advisor, despite my not-so-obvious biased view, I would suggest to the big man himself, a couple more terms at the Cottage will do him and the Missus the world of good.

Saying that though, if England do muck up and Capello leaves, then best of luck to Roy as England gaffer. He deserves that reward, and if he plays his cards right, he will get it eventually.

Bide your time, mighty one.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=202445#ixzz0rYukDHYk

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-striker-Bobby-Zamora-to-reject-Birmingham-to-stay-at-Craven-Cottage-article484735.html
Fulham star to reject Birmingham to stay at Craven Cottage

Fulham star Bobby Zamora wants to sign a new contract at Craven Cottage and is set to snub Birmingham.

Brum have contacted Fulham about signing both striker Zamora and left-back Paul Konchesky.

They are willing to give targetman Zamora a four-year deal worth £50,000-a-week like new signing Nikola Zigic's bumper terms.

But Zamora, 29, is keen to pen a fresh deal with the Cottagers even if boss Roy Hodgson leaves.

Zamora has become a crowd favourite at Fulham after banging in 19 goals this season and has opened talks about a new deal.

Brum manager Alex McLeish is now set to move for Spurs striker Robbie Keane,29, as he searches for a partner for Zigic.

Last term's top-scorer Cameron Jerome has also asked McLeish for a pay-rise after banging in 10 goals in the top-flight.

But McLeish has told the forward, who only signed a new contract a year ago, he must repeat his form again next season to earn improved terms.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_6220529,00.html?
HODGSON TO BE LIVERPOOL'S NEW MANAGER BY THE END OF THE WEEK
Liverpool have finally been given the hurry-up in their search for a new manager. Thank heavens England are so rubbish!

The Guardian reckons that the club 'hope to agree a deal with Roy Hodgson to become their new manager before England's make-or-break game against Slovenia tomorrow' and 'Anfield officials had been confident of appointing the Fulham manager as successor to Rafael Benítez by the end of this week'

And the reason for the rush is of course the 'the uncertainty over Fabio Capello's position should England fail to qualify from their World Cup group'.

But it's not a done deal yet.

'The 62-year-old is well aware of Liverpool's interest and his likely transfer budget at Anfield but may prefer to delay a decision on his future until after the game in Port Elizabeth,' declares The Guardian. 'An added complication for the Liverpool hierarchy, and particularly the managing director, Christian Purslow, is Dalglish's opposition to Hodgson's appointment and his disillusionment with how the process of identifying the new manager has unfolded.'

[WhiteJC]

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/striker-boost-for-cottagers-1071898.html?
Striker boost for Cottagers

Fulham have been handed a major boost on the personnel front as Bobby Zamora wants to stay and snub a move to Birmingham.

Blues boss Alex McLeish had hoped to persuade the striker to join him at St Andrews and was apparently prepared to offer him a bumper deal, said to be worth £50,000 a week, but Zamora has decided to stay at Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old has turned himself from villain to hero for the Fulham fans with an outstanding season hitting the back of the net on 19 occasions and now he wants to sign a new deal at the club, irrespective of who is the manager.

McLeish is still interested in Fulham left back Paul Konchesky who is also wanted by West Ham.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clubcall.com/birmingham-city/striker-targets-change-1071900.html?
Striker targets change

Birmingham may turn their attentions to Spurs striker Robbie Keane after being snubbed by Bobby Zamora, who wants to stay at Fulham.

Blues boss Alex McLeish is likely to move for Keane, whose future at White Hart Lane looks to be bleak, after missing out on Zamora who wants to stay at Fulham.

The list of interested parties is a long one for the Republic of Ireland international and he will not come cheap either but the boss is anxious to find a new partner for Nikola Zigic.

McLeish had hoped to persuade Zamora to join him at St Andrews and was apparently prepared to offer him a bumper deal, said to be worth £50,000 a week, but Zamora has decided to stay at Craven Cottage. The 29-year-old has turned himself from villain to hero for the Fulham fans with an outstanding season hitting the back of the net on 19 occasions and now he wants to sign a new deal at the club, irrespective of who is the manager.

McLeish is still interested in Fulham left back Paul Konchesky who is also wanted by West Ham.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/06/22/1988964/liverpool-set-to-appoint-roy-hodgson-as-manager-on-wednesday?
Liverpool set to appoint Roy Hodgson as manager on Wednesday, Kenny Dalglish ponders exit - report

Liverpool are desperate to tie up a deal to bring Fulham manager Roy Hodgson to the club as their new manager before England's key World Cup game against Slovenia on Wednesday, according to a report from The Guardian.

However, that move may signal the end of Kenny Dalglish's involvement with the club, as the Scot apparently does not see Hodgson as the man to take the Reds forward at a vital point in their history.

Dalglish, who apparently enjoys a friendly relationship with Hodgson, is known to want the Anfield manager's job himself as he does not believe that there are any better qualified candidates around.

Currently employed as a club ambassador, in a role which also allows him input into the club's youth academy, it is felt Daglish may decide to leave the club altogether should Hodgson be appointed.

Hodgson himself is aware of his likely transfer budget at Anfield but is also a reported priority target for England should the Three Lions fail to reach the second round the World Cup and current coach Fabio Capello resign from his post.

With England's make or break game against Slovenia on Wednesday, Hodgson is understood to want to wait and see what transpires with the national side before making a firm commitment to Liverpool.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/KingstonianFriendly.aspx?
Kingstonian Friendly

The Club can confirm that Fulham's Development Squad will play a pre-season friendly against Kingstonian on Friday the 30th July 2010.

The match will kick off at 7.45pm at Kingsmeadow (Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, KT1 3PB).

Ticket prices (available to buy on the gate):

Adult: £9.50

O.A.P / Disabled: £6.50

Student (U21): £4.00

Junior (U16): £2.00



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/June/KingstonianFriendly.aspx?#ixzz0rZwccZ8Z

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1254236/index.html?cid=rssfeed&att=
Etuhu: This is our cup final

Fresh off a demoralising loss to Greece, Nigeria – pointless from their first two matches in South Africa – are still in with a faint shout of going through as they enter their Group B decider against Korea Republic.

"It's a cup final for us" is the assessment of cultured holding midfielder Dickson Etuhu, who has become the west African team's unofficial spokesman of late. Born in Kano State in the north of Nigeria, Etuhu moved with his parents to England at an early age and the Pidgin English heard around the team's base camp is in stark contrast to his rather prim London accent. "This is a must-win for us. We're not happy about the way things have gone so far, but we still have a chance and all we can do is focus on getting the result we need," he added exclusively to FIFA.com.

It will take more than just a victory to send the Super Eagles through to the knockout rounds for the first time since they won their group at France 1998. Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, who has been "happy with the way the team has played in patches" knows fully well they will need section favourites and leaders Argentina to give them a little help as well, by fielding a strong team and beating Greece. "We can't control things like that," said Etuhu, calling rumours of dissention and unrest among the squad "totally baseless and invented".

It might not be pretty, but we need to focus on the result. We'll need to go forward; we can't sit back.Nigeria's Dickson Etuhu on the upcoming game with the Koreans

Last time out against the Greeks, Nigeria looked in good shape to take the three points, only for it all to go horribly wrong. Taking the lead after 16 minutes from a Kalu Uche free-kick, the Eagles were in the driving seat and looked likely to hand Greece a second straight defeat. But an impetuous foul and subsequent straight red card for Sani Kaita 17 minutes later unbalanced the team profoundly and, having to play a man down for the final hour, they surrendered their lead, losing out 2-1. "No one likes losing, or having zero points," the Fulham man continued. "But we're all professionals and we have to react like professionals."

It sets up an absolute make-or-break in the final Group B test of a side defeated in their opener by Argentina, whom Etuhu called "the best team I've ever played against". And the player, who was a crucial cog in the Fulham outfit that roared to the UEFA Europa League final last term, is expecting another tough one against the South Koreans on Tuesday in Durban. "You get nervous before every game, anyone who tells you different is lying," said the athletic, leggy destroyer. "But you've got to put those feelings aside because they don't help anything; we just need to focus and get the points we need to give us a chance."

Etuhu has made much of the focus on defence that Lagerback – in charge for only a short time prior to the finals here in South Africa – has introduced. "It's a new thing in Nigerian football to stay compact as a unit, but it's something the coach has drilled into us." That said, the Nigerians will need to get forward and produce at the other end against a notoriously well-drilled and cagey Korean outfit. "We're getting better and better," Etuhu, who debuted for Eagles in 2007, concluded. "It might not be pretty, but we need to focus on the result. We'll need to go forward – we can't sit back."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/7846374/Kenny-Dalglish-could-quit-Liverpool-if-Roy-Hodgson-succeeds-Rafael-Benitez-at-Anfield.html?
Kenny Dalglish could quit Liverpool if Roy Hodgson succeeds Rafael Benítez at Anfield
Kenny Dalglish will consider his position at Liverpool should the club appoint Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, as successor to Rafael Benítez at Anfield.

The Scot, appointed two weeks ago to lead the search for a new manager, has informed the board their preferred candidate does not have his support.

Dalglish, a popular figure among Liverpool's supporters for his achievements as player and manager, has made it clear that he believes he is the contender most suited to steering the club through the most turbulent period in its history.

But despite that recommendation and reports of talks being held with Manuel Pellegrini, the former Real Madrid manager, Hodgson remains favourite to be handed the post, with some sources suggesting his appointment will be ratified in the next 10 days.

Should that come to fruition, Dalglish is likely to find the position he currently occupies at the club untenable. He had returned to Merseyside last year with responsibility for Liverpool's Kirkby Academy - a role in which he has enjoyed significant success, helping to secure the signatures of two of England's most promising youngsters - as well as his more public ambassadorial duties.

Hodgson, who guided Fulham to an unlikely appearance in the Europe League this year, has been identified by Liverpool's hierarchy as the safe pair of hands required to restore calm to Anfield after a chaotic spell as Benítez's tenure came to an end.

His possible arrival has not been unanimously welcomed in Liverpool's dressing room, with a number of players believed to be concerned by the lack of silverware on an otherwise impressive CV.

His appointment would by no means prompt an exodus - Daniel Agger this week joined Pepe Reina in voicing his loyalty to the club regardless of who succeeds Benítez - but the board's belief that Hodgson would unite the players appears misplaced.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6220824/Prem-quartet-linked-with-Cuvelier?
Prem quartet linked with Cuvelier

Premier League quartet Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham and Stoke are being linked with young Portsmouth midfielder Florent Cuvelier.

Cuvelier has one-year left on his current deal at Fratton Park but he has made it clear he wants to leave the club this summer.

The 17-year-old was withdrawn from Portsmouth training earlier in the year as his father became disillusioned with the goings on off the pitch - and relegation has since followed on it.

The Belgian Under-19 international has resolved his differences with the club but he looks set for a swift return to the top-flight, with Sky Sports' website claiming Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham and Stoke are tracking him.