Monday Fulham Stuff (28/06/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290141/Birmingham-turn-attention-Hearts-defender-Wallace-Fulham-reject-Konchesky-bid.html?ITO=1490
Birmingham turn attention to Hearts defender Wallace after Fulham reject Konchesky bid

Birmingham City are weighing up a move for Hearts defender Lee Wallace as their search for a left back intensifies.

Manager Alex McLeish had a bid for Fulham's Paul Konchesky rejected and has asked for more reports on FC Tokyo's Yuto Nagatomo.

Wallace, 22, is an attacking full-back who can also play left midfield.

Birmingham have also offered £1m for Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne.

Palace expect to agree a two-year deal with 30-year-old former Ipswich defender David Wright today.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290141/Birmingham-turn-attention-Hearts-defender-Wallace-Fulham-reject-Konchesky-bid.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0s84oIXgt

[WhiteJC]

http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php?mact=News%2Ccntnt01%2Cdetail%2C0&cntnt01articleid=1645&cntnt01returnid=42&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ArsenalNewsReview+%28ANR%3A+Arsenal+News+Review%29
Fabio Capello out, Roy Hodgson in. Mutineers were right
By Myles Palmer

Carlos Tevez scored two goals a 3-1 win over Mexico.

His old teammate Wayne Rooney had another stinker as Engerland were thrashed 4-1 by the new Germany.

England were pitiful.

I feared meltdown and that's what we saw.

Clueless attempts to attack and the worst defending ever by an England team.

Yes , we are journeymen. We are one-dimensional.

But we were competent until two weeks ago.

Capello took a planeload of crocks to South Africa. He tried to take even more crocks when he asked Man United for Scholes and Hargreaves. Today was the first time he's played the same team twice in 28 games. For Slovenia and Germany, he picked the same eleven. Never before in 28 games.

The good teams in this World Cup play 4-2-3-1. That is what superyob John Terry was asking for. The mutiny failed but the mutineers were right.

One of the greatest coaches in football history made a pig's breakfast of England's World Cup, after qualifying perfectly and beating a good Croatia side who would not be out of place in the World Cup quarter-final that England failed to reach.

Roy Hodgson  will be better.

He has successfully managed Switzerland and Finland and will do well with England. We lack talent but we don't have to be a shambles, as we were in Bloemfontein.

Liverpool are now looking at Dechamps and others.

Lots more could be said but the hour is getting late. Well, not late. It's 11.44 on Sunday night.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290117/MARTIN-SAMUEL-Kenny-Dalglish-pain-Roy-Hodgson-without.html?
MARTIN SAMUEL: Dalglish could be a pain Roy Hodgson can do without at Liverpool

There are some who cannot believe Roy Hodgson is not already in place as Liverpool manager. They think a man who as good as hit the glass ceiling at Fulham when reaching the Europa League final should have jumped at the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Eyebrows rose further when Hodgson chose to honour his media duties with the BBC in South Africa, instead of camping on the doorstep of Christian Purslow, Liverpool's managing director, with his pen out ready to sign.

This has been taken as a bit of an insult. It has certainly not added to Hodgson's popularity on Merseyside, and he already needs all the friends he can get. Hodgson's derogators are mistaken, though. For far from being his dream ticket, Liverpool could turn out to be his impossible job.

Indeed, the only way he can make it work is if he stays strong now, lays down some guidelines and plays a little hard to get. He already risks walking in the front door as club legend Kenny Dalglish exits through the back, making him the home wrecker in the eyes of most Liverpool fans.

Hodgson will need a stunning first season to overcome that stigma as it is. The moment Dalglish asked to be a candidate, rather than a member of the steering committee that would appoint the next Liverpool manager, the currency of the post was devalued.

What should have been the most sought-after position of the summer - for who would not initially have fancied improving on last season's position of seventh - became a poison pill.

Dalglish may have been acting with the best intentions - if he thinks he is a better candidate than those he is assessing, why shouldn't he put his name forward? - but the way he did it placed the club in an impossible position and he should have realised that, too.

Maybe he understood but didn't care. Maybe he thought if the news leaked out that he was interested, the groundswell of local support would leave the board no choice but to appoint him. Only Dalglish will know at which point, if any, sincerity and the works of Machiavelli overlapped, but the effect has been to make the Liverpool job a more awkward proposition for every manager, bar him.

Could Dalglish do the job? Yes. He would command instant respect in the dressing room, and adoration from the stands. He is still involved in the game as a club ambassador and head of the Kirkby Academy, and was said to have held very firm opinions on where the fault lay during Rafael Benitez's final season.

He would not be entering from the periphery as Kevin Keegan did when he misguidedly returned to Newcastle United. And his record is magnificent. He won the league three times with Liverpool, and once with Blackburn Rovers, an achievement that grows greater with each year. Neither club have fared as well since his departure.

Liverpool have difficult times ahead. Significant players could leave this summer and the resources are not there to replace them, or to carry out the rebuilding process that is vital. It is going to require a great deal of patience from the supporters and no manager is better equipped to extract that loyalty and understanding than Dalglish.

Overlooked, however, he could be the worst enemy the new manager will have. This does not even have to be his intention. Just by not being Dalglish, the next man is disadvantaged.

So if the leading candidate is not sprinting towards Anfield, is it any wonder? Hodgson will be aware of the timeline, of the fact that Dalglish put his name forward after Hodgson had emerged as a strong contender, perhaps the earliest vote of no confidence in history.

Hodgson will know, too, that Dalglish is hugely influential at Liverpool; that he sits in the directors' box for most games and has powerful allies in the local and national media. His is an important voice. To have Dalglish in opposition would be a disaster for any Liverpool manager.

Hodgson is stuck between the devil and a deep red sea. If Dalglish remains, his presence may not be entirely helpful, if he leaves in protest at being ignored - an idea floated this week - Hodgson could not have made a more unfortunate start had he suggested ground-sharing at Goodison Park.

Lose any combination of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano this summer, and Hodgson could take Graeme Souness's title of least popular Liverpool manager before a ball is kicked.

Any other business? The alleged approach to Marseille for coach Didier Deschamps, said to have taken place on Thursday. Jean-Claude Dassier, the Marseille president, claimed he spoke to Purslow and refused permission to open talks with Deschamps and his agent Jean-Pierre Bernes.

Hardly going all out to make Hodgson feel wanted, are they? Deschamps is a World Cup-winning captain turned title-winning manager and may be seen as a better fit than the humble Hodgson, but his appointment would still be a snub for Dalglish, and would raise the same issues; and Deschamps would not even have the saving grace of Hodgson's knowledge of the Premier League to guide him through the first season.

At any other club in Liverpool's position, Hodgson would be a fine choice; and at any other time, Liverpool would be a fantastic opportunity for him. Not right now though.

This is a tough job, made doubly difficult by the involvement of Dalglish which is why, if it is to be Hodgson, he must take his time. Further delay will not endear him to supporters, but it is only right he knows where he stands.

What are Dalglish's intentions? How much influence will he have if he stays? Who is to be sold, who will remain? What is the financial position? Hodgson should not be expected simply to be grateful for his chance. He might not be King Kenny, but he is too good to be taken for a mug.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290117/MARTIN-SAMUEL-Kenny-Dalglish-pain-Roy-Hodgson-without.html?#ixzz0s86962vH

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/departing-fulham-boss-hodgson-help-schwarzer-move-935411?
Departing Fulham boss Hodgson to help Schwarzer move

Outgoing Fulham manager Roy Hodgson will reportedly help Mark Schwarzer make a move to London rivals Arsenal.

With Hodgson expected to take the vacant position at Liverpool, speculation is rife that he will help push the transfer through so Schwarzer can join one of the big four clubs in the Premier League.

The Gunners have already had a $4.25million bid for the Australian international goalkeeper turned down by the Cottagers but Arsene Wenger will return with an improved offer and help from Hodgson may see the deal get done following the World Cup.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2559/rumours/2010/06/28/1998757/roy-hodgson-seeking-guarenteed-transfer-funds-before?
Roy Hodgson seeking guarenteed transfer funds before commiting to become Liverpool manager - report

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson insists that he be guaranteed funds to help strengthen Liverpool's squad this summer before he is appointed the Reds new manager.

Liverpool are set to agree to terms with the Cottagers over compensation for Hodgson to replace new Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez.

However, Hodgson want some assurance that the Reds will give him the funds to go into the transfer marker and improve the club before he commits to lead Liverpool next season, according to The Mirror.

The Reds are coming off of a very disappointing season, finishing in seventh place in the Premier League and being eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League.

Hodgson is concerned that the financially burdened club, who are currently about £400 million in debt, may not allow him to spend this summer.

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson is the favourite to replace Hodgson at Fulham.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Hodgson-demands-transfer-funds-before-accepting-Liverpool-job/8548/?
Hodgson demands funds before accepting Liverpool job

Hodgson is thought to be on the verge of agreeing a deal to join Liverpool, following a highly successful spell at Fulham, leading them to last season's Europa League final.  The 62-year-old apparently fulfils all six criteria set out by Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow and Kenny Dalglish for Benitez's successor and the Anfield board has reportedly approved Hodgson's appointment.

Hodgson has maintained a dignified silence over the speculation that he will join Liverpool, although it is thought he would like to manage another big club before he retires.

However, the Daily Mirror reports this morning that Hodgson will only take over at Anfield if the club is able to supply him with sufficient funds to adequately strengthen his squad. Liverpool suffered a highly disappointing season last term and Hodgson is reportedly worried that the club, £400million in debt, will not be able to back him sufficiently in the transfer market.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857838/England-v-Germany-Fabio-Capello-to-seek-urgent-talks-over-future-after-World-Cup-exit.html
England v Germany: Fabio Capello to seek urgent talks over future after World Cup exit
Fabio Capello will meet senior Football Association officials on Monday to seek reassurances over his future, signalling the start of negotiations that could end in his departure as England coach.

England's traumatic 4-1 World Cup defeat to Germany in Bloemfontein has raised serious questions about the Italian's future. But last night he made it clear that he had no intention of resigning without compensation for the remaining two years of his £6million-a-year contract.

Capello is understood to want to remain in his post only if he has the unequivocal support of his employers, and his position means the FA will have to pay hefty compensation to the Italian if it wants to remove him. Should the FA indicate it wants to remove him it is understood that he will not fight to stay in his post, but negotiate a settlement to walk away after just two years.

Capello will hold initial discussions over his future with Sir Dave Richards, the chairman of the FA's Club England board, and its managing director, Adrian Bevington, in Rustenburg this morning before addressing the media.

The FA is understood to be keen to take its time over a decision on Capello's future, with senior figures advising against a knee-jerk reaction to the defeat at the Free State Stadium. They are convinced that Capello is honourable and that they can reach a mutual agreement.

The FA will wait to assess the strength of public reaction to the defeat and the sincerity of Capello's desire to remain in the post after a bitterly disappointing campaign.

The issue is complicated by the cost of severing Capello's contract, the most expensive the FA has ever entered in to. The price of removing the Italian increased the day before England left for South Africa, when the FA agreed to remove a clause that would have allowed either party to walk away without penalty during a two-week window after the World Cup.

Capello had initially been promised that the clause would be removed by former FA chairman Lord Triesman, but the deal was not finalised before Triesman resigned.

On the eve of the tournament, with Inter Milan chairman Massimo Morratti indicating he was interested in Capello replacing Jose Mourinho, the FA rushed through an amended contract that could now cost them millions in compensation.

The move has echoes of the FA's decision in 2004 to extend Sven-Goran Eriksson's contract shortly before the European Championship after he was pictured in talks with the Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon.

Capello said on Sunday night that he would not resign, but would seek talks with Richards when he returned to London. He conceded there was now a question over his future.

"Resign? No. No. Absolutely not. I want to speak with the chairman to decide my future. We have to wait until I come back to London." Asked if there were any circumstances in which he would resign he said: "I have to think about everything."

The issue is also clouded by the recent upheaval at Wembley. In March chief executive Ian Watmore resigned, and his replacement, Alex Horne, working under the title of general secretary, has only been in the post full-time for a month. The FA board, meanwhile, is under the interim chairmanship of Roger Burden.

Watmore established the Club Wembley division to manage all England age-group teams but it now faces a huge test. Horne and Sir Trevor Brooking are also members of the Club England board, and will have an input into the manager's future. Last night Bevington, presently communications director, said that "nothing had changed" because of the result.

"Our position has been consistent and it has not changed in my mind tonight whatsoever," he said "Clearly, Fabio needs to speak with Sir Dave Richards and beyond that I cannot say anything further tonight.

"There is a board — Sir Dave Richards, myself, Sir Trevor Brooking and chief executive Alex Horne – and we work into the main FA board as well."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290109/Mark-Hughes-temptedd-offer-ambitious-Dubai-club-Al-Ahli.html
Mark Hughes tempted with job at ambitious Dubai club Al Ahli

Mark Hughes is in talks with ambitious Dubai club Al Ahli over becoming their new manager.

Al Ahli have already made approaches for Harry Redknapp, Marcello Lippi and Sam Allardyce and have now turned to free agent Hughes.

However, the former Manchester City boss remains in the frame to replace Roy Hodgson at Fulham, who seems destined for Liverpool.

After yesterday's result  he may also find himself approached by England this week.

Hughes is definitely interested in Al Ahli's proposal but would prefer a return to the Premier League.

Sven Goran Eriksson and Alan Curbishley are also in the running for the Fulham job.

Sportsmail revealed Al Ahli's move for Redknapp last month which was closely followed by their signing of Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290109/Mark-Hughes-temptedd-offer-ambitious-Dubai-club-Al-Ahli.html#ixzz0s88smIeq

[TonyGilroy]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/departing-fulham-boss-hodgson-help-schwarzer-move-935411?
Departing Fulham boss Hodgson to help Schwarzer move

Outgoing Fulham manager Roy Hodgson will reportedly help Mark Schwarzer make a move to London rivals Arsenal.

With Hodgson expected to take the vacant position at Liverpool, speculation is rife that he will help push the transfer through so Schwarzer can join one of the big four clubs in the Premier League.

The Gunners have already had a $4.25million bid for the Australian international goalkeeper turned down by the Cottagers but Arsene Wenger will return with an improved offer and help from Hodgson may see the deal get done following the World Cup.
[/quote


Thanks Roy.

(if true)

And even if not how can Hodgson play any part in persuading Schwarzer to stay. Which he surely would if he himself were committed to FFC.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/?p=7303
The more things change, the more they stay the same
by DAN on JUNE 28, 2010

So, England head home earlier than expected and once again everybody's clamouring for the manager's head. Continuity is key in football and to keep changing managers after World Cup disappointments just ignores the problem. England simply aren't good enough to compete at international level.

We could rattle on for hours about why but it comes down to a few harsh home truths. Ball retention is absolutely imperative both at the top of club football and when you are representing you country. Fabio Capello has clearly tried to change the brutish English mentality and get his side comfortable at knocking the ball around, playing slow patient possession football, but the midfielders just kept giving the ball away. The philosophy is simple: if you've got the ball, the other team can't score. And if you keep the ball, your opponents have to tire themselves out to win it back. If the likes of Frank Lampard were truly world class, they'd be able to locate a team mate with a crossfield ball.

Successive World Cup campaigns have been undermined by amateurish defending. Here, Capello was unlucky. Having a fit Rio Ferdinand available would have helped him as the Manchester United defender was comfortable on the ball as well as a cultured centre back, but his tournament didn't even start. Bringing a clearly over-the-hill Jamie Carragher and gambling on the fitness of Ledley King demonstrated the dearth of quality English centre backs, but it was quite astonishing that both of those two and Matthew Upson were picked ahead of Michael Dawson, comfortably the best English defender in the last domestic season.

Regular readers will know I like to aim my fire at John Terry but he and Upson gave a display that wouldn't even have graced park football yesterday. The gaps between the two of them were alarming, particularly when Terry was caught ridiculously out of position when a long punt forward from the goalkeeper sailed over his head. Upson thankfully thought better of bundling over Klose in the penalty area, but the damage was done by the German's cool finish. Terry was trying to win the ball back high up the pitch again with Upson nowhere to be seen as Podolski exposed some gaping gaps to make it 2-0.

The talking heads will no doubt hound Capello out, but who would want the England job? Your players can't kick with both feet, none of the top sides in the country have a nucleus of domestic talent and the media think it's their job to destroy you. Until the laughably inept FA get a grip on the game in this country – and they might make a start by reforming our antequated coaching system – they'll be plenty more bemused head-scratching by England managers in years to come.

[JBH]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/departing-fulham-boss-hodgson-help-schwarzer-move-935411?
Departing Fulham boss Hodgson to help Schwarzer move

Outgoing Fulham manager Roy Hodgson will reportedly help Mark Schwarzer make a move to London rivals Arsenal.

With Hodgson expected to take the vacant position at Liverpool, speculation is rife that he will help push the transfer through so Schwarzer can join one of the big four clubs in the Premier League.

The Gunners have already had a $4.25million bid for the Australian international goalkeeper turned down by the Cottagers but Arsene Wenger will return with an improved offer and help from Hodgson may see the deal get done following the World Cup.
[/quote


Thanks Roy.

(if true)

And even if not how can Hodgson play any part in persuading Schwarzer to stay. Which he surely would if he himself were committed to FFC.

Of course this must be true as its from Tribalfootball, the well know site written by Hans Christian Anderson!!

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6235416,00.html?
Clubs eye Simpson move
Battle on for Arsenal starlet

Jay Simpson could be set to leave Arsenal this summer and a host of clubs are set to battle it out for his signature.

The young forward is a product of the Gunners' highly-famed academy but is yet to make his Premier League debut.

The 21-year-old has played for Arsenal in the Carling Cup and scored two goals in a 3-0 victory in his only ever start over Wigan, but he has never made a league appearance for the club and now looks set to leave.

Simpson has spent much of the last three seasons on loan, with Millwall, West Bromand last term with Queens Park Rangers - where he hit double figures in the Championship.

However, despite being highly thought of at Arsenal they are prepared to let him leave as he seeks regular first-team football.

News of Simpson's availability is set to alert a host of clubs in the Premier League and Championship.

West Ham, Fulham and Blackpool are all thought to be considering whether to offer him a Premier League chance, whilst Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff, Leicester City and QPR are all keen. Nigel Pearson looks set to become the Hull City manager and will also probably have Simpson on his hit list.

His advisor Uben Gray confirmed Simpson could leave the Emirates Stadium.

"Jay has had discussions with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal," he told skysports.com.

"Everyone at the club only has good things to say about Jay, including Arsene, but they appreciate he needs to be playing first-team football.

"And so they are ready to let him leave, but only if the deal is right for all parties."

Simpson currently has a year left on his contract at Arsenal.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/06/28/liverpool-to-move-quickly-for-hodgson-to-head-off-england-talk/26191/?
Liverpool to Move Quickly for Hodgson to Head Off England Talk

Liverpool are watching developments concerning Fabio Capello and England with a keen eye as calls grow for Roy Hodgson to replace the Italian should he decide to part company with the FA. Hodgson is the Liverpool board's preferred candidate, although in the past 10 days they have felt duty bound to at least sound out Frank Rijkaard and Didier Deschamps as to their availability.

Hodgson is well known to favour a crack at the England job, feeling that such an appointment would represent the pinnacle of his managerial career. Indeed, the 62-year-old has vast experience at international level, having bossed Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and most recently Finland.

Liverpool will now move quickly to persuade the Fulham manager to ink a deal which would take him to Anfield, quickly heading off the inevitable speculation which would make Hodgson a candidate for the England job. With polls showing the vast majority of Liverpool fans are opposed to Hodgson's appointment, the Anfield board will hope the Londoner will not be put off by such opinion.

[DevonFFC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6235416,00.html?
Clubs eye Simpson move
Battle on for Arsenal starlet

Jay Simpson could be set to leave Arsenal this summer and a host of clubs are set to battle it out for his signature.

The young forward is a product of the Gunners' highly-famed academy but is yet to make his Premier League debut.

The 21-year-old has played for Arsenal in the Carling Cup and scored two goals in a 3-0 victory in his only ever start over Wigan, but he has never made a league appearance for the club and now looks set to leave.

Simpson has spent much of the last three seasons on loan, with Millwall, West Bromand last term with Queens Park Rangers - where he hit double figures in the Championship.

However, despite being highly thought of at Arsenal they are prepared to let him leave as he seeks regular first-team football.

News of Simpson's availability is set to alert a host of clubs in the Premier League and Championship.

West Ham, Fulham and Blackpool are all thought to be considering whether to offer him a Premier League chance, whilst Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff, Leicester City and QPR are all keen. Nigel Pearson looks set to become the Hull City manager and will also probably have Simpson on his hit list.

His advisor Uben Gray confirmed Simpson could leave the Emirates Stadium.

"Jay has had discussions with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal," he told skysports.com.

"Everyone at the club only has good things to say about Jay, including Arsene, but they appreciate he needs to be playing first-team football.

"And so they are ready to let him leave, but only if the deal is right for all parties."

Simpson currently has a year left on his contract at Arsenal.

Watched this guy in that wigan game at the emirates and he looks a quality prospect.... well worth a punt

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290234/Fulham-Blackpool-alert-Jay-Simpson-told-leave-Arsenal.html?ITO=1490
Fulham and Blackpool on alert as Jay Simpson is told he can leave Arsenal

Jay Simpson is poised to leave Arsenal this summer after his adviser revealed Arsene Wenger has told the young striker he is surplus to requirements at the Emirates.

The 21-year-old, who is a product of the Gunners youth academy, has enjoyed successful loan spells at Millwall, West Brom and QPR.

But he has failed to break into Arsenal's first team, despite scoring two goals in just three appearances.

The Arsenal man was said to be holding talks with Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia but news of Simpson's availability is likely to alert a number of clubs from the Premier League and Championship, with Fulham, Blackpool and Hull City reportedly among his pursuers. 

'Jay has had discussions with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal,' Uben Gray told skysports.com.

'Everyone at the club only has good things to say about Jay, including Arsene, but they appreciate he needs to be playing first-team football.'And so they are ready to let him leave, but only if the deal is right for all parties.'

Simpson has one year to run on his contract and Arsenal would rather cash in on their striker now than allow him to leave for nothing at the end of next season.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1290234/Fulham-Blackpool-alert-Jay-Simpson-told-leave-Arsenal.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0s92bcl5K

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/hodgson_expected_to_be_named_boss_this_week_533875/index.shtml
Hodgson Expected To Be Named Boss This Week

Roy Hodgson is expected to be named new Liverpool manager this week.

The Sunday Express says Hodgson will be appointed Liverpool's new boss in time to welcome some of the players back for pre-season training on Friday.

It is believed the majority of Liverpool's senior players are happy with Hodgson's impending arrival, but they won't be back at Anfield until the end of July following a break after the World Cup.

[WhiteJC]

http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/06/28/england-uncertainty-adds-to-pressure-on-liverpool-to-get-roy-hod/?
England Uncertainty Adds to Pressure on Liverpool to Get Roy Hodgson

Liverpool's protracted pursuit of Roy Hodgson rumbles on and yet again they have been laid open to the prospect of England getting there first.

It was claimed that Fabio Capello would have walked away if England had failed to get out of their group at the World Cup but the manner of the 4-1 defeat to Germany has once again put the manager's position in sharp focus.

The Italian has already insisted he will not resign but should the Football Association decide to get rid of him themselves, Hodgson would surely be at the front of their thinking, again shining a light on how slow Liverpool have been to sort out Rafa Benitez's successor.

Capello has two years left on his contract, meaning it would cost £12m to pay him off, but the scale of England's failure, and the country's response, might cause him to think again.

With the pressure on to 'Go English', only Hodgson and Harry Redknapp would be clear candidates and if the vacancy was to crop up in the next couple of weeks, Hodgson might consider sitting tight at Fulham.

Hodgson, 62, quickly emerged as Liverpool's favourite but the process has dragged on and on. Benitez was sacked at the start of June and just a couple of weeks before pre-season training begins, there is still no-one in place.


Steven Gerrard put thoughts of his future on hold until England's World Cup campaign came to an end. It was thought that he would need significant reassurances to stay at Anfield but if he wants to talk now, who does he pick up the phone to?

There was also the strange flirtation with Didier Deschamps last week, with Marseille claiming they had turned down an approach from Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow.

Hodgson ticks all the boxes for the job at Anfield. At his age, he is not a major gamble, who would expect to be around for the next five years.

He has shown he can come up with a clear tactical plan that his players buy into and will certainly steady the ship, which is also why he might appeal to the FA.

Rather than needing to overhaul the culture of the club, in the short-term, he will be able to get the best out of what is there already, which suits a club that might be sold at any time.

Reports suggest that he deal will be done this week after Hodgson was told he would get a decent transfer budget but Liverpool have to act sooner rather than later.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/eriksson-emerges-fulham-favourite-936941?
Eriksson emerges as Fulham favourite

Sven Goran Eriksson is favourite to replace Roy Hodgson at Fulham.

The Mirror says Fulham boss Hodgson will take charge of Liverpool this week.

Former England boss Eriksson is favourite to replace Hodgson at Craven Cottage.

He left his Ivory Coast job this week.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6235581,00.html?
Uche to have final say
Almeria to cash in on Nigerian forward

Kalu Uche will be given license to make the final decision on where his future will lie this summer.

The highly-rated striker is tipped to be on the move over the coming weeks, having seen his international commitments with Nigeria reach a conclusion.

The Super Eagles failed to make it through the group stage at the 2010 World Cup and their players are in the process of returning to their respective clubs.

For now, that means Uche, after an extended break, will head back to Spanish outfit Almeria.
He is not expected to stick around for long, though, with interest in his services growing by the day.

Fulham and Hull City are reported to be keen on taking him to England, while Turkish giants Fenerbahce are believed to be in pole position to land his signature.

Offers

No formal bids have been lodged as yet, but Almeria are already preparing themselves for a flurry of bids.

They accept that keeping the 27-year-old in Spain is now unlikely and have admitted that they are ready to cash in.

It is believed that an offer of around €3.5million (£2.9m) would be enough to force their hand, although Almeria president Afonso Garcia has admitted that Uche will have the final say in any deal.

"We need to analyse everything carefully and stay calm," he said.

"But it is normal that the player decides where they go."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/davidbond/2010/06/will_capello_get_fas_backing.html
Will FA back or sack Capello?

World Cup 2010: Rustenburg

By asking the Football Association to back him or sack him, England coach Fabio Capello cleverly forced his employers into a corner.

In the aftermath of Sunday's dreadful defeat by Germany, Capello insisted he would not resign but said he wanted talks with the Club England chairman Sir David Richards.

"I want to know he has confidence in me," said the Italian.

If, following those talks, the FA offers anything other than unequivocal support for Capello at Monday's news conference in Rustenburg, the writing will be on the wall for the former Juventus, AC Milan and Real Madrid coach. Even putting off the issue until the team returns to London on Tuesday will place his future in doubt.

At this stage, it is difficult to call but the vibes coming from FA sources on Monday is that they will back him to help rebuild the England team.




If that is the case, the main reason is financial. Having removed the break clause from his £5m-a-year contract on the day the team flew to South Africa, sacking Capello and his vast backroom team, including trusted assistant Franco Baldini, would cost £12m.

The break clause was in there to deal with exactly the scenario England now find themselves in - and former chairman Lord Triesman and Sir David will face severe criticism for removing the financial safety valve.

In fairness, Capello can only shoulder so much of the blame for England's poor World Cup campaign. The players deserve the strongest criticism but the Italian's inflexibility over tactics and his strict regime undoubtedly played a part. Just saying what worked in qualifying should have worked here will not wash. He should have adapted.

And if the FA sacks Capello, who is there to take over? There is no obvious alternative. And if Capello cannot perform alchemy with the so-called golden generation, who can?

The England team needs to be completely rebuilt before the 2014 World Cup and, ironically, the FA might need to say to Capello that, if he is to stay until the end of his contract after Euro 2012, then he is the man to carry on and deliver that overhaul.

Changing manager two years before a World Cup no longer looks sensible, given England's backwards step in South Africa. Bizarre as it might seem, Capello could end up being rewarded for failure.

The bigger question is perhaps whether he would want to stay. Yes, he is extremely well paid but the next generation of England players are not as talented as this one. He cannot be expected to perform miracles.

And, ultimately, he cannot be held responsible for the structure of English football, which puts commercial success ahead of the national team. Until the FA and the Premier League get together and work out a plan that puts the England team at the pinnacle of everything, there will be little real progress.

As I pointed out in my blog last Friday, this is the fundamental difference between the English and German football models - and how it showed.

There is, however, one man who can and should help bring change. Sir David is both Capello's boss and chairman of the Premier League. If anyone can try to coax the self-interested clubs into doing more to help England, he should be able to.

Failure to use Sunday's defeat as a springboard for a root and branch review of the game will not only raise questions about whether Sir David is conflicted by holding two such important positions but will lead to pressure on him and not Capello to stand down.

UPDATE 1351 BST

Fabio Capello tells a news conference in Rustenburg that he wants to remain as England manager but has been told by Club England chairman Sir David Richards that he must wait two weeks to discover his fate.