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Friday Fulham Stuff (09/07/10)...

Started by WhiteJC, July 09, 2010, 07:52:51 AM

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WhiteJC

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6252259/Gera-admits-expectations-are-high?
Gera admits expectations are high

Zoltan Gera says whoever replaces Roy Hodgson as Fulham manager will have a lot to live up to next season.

The Cottagers continue to search for a new manager following Hodgson's departure to Liverpool.

The 62-year-old former Switzerland boss performed wonders during his time at the west-London club, retaining their top-flight status in his first season in charge before going on to reach the Europa League final last season.

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has just left his post in charge of Ivory Coast following their World Cup exit, and Croatia coach Slaven Bilic are believed to be the leading contenders to take over.

But Hungary midfielder Gera says whoever takes over must look to at match last season's impressive performance on a consistent basis.

"Hopefully we will get the new manager in soon and achieve the same level of success over the next few seasons," Gera told the club's official website.

"The expectations for next season are high - we had a great season last year and if we could finish back in the top 10 this season that would be perfect for us."

Caretaker boss Ray Lewington is set to remain at the helm for Fulham's opening pre-season friendly against Brentford at Griffin Park next Wednesday.

The Cottagers then head to Bournemouth before flying out to Sweden where they will play games against Halmstad and Malmo, two of Hodgson's former clubs, when a new boss is expected to be in place.

Fulham open their Barclays Premier League season at Bolton on August 14.

Gera admits the defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final still hurts, but has urged his team-mates to use the loss as a motivational tool.

"It was a successful season last year, but the final was very painful," he said.

"It was a great feeling to play in the final - yes we lost, but I have good memories from the competition.

"Unfortunately we won't be playing in the Europa League this season but we need to play well and enjoy another good season in the Premier League."

Fulham have already signed defender Philippe Senderos this summer, with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer linked with a switch the other way to Arsenal.

American forward Clint Dempsey is reported to be wanted by AC Milan after impressing at the World Cup.

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/08/sven-goran-eriksson-closes-in-on-fulham-job-82029-26813670/?
Sven-Goran Eriksson closes in on Fulham job

SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has moved into pole position in the race to become Fulham's new manager.

Chronicle sport has learned the former England boss has gone down well with chairman Mohamed Al Fayed as a replacement for Roy Hodgson – and could be installed in time to see his new side play Brentford at Griffin Park in the first pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.

However, Fulham's board are still pondering a shortlist that's down to three this morning – one of whom is Alan Curbishley, even though he strangely distanced himself from the job in comments made on Wednesday.

On top of which, the former Charlton and West Ham manager does not have the same relationship with Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh as Eriksson does.

Both were together at a revived Manchester City until first the Swede followed by Mackintosh, departed at the whim of then City owner Thaksin Shinawatra in the summer of 2008.

Fulham have already ruled out former Manchester City boss, Mark Hughes, Dave Jones at Cardiff, and former Whites playing legend Lee Clark, who is the 6/4 favourite on one set of odds, along with a string of big names that was 20-strong and rising at the last count.

But Eriksson comes with an international CV most of the rest can only dream of – and a list of contacts like Hodgson's that brought bargains such as defender Brede Hangeland to Craven Cottage.

By pure coincidence, Fulham go on pre-season tour to Sweden following the game at Bournemouth on July 17 – and the Whites are particularly keen to have someone in place by then.

An insider said: "It's getting pretty close to the end of the selection process."

WhiteJC

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2010/07/08/2016038/goalcom-betting-special-who-are-the-contenders-to-manage?
Who Are The Contenders To Manage Fulham?
Goal.com's UK expert rates the men on Fulham's radar to succeed Roy Hodgson...

Sven-Goran Eriksson | Odds: 3.25
Age: 62

Available: Yes

Trophies: 18 with Gothenburg, Benfica, Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio including 2000 Serie A title

Pros: Eriksson has vast experience and a track record at club and international level that demands respect.

He has an excellent contacts book and a good relationship with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh from the season they spent together at Manchester City. He also would not want to make vast changes to Fulham's established backroom team.

Cons: His age and reputation as a footballing nomad would appear to make him a short-term option. He has spent only one season as a club manager since taking the England job in 2001 and has had mixed results over the last decade.



Alan Curbishley  | Odds: 5.00   
Age: 52

Available: Yes

Trophies: 1 - 1999-2000 First Division title with Charlton

Pros: Strong-minded and experienced, Curbishley masterminded Charlton's revival to turn them into an established Premier League club.

He also spent two solid years at West Ham, where he steered them away from relegation and achieved a top-ten finish.

He already has a connection at Fulham through his long-standing deputy Mervyn Day, who is part of the club's scouting team.

Cons: He is not considered a training ground coach in the Hodgson mould as he prefers to lead through his management and team selection. Fell out with Fulham captain Danny Murphy and defender Paul Konchesky when they were all at Charlton.



Mark Hughes | Odds: 5.00
Age: 46

Available: Yes

Trophies: None

Pros: Hugely respected figure who did an excellent job with Wales, and at Blackburn Rovers working with a restricted budget. Renowned for getting the best out of misfits and difficult players who have struggled elsewhere.

Cons: Hiring Hughes would mean hiring his expensive and extensive close-knit backroom staff of Mark Bowen, Eddie Niedzwiecki, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges. Although there was widespread sympathy for his Manchester City dismissal, there was criticism of his tactics and team selection.


Tony Mowbray | Odds: 15.00
Age: 46

Available: Yes

Trophies: 1 – 2007-08 Championship title with West Brom

Pros: Fine technical coach and astute tactician with a reputation for delivering eye-catching football.

Mowbray would minimise the impact on Fulham players used to a coaching-oriented culture and would fit in well with the club's established structure.

Cons: Sacked as Celtic manager in March after nine months and West Brom were relegated after finishing bottom of the Premier League in 2008-09. His teams have a habit of failing when the pressure is at its most intense.


Glenn Hoddle | Odds: 15.00
Age: 52

Available: Yes

Trophies: None

Pros: Thoughtful and modernistic, Hoddle is a highly regarded technical coach and tactician who prefers to improve players on the training ground in the same way as Hodgson.

Cons: During 15 years managing Swindon Town, Chelsea, England, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, his biggest achievements was as a beaten finalist in the 1994 FA Cup and 2002 Worthington Cup. Has a reputation for being socially awkward and a clumsy man-manager.

Selected Others

Carlos Queiroz - 9.0
Ray Lewington - 15.0
John Collins - 17.0
Gareth Southgate - 17.0
Slaven Bilic - 19.0
Dave Jones - 29.0
Paul Jewell - 34.0
Martin Jol - 34.0
Stuart Pearce - 34.0
Kevin Keegan - 34.0
Paul Ince - 41.0
Chris Coleman - 51.0


WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/schwarzer's-arsenal-deal-be-completed-next-week-961241?
Schwarzer's Arsenal deal to be completed next week

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer's proposed move to London rivals Arsenal is expected to completed next week.

News emerging from the UK, particularly from the Daily Mail, suggests that the Australian number one will sign a $6million (£3.5million) early next week after recently passing a medical at the Emirates Stadium.

Schwarzer moved to Fulham from Middlesbrough in May 2008 and helped the Cottagers to the Europa League final last season but is now set to move on.

Fulham are reportedly targeting England veteran David James as Schwarzer's replacement.

WhiteJC

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/417624-why-clint-dempsey-could-thrive-at-ac-milan?
Why Clint Dempsey Could Thrive at AC Milan

Let's get one thing straight, before we go any further. Up to this point, it is only a rumor that Clint Dempsey may be headed to AC Milan, one of Europe's oldest and most historically successful clubs.

Many people who just began watching Dempsey at the World Cup may wonder, "Uh, why would Milan want this guy? He got that one sort of flukey goal against England, but what else did he do?" The answer? A lot more than you think.

Dempsey is a player who adapts very well to what his coaches want him to do. With the New England Revolution in MLS, he was the go-to guy in Steve Nicol's sides. He thrived. In England with Fulham, Dempsey blossomed.

It certainly took him about a season to make the transition between "go-to guy" and "creative guy," but he pulled it off wonderfully, showing moments of sheer brilliance for Fulham's recent European campaign. In case you haven't already seen it, look for "Clint Dempsey vs. Juventus" on YouTube.

In South Africa, many expected Dempsey to show the nose for goal he had shown less than a month prior while with Fulham. And to start the tournament, that's exactly what Dempsey did. His shot against England, really nothing more than a hopeful ball shot just to keep the 'keeper honest, found the back of the net. Again, the predicted goal tally for Dempsey was raised.

But Bob Bradley had other needs on the pitch. He had Landon Donovan to provide the spark for the offense. What Bradley really needed was a player (in addition to Michael Bradley) to be a workhorse. A guy on the field who would run until his legs gave out and who would take a massive beating. Someone who would simply out-hustle and out-will the other guys.

So, what did Deuce do? Put his nose to the grindstone and did what his manager asked. Through each of the next three games the US played, there were countless plays where Dempsey ran at defenders, competed for a header, or tracked back on defense and wound up having the living daylights knocked out of him.

Most players, including the likes of a certain Portuguese superstar, for instance, would have whined, complained, and pouted at treatment like this on the field.

Dempsey just got up.

That's what makes him so well suited for the style of play in Serie A. The Italian league has one of the most physical brands of game on the planet. Players go in hard and complain even harder. Dempsey would be one of the few players in the league to simply play the game, and do so well. This would make him one of the best players in the league.

Milan's midfield consists currently of Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Ambrosini, and Flamini.  Their ages, in respective order, are 32, 31, 34, 33, and 26.  Simply put, AC Milan's golden generation of Italian midfielders is aging rapidly. Adding in a player with Dempsey's work rate and relative youth would be a major upgrade.

Dempsey's goal against Juventus is yet another reason why he would fit in well in Serie A; he's a breath of fresh air. The Italian leagues are notoriously physical, and many players work within those bounds and lose a good deal of creativity. Dempsey's goal against Juventus showed the footballing world that creativity and taking a chance will work against the biggest clubs.

Many "creative" players have found it difficult to play in Italy simply because of the game's physicality. As discussed above, dealing with crunching tackles is nothing new for Dempsey, so there is no reason he shouldn't be able to find a way to thrive in Milan.

Last, but certainly not to be overlooked, would be Dempsey's familiarity with one of his new would-be-teammats; Oguchi Onyewu. Gooch's transfer to Milan after the impressive Yank run in the 2009 Confederations Cup has helped pave the path for Americans to move to Italy. Dempsey's familiarity with Gooch, built strong over the last few years, would undoubtedly help ease Dempsey's transition to a very new setting.

Whether or not this transfer happens, Dempsey's profile has risen to new heights, and he certainly has some very interesting opportunities available to him should he want to take the chance.

WhiteJC

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/back-to-sweden/?
Back to Sweden
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 6:21 am


(Halmstads BK, 1978)

One of the outtakes from the book (what with me having no rights on the picture and all).

Anyway, the club's going on a pre-season tour of Sweden, playing Halmstads and Malmo.   I was going to go on a similar trip to research the Roy part of the Fulham Review, but the Europa League final came and took my money (not that I'm complaining!) so this sounds brilliant.  Work commitments make it impossible for me to attend, but if anyone else does, take lots of pictures!


WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1293202/Charles-Sale-Relax-Its-double-Dutch-Fabio-Capellos-Boot-Camp-regime.html#ixzz0tAGcdI00
Manager Roberto Di Matteo (right), who took West Brom back into the Premier League in his first season, is not impressed by the lack of money at his disposal at the yo-yo Midland club who have long ensured they don't overspend during their periods in the top flight.

And Di Matteo's frustration might interest Fulham who are taking their time looking at options before appointing a successor to Roy Hodgson.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1293202/Charles-Sale-Relax-Its-double-Dutch-Fabio-Capellos-Boot-Camp-regime.html#ixzz0tAOxcPNW

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6252323,00.html?
Gera warning for new boss
Cottagers midfielder says new manager will have a lot to live up to

Zoltan Gera insists Roy Hodgson's successor at Fulham should be ready to cope with high expectations.

Former Switzerland boss Hodgson, who helped the west London club retain their Premier League status during his first season in charge and guided them to the Europa League final last term, has departed Craven Cottage for Liverpool.

The Cottagers have begun their search for a new manager, with former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson and Croatia coach Slaven Bilicreportedly in the frame for the post.

But Hungary midfielder Gera says that whoever takes over from 62-year-old Hodgson will be under pressure to deliver results.

"Hopefully we will get the new manager in soon and achieve the same level of success over the next few seasons," Gera told Fulham's official website.

"The expectations for next season are high - we had a great season last year and if we could finish back in the top 10 this season that would be perfect for us."

Painful

Gera admits the memories of Fulham's loss to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League finals are still painful, but has called on his team-mates to use that defeat as motivation in the Premier League next season.

"It was a successful season last year, but the final was very painful," he said.

"It was a great feeling to play in the final - yes we lost, but I have good memories from the competition.

"Unfortunately we won't be playing in the Europa League this season but we need to play well and enjoy another good season in the Premier League."

Caretaker boss Ray Lewington is set to remain at the helm for Fulham's opening pre-season friendly against Brentford at Griffin Park next Wednesday.

WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1293255/Coleman-set-Swansea-Coventry-eye-King-Doncaster-want-Keogh.html
Coleman set for Swansea, Coventry eye King and Doncaster want Keogh

Swansea are set to offer former Fulham and Coventry boss Chris Coleman the chance to take over at his hometown club after Exeter manager Paul Tisdale turned them down yesterday.

Coventry boss Aidy Boothroyd has refused to rule out a move for his old Watford striker Marlon King when the player is released from jail this summer.

Doncaster want to sign Wolves striker Andy Keogh and pair him with his old Scunthorpe strike partner Billy Sharp. Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett has joined on a free transfer.

Bristol City boss Steve Coppell is set to sign Mali midfielder Kalifa Cisse from his old club Reading for �500,000.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1293255/Coleman-set-Swansea-Coventry-eye-King-Doncaster-want-Keogh.html#ixzz0tASEEnIU


Mr Fulham

http://www.thelondondailynews.com/will-next-fulham-manager-sven-leads-pack-names-p-4319.html

Who will be the next Fulham manager? Sven leads the pack - Big names out

The race to manage Fulham FC is almost over.

The favourite to become manager of Fulham football club has been dramatically ruled out of the running. Former Manchester City and Wales's manager Mark Hughes failed to make the three man shortlist to succeed the departed Roy Hodgson at the Premiership side.

The three are believed to be: Sven-Goran Eriksson, the bookies new favourite. Slaven Bilic, who ruled himself out of the role in 2007 and former Tottenham striker and Germany coach, Jurgen Klinsmann.

The smart money is on the former England coach - Fulham Chairman Alistair Mackintosh knows the Sweed from their time together at Manchester City.

Ray Lewington, the caretaker since Hodgson left for to Liverpool, is taking charge of the sides friendly's. An announcement is expected next Saturday.

Glenn Hoddle, Mark Hughes, Tony Mowbray, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are out as is United States coach Bob Bradley.


Whites legend rules himself out

Cardiff chief Dave Jones and former Fullam hero playing legend Lee Clark, who is the 6/4 favourite on one set of odds, also miss out, along with a string of big names that was 20-strong and rising at the last count.

Earlier in the week Clark had to publicly deny an approach from the South London side. Clark who currently manages Huddersfield Tow,n played over 170 games for the Whites.