Thursday Fulham Stuff (15/07/10)

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:01:11 AM

http://www.premiershiptalk.com/2010/07/14/fulham-to-unveil-manager-by-weekend/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PremiershipTalk+%28Premiership+Talk%29
Fulham to unveil manager by weekend

It didn't take Roy Hodgson long to jet off to Liverpool after incredibly guiding Fulham to the Europa League final in May. Ever since then, the Cottagers have been looking for an adequate replacement and a few weeks ago, former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley declared that his odds of landing the position would be very low in a highly competitive race to the Craven Cottage hotseat.

At that time, former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes and former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson were the two main contenders for the position. According to the Daily Mail, United States coach Bob Bradley and Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld also joined the never-ending list of names in the running for the coveted role at the beginning of the week.

Bradley, whose successful run as the manager of a rapidly developing American side has brought him a lot of attention ever since the men in red, white, and blue ended an impressive World Cup campaign in South Africa, has the opportunity to reunite with Clint Dempsey in West London. Furthermore, he can facilitate his talented son Michael Bradley's move to the Premier League by bringing him to the Cottage as well. Most importantly, his contract in the Premier League will be worth significantly more than his current deal as the U.S. head coach.

Hitzfeld is a name who needs no introduction, having led both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to Champions League glory. The 61-year old, who speaks English fluently, can also offer a great fit to a Fulham side that certainly needs a wise leader who has excelled while managing at the highest level in the past.

Eriksson is still perceived to be the front-runner, though, as the Cottagers have reportedly set their sights on bringing the Swede in before their pre-season tour begins on Monday. The main bottleneck is reported to be Sven's high basic wage demand, which is definitely negotiable by the end of the week

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:02:56 AM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/15072010/58/premier-league-report-sven-set-fulham-job.html
Premier League - Report: Sven set for Fulham job

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson could be set to take over the reins as Fulham manager by the end of the week, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reports that the other main candidates for the Craven Cottage job, Swiss national team manager Ottmar Hitzfeld and USA coach Bob Bradley, have seen their claims on the job fall by the wayside, leaving the Swede the hot favourite for the job.

Fulham's chief executive Alistair Macintosh is understood to favour Eriksson, but the Mail reports that club chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has reservations - particularly about the manager's salary demands.

The Cottagers are keen to land a manager with international experience so as not to slip back following last season's incredible run to the Europa League final - and the club want to appoint a new manager in order to lead the team on their pre-season tour next week.

Eriksson will be hoping that the destination for that pre-season tour will be a good omen: the club are off to Sweden.

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:04:02 AM

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/schwarzer%e2%80%99s-proposed-move-proves-that-age-is-no-barrier?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ffc_Premiership_Blogs+%28FFC_Premiership_Blogs%29
Schwarzer's proposed move proves that age is no barrier

Mark Schwarzer's proposed move to Arsenal has proved that there is no age limit for top quality goalkeepers. At 37 he is not a signing for the future, but as someone who can come in and make an immediate impact on first team affairs this is a shrewd move. In his fifteen years in England he has made over 550 appearances in the Premier League and has made his name as one of the most consistent players in the league.

But of course he is not the first goalkeeper to play successfully at the highest level past 35. The likes of Friedel, Van Der Sar, Hahnemann, James and Jaaskelainen are just some of the goalkeepers aged 35 or over who played in last year's Premiership and all appear to have a good few years left in them. It's not just a case of new diets or training regimes that is the reason why goalkeepers are playing until around their 40s. Zoff, Shilton, Ogrizovic and Southall are just a few examples of players having extended careers in the past.

Obviously though, the nature of the goalkeeper is slightly different from any other. As on-field players get older and they lose that yard of pace or those last 10 minutes of fitness they are looking at slipping down the leagues in order to prolong their careers. These attributes are not so important for goalkeepers; all a goalkeeper really needs is agility and judgement. It has been proved that both things of these can be maintained at a high level well into your thirties, and far from declining, they seem to improve with age. It makes you think how good Joe Hart can be in 10 years, or how good Chris Kirkland could have been if he'd not been ravaged by injury.

So when Arsene Wenger felt like he needed a new goalkeeper he didn't want to take any chances. An experienced goalkeeper will not only benefit Arsenal and their title push, but the move must also be irresistible for Schwarzer who has been playing most of his career in the obscurity of the Premier League mid-table. It is notable also that, should Schwarzer sign, it will be a signing out of trend with most of Wenger's wheelings and dealings – young players with bags of promise being the usual arrivals seen at the Emirates. So the train of thought that goalkeepers improve with age is a valid one, especially bearing in mind the mistakes Fabianski made in crucial games last year.

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:05:47 AM

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204769
Fulham - Sidwell Stalling
It seems to be a common trait.

You, me, the bloke next door, the geezer down the road, the person on the other end of the phone, we`re all waiting to see who the next manager if Fulham Football Club will be!

No news is good news perhaps!

Whatever!

Trawling the tabloids it appears that Steve Sidwell is also waiting for news of who is to be the next Fulham manager and although we remain favourites to land the Aston Villa midfielder player, the press are suggesting the wrong appointment could see Sidwell heading to Upton Park.

I wonder who they mean by the wrong appointment. I didn`t think Martin O`Neill was in the running!

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204769#ixzz0tjSsAQVl

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:06:42 AM

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204768
Fulham - Schwarzer Deal Latest!
With the transfer window having been open for quite a while now and with the majority of the Premier League sides back in pre-season training, one thing puzzles me!

The tabloids were awash with the inference that Mark Schwarzer was Arsenal bound and that it was only a matter of agreeing a fee for the popular Australian keeper to move across London.

But everything seems to have gone quiet.

Now whether it is because Mark is still on his happy holidays after his World Cup exertions remains unclear, especially in the modern world where mobile phones and fax machines seem the way to communicate.

Therefore, would it be wishful thinking to hope that the clubs haven`t agreed a fee and are not likely to or that Mark has decided to stay at Craven Cottage or is it only a matter of time before he`s listening to Arsene Wenger and his volume of excuses after yet another Arsenal title challenge flounders around Christmas?

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204768#ixzz0tjT7pqnI

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:07:42 AM

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204767
Fulham - The Sven Latest!
They may have worked together in a perfectly amicable manner at Manchester City but the buzz is that Alistair Mackintosh might not be appointing Sven Goran Eriksson as our next manager.

With the tabloid world implying that the German, Ottmar Hitzfeld, has become the surprise front-runner it`s being reported that talks have broken down between Fulham and Sven Goran Eriksson with the Swede, apparently, wanting more than the £1.5 million salary on offer.

If so, it beggars belief. Surely Sven Goran Eriksson can`t be short of a bob or two, or could he be afraid of stepping into the shoes of (Sir) Roy and not quite matching up to expectations?

Sven, get a Tord Grip of yourself!

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204767#ixzz0tjTNRdzs

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:08:45 AM

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204765
Fulham - A Blackpool Away Trip!
An unfortunate occurrence could be on the horizon!

Anyone planning to take in the sights of Blackpool when we`re supposed to be visiting Bloomfield Road on August 28th, be aware of some interesting developments in the vicinity of Ian Hollaway`s paradise.

Blackpool, through a source in the media, have admitted that work on their temporary stand has fallen behind schedule leading to their opening fixture of the season, Wigan, being switched from Bloomfield Road to the DW Stadium.

What are the chances of a similar fate befalling our fixture, or will things be back on track by then?

Hold your breath, a weekend away, on the sunny north-west coast might well be in jeopardy!

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204765#ixzz0tjTeDrqO

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:10:01 AM

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204766
Fulham - Ottmar Hitzfeld Surprise!
Every day we seem to be treated, by the tabloid world, to another candidate in line to replace Roy Hodgson.

We`ve swung from Sven Goran Eriksson being favourite to the job over the weekend, to Bob Bradley leap-frogging the Swede yesterday and now we`re supposed to swallow the fact that, according to the tabloid world, Ottmar Hitzfeld is now the clear favourite.

Hitzfeld, who guided Switzerland to an early tournament victory over Spain, is German born and has a fine pedigree having guided two separate clubs to European Cup success. It was felt that he`d remain as the Swiss national coach but the reports appearing in tabloid world would seem to indicate that he has already met with our chief executive officer, Alistair Mackintosh.

At 61 years of age he has the wisdom and knowledge to impart upon the squad but, like Bob Bradley yesterday, our concerns relate to being able to cope with the hurly-burly madness that is our Premier League!

Are you for or against this candidate?

Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=204766#ixzz0tjTxcHVH

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:11:37 AM

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/07/14/2025424/fulham-interested-in-former-siena-manager-alberto-malesani
Fulham interested in former Siena manager Alberto Malesani, reveals agent Michele Ruggiero
The former Parma man faces stiff competition from USA boss Bob Bradley...

The representative of former Siena manager Alberto Malesani, Michele Ruggiero, has revealed that Premier League club Fulham are interested in his client.

On Tuesday Goal.com UK exclusively revealed that current Switzerland manager Ottmar Hitzfeld is in the running for the vacancy at Craven Cottage, which was created after Roy Hodgson's departure to Liverpool.

Sven-Goran Eriksson and Alan Curbishley have also been linked with the post, but Ruggiero believes his client is also firmly in the running.

"Malesani to Fulham chances? It's not 100 per cent, but Fulham's interest is real and they are working on plenty of situations to solve," Ruggiero told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's down to the club's owner Al-Fayed and down to Fulham. We are waiting for developments."

Malesani, who had a fairly obscure playing career, found his feet in management in 1993 with Chievo Verona, winning them promotion to the Italian Serie B.

He gained his first taste of major silverware with Parma where he won the Coppa Italia, the UEFA Supercup and the Italian Super Cup. His most recent manager's position was at Serie A club Siena, where he replaced the outgoing Marco Baroni, before being released at the end of the 2009/2010 season.

Despite the big names already linked with the job, Ruggiero referenced Malesani's managerial record and playing style as a reason for Fulham's interest.

"His curriculum has had his weight. They know him well and Fulham have played like Parma under Malesani," Ruggiero said.

"This is an important aspect. Malesani is happy with the prospect and it would be a dream for him. Fulham are a prestigious club and he would embrace the move."

The agent did, however, mention the USA national team boss, Bob Bradley, as a potential rival candidate and described Bradley as "a problem."

"There is a problem though related to Bob Bradley. It depends on that. It's head to head at the moment," Ruggiero concluded.

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:13:14 AM

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6260695,00.html
Sven plays down Fulham talk
Swede cools speculation over Cottagers post

Sven Goran Eriksson has distanced himself with the Fulham managerial post by revealing he is considering a new Ivory Coast deal.

The former England manager is reportedly in the frame for the Cottagers job, which became vacant when Roy Hodgson departed for Liverpool two weeks ago.

Swedish tactician Eriksson, who led the Three Lions at three major tournaments, joined The Elephants as manager on a short-term deal before the World Cup.

He failed to ensure the team's passage through a tough group in South Africa, but they are reportedly keen to retain the 62-year-old's services until the World Cup in Brazil in four years' time.

"They (Ivory Coast) were really pleased and I guess that I can stay on if I want to," Eriksson told Swedish broadcaster SVT.

"If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals.

"I'll make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

Rumours
Switzerland manager Ottmar Hitzfeld and United States boss Bob Bradley have also been linked with the Craven Cottage post as Fulham search for a suitable successor for Hodgson, who guided the Londoners to the Europa League final last year.

Eriksson formerly worked with Cottagers chief executive Alistair Mackintosh at Manchester City, which could work to his advantage if he were to consider the Fulham post.

But the Swede insists he knows nothing of claims he is in line to take over at the west London club.

Eriksson added: "I do not know, honestly. I do not think Fulham have decided what they want to do."

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:15:18 AM

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-hit-snag-over-eriksson-new-manager-974181
Fulham hit snag over Eriksson as new manager

Fulham's hopes of Sven-Goran Eriksson being their next manager could be in jeopardy after he revealed he may extend his contract as Ivory Coast coach.

The former England boss is reported to be one of a number of high-profile names on the shortlist for the Fulham job, which was vacated by Roy Hodgson who left to join Liverpool a fortnight ago.

"They (Ivory Coast) were really pleased and I guess that I can stay on if I want to," Eriksson told Swedish broadcaster SVT. "If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals.

"I'll make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

Eriksson's relationship with Cottagers chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who he used to work with at Manchester City, could work to his advantage but he says he is in the dark over the claims he is in line to take over at the west London club.

"I do not know, honestly. I do not think Fulham have decided what they want to do," said Eriksson.

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:17:07 AM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14072010/63/bees-hammered-fulham.html
Bees hammered by Fulham

Fulham began life after Roy Hodgson with an emphatic 5-0 hammering of Brentford at Griffin Park.

The Cottagers put in a confident performance in their first fixture since Hodgson swapped Craven Cottage for Anfield, with American Eddie Johnson and Zoltan Gera among their best performers. Fulham were without their World Cup players and injured Andy Johnson, but still named a relatively strong line-up for the match, which doubled up as the testimonial for Bees skipper Kevin O'Connor.

Damien Duff, Brede Hangeland and Paul Konchesky were all named by temporary boss Ray Lewington, who saw his side tear into their npower League One opposition from the start.

Chris Baird broke the deadlock with a 25-yard low drive which beat off-balance Brentford stopper Richard Lee after 14 minutes. The Bees were handed a way back into the game seven minutes later when Stephen Kelly clumsily fouled Charlie MacDonald in the box. Referee Keith Hill pointed to the spot but David Stockdale saved the striker's drive.

Brentford were made to pay for the miss soon after when David Elm curled a 20-yard strike inside Lee's right-hand post to double the visitors' lead.

Duff raced through to poke past Lee on the half hour to make it 3-0 as Fulham continued to dominate possession with some neat passing. Gera, one of four half-time substitutes, made an immediate impact by playing through Johnson, who coolly rounded the keeper to make it four just after the break. And they soon found themselves five up when Gera's cross was met by Simon Davies at the back post, who beat Lee from six yards.

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:19:26 AM

http://hammyend.com/?p=7356
High fives all round after Fulham's summer stroll
by Dan on July 14, 2010

Another Ray Lewington era began tonight at Griffin Park as Fulham, still without a confirmed successor to Roy Hodgson, warmed up for the new campaign with a comfortable five-goal win over Brentford in the summer sunshine. The Whites, wearing their new home strip, were the opposition for Kevin O'Connor's richly-deserved testimonial, although any hope of a meaningful contest disappeared inside the first half an hour as the visitors raced into a three goal lead. The final scoreline provided an interesting bit of symmetry as Lewington's last interim spell in the Fulham hotseat came to an abrupt end after a 5-1 Boxing Day defeat at Tottenham a couple of years ago.

Fulham's pretty passing football hasn't departed with the previous manager. A strong side, without the World Cup contingent as well as Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy, quickly settled into their stride and ocassional starters David Elm and Eddie Johnson wasted no time in troubling the Brentford defence. The gangly Elm flicked an instinctive wide of the far post and his American partner raced onto Bjorn Helge Riise's ball only for Richard Lee to smother his shot.

The visitors were keeping the ball well but the opener was still something of a collecter's item. As well as Chris Baird has slotted into central midfield over the past year or so, it was still a surprise to see him collect a clever Johnson pass and drive home from twenty yards. The understated celebration was characteristic of the man – but it was some way to score your first goal for the club.

Fulham were warming to their task, but Stephen Kelly, starting at centre back alongside Brede Hangeland, had already endured a nervy opening before falling victim to a debatable penalty decision. The collision between the Irish international and Sam Saunders was similar to the sort of coming together you might have with an elderly lady who loses control of her shopping trolley in a supermarket alley if didn't step aside, but the referee saw fit to point to the spot. It seemed harsh and Kelly protested his innocence, but David Stockdale, displaying the calm assurance that has impressed many since he arrived at the Cottage, guessed right to save Charlie MacDonald's spot-kick with the minimum of fuss.

Fulham quickly made their hosts pay for their prolifigacy. Riise ventured infield from the left and found Elm, whose snapshot perhaps should have been saved by Lee, who has spent the last few years in Watford's reserves, but the ball trickled under his body and into the net. A third arrived before the half hour when a neat interchange between Elm and Riise sent Damien Duff scampering clear and the Ireland winger cleverly chipped the advancing goalkeeper.

Lewington rung the changes at half-time and Brentford began the second period the stronger with Stockdale making a smart save from substitute Carl Cort, once of Wimbledon and Newcastle, but Fulham made the scoreline much more convincing with two well-crafted breakaway goals. Zoltan Gera freed Johnson with a glorious through pass and the American did well to round Lee and tap into an empty net before he stepped over a low cross from the Hungarian allowing Simon Davies to make it five from close range.

There was a more youthful look to the Fulham side by the final whistle. Keanu Marsh-Brown added his usual mix of enthusiasm and vitality down the right and promising left-back Alex Smith sent over a couple of dangerous crosses. Nobody should get too carried away with the result of the first pre-season friendly but this was an accomplished performance from Fulham. Even Lewington managed a wave and a chuckle as he left the field to the strains of 'Ray, Ray, Ray,' no doubt noting the hasty reworking of an old Hammersmith End refrain.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Stockdale (Etheridge 77); Stoor (Marquez-Sanchez 86), Konchesky (Smith 45), Kelly, Hangeland (Hughes 45); Baird (Marsh-Brown 63), Greening (Harris 77), Duff (Davies 45), Riise (Saunders 63); Elm (Gera 45), E. Johnson (Trotta 79).

GOALS: Baird (14), Elm (24), Duff (29), E. Johnson (49), Davies (67).

ATTENDANCE: 4,136

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:22:57 AM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1294838/Brentford-0-Fulham-5-Plenty-offer-clues-Hodgsons-successor-manager.html
Brentford 0 Fulham 5: Plenty on offer but clues to Hodgson's successor as manager

Fulham began life after Roy Hodgson with a resounding win against Brentford at Griffin Park.

The League One side may play in red and white striped shirts, but that's about the only similarity to Fulham's last opponents, Atletico Madrid, who beat the London side in the Europa League final in Hamburg two months ago.

On top: Fulham's Brede Hangeland rises above Charlie Macdonald of Brentford
Since then, of course, Hodgson has left for Liverpool and Fulham find themselves without a manager with the new Premier League season just 30 days away.

Chief executive Alastair Mackintosh, who has established a short list of candidates which includes former England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson, Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and USA manager Bob Bradley, was at Griffin Park to watch caretaker boss Ray Lewington take charge of Fulham's first pre-season fixture.

But, despite Fulham's wish to name Hodgson's successor by the end of the week, there was no prospective manager sitting alongside Mackintosh in the stands.

Lewington, a former Brentford boss himself, fielded a strong Fulham side for Brentford captain Kevin O'Connor's testimonial.

First team regulars Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Paul Konchesky and Damien Duff all on show in the first 45 minutes and Aaron Hughes, Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies all featured in the second half.

Baird put the visitors ahead after 14 minutes, deceiving Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee with a bobbling right foot shot from 25 yards.

But Brentford had the chance to equalise eight minutes later when makeshift central defender Stephen Kelly's clumsy challenge on Charlie Macdonald gave Andy Scott's side a penalty.

Macdonald stepped up but didn't do enough with his right-foot spot kick, which was easily saved by goalkeeper David Stockdale, diving to his right.

'England's number one,' came the ironic chant from the Fulham fans behind 24-year-old's goal.

David Elm, playing up front alongside the lively Eddie Johnson, made it 2-0 after 26 minutes with a first-time finish from the edge of the box after a weaving run from Bjorn Helge Riise.

Middle man: Fulham's Bjorn Helge Riise takes on two defenders
The Swedish striker was at the heart of Fulham's third, too, teeing up Duff, who went past Lee before slotting the ball into an empty net.

Elm was replaced by Gera, Fulham's player of the season last season, at half-time and the Hungarian had an immediate impact, setting up Johnson for Fulham's fourth after 49 minutes.

Substitute Davies made it five with a right-foot finish inside the box after 67 minutes.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1294838/Brentford-0-Fulham-5-Plenty-offer-clues-Hodgsons-successor-manager.html#ixzz0tjWmxvsb

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:24:30 AM

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/14/former-fulham-frontman-eyes-return-82029-26845909/
Former Fulham frontman eyes return

FORMER Fulham loanee Stefano Okaka wants to return to the Premier League.

The Roma striker made 13 appearances during a six-month spell with the Whites last season, scoring two goals.

However, the 20-year-old is behind Adriano, Francesco Totti, Mirko Vucinic and Julio Baptista in the pecking order with the Italian giants, and would be happy to return to England.

His agent, Domenico Scopellitti, said: "I have not been contacted by any particular club.

"Certainly, if Roma decide to transfer him, Stefano would like to repeat the experience in England or go to play in Scotland. Both leagues are better suited to his characteristics.

"I believe the player needs to be handed the chance to play more, something which at Roma is not possible.

"Hence, another experience like that of Fulham would be good for him. I'm making moves in that transfer market.

"He would also do very well in a small team in the Premier League because it would see him play an entire season in one of the most beautiful and difficult leagues in the world."

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:25:50 AM

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6261111,00.html
Cottagers look outside
Caretaker boss Lewington not in frame to replace Hodgson

Fulham caretaker manager Ray Lewington has confirmed the club are looking externally to replace Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson left Craven Cottage earlier this month after being offered the chance to take charge at Liverpool following a memorable two-and-a-half years at the helm.

The 62-year-old rescued the West London club from the brink of relegation before establishing them in the top half of the Premier League and guiding them on an unforgettable Europa League adventure.

Lewington, who returned to the club in 2005 and served as first-team coach under Hodgson, had been mentioned as a possible replacement.

Name
But Lewington, who was in charge on the banks of the Thames from 1986-1990 before further caretaker stints in 1991 and 1994, insists he will not be in the hot-seat on a permanent basis again.

He told Sky Sports News: "We know that it is someone from outside. It is very hard to put people into the position of manager when you have been a coach.

"I think because Roy had such an impact on the club they need someone, a name, that can come in and take over.

"All the staff hope that whoever comes in, there will be a job for us."

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, experienced Premier League campaigner Alan Curbishley, Switzerland manager Ottmar Hitzfeld and USA's Bob Bradley have all been touted as possible replacements for Hodgson.

Resolved
Captain Aaron Hughes admits the departure of Hodgson has come as a blow but insists the squad are simply focused on preparing for the new campaign and is confident a new man will be appointed shortly.

Hughes added: "It is a big blow after what he did for us over the past two-and-a-half years, it is fantastic what he did for this club.

"It is understandable why a big club like Liverpool would come in for him. It is a big opportunity for him, we all wish him well and I'm sure he will go on and do a fantastic job.

"We have to just to concentrate on pre-season and our games and I'm sure the situation will be resolved as soon as possible."

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:29:18 AM

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Nicky-Shorey-tells-Nottingham-Forest-he-is-holding-out-for-a-Premier-League-move-to-Fulham-article527431.html
Shorey tells Forest he is holding out for a Premier League move

Nicky Shorey has told Championship Nottingham Forest he is holding out for a move to the Premier League.

Left-back Shorey, 29, capped twice by England, is set to leave Aston Villa this summer.

He is wanted by Forest after a successful spell on loan from last November to January.

But Shorey would prefer a switch to Fulham in the top-flight after a loan spell there.

Fulham will move for Shorey if left-back Paul Konchesky, 29, who has 12 months left on his contract, quits.

Shorey has other Premier League suitors as well and is prepared to wait until late August to get a move to a top-flight club ahead of Forest.

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Nicky-Shorey-tells-Nottingham-Forest-he-is-holding-out-for-a-Premier-League-move-to-Fulham-article527431.html#ixzz0tjYpqX86
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

WhiteJC · July 15, 2010, 08:30:51 AM

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Sven-Goran-Eriksson-set-to-snub-Fulham-to-stay-on-as-manager-of-Ivory-Coast-article527455.html
Sven set to snub Fulham to stay on with Ivory Coast

Fulham's hopes of luring Sven Goran Eriksson to Craven Cottage could be in jeopardy after the Swede revealed he is considering an offer to extend his contract as Ivory Coast manager.

The former England boss is reported to be one of a number of high-profile names on the shortlist for the Fulham job, which was vacated by Roy Hodgson who left to join Liverpool a fortnight ago.

Eriksson, who has considerable international experience having led England at three major tournaments, took over as Elephants boss on a short-term contract before the World Cup.

Eriksson failed to guide the team through a difficult group in South Africa but it seems they are keen for the 62-year-old to stay on until the next World Cup in Brazil.

"They (Ivory Coast) were really pleased and I guess that I can stay on if I want to," Eriksson told Swedish broadcaster SVT. "If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals.

"I'll make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

Switzerland manager Ottmar Hitzfeld and United States boss Bob Bradley are also thought to be on Fulham's wishlist as they look for a manager with proven experience to succeed Hodgson, who guided the Londoners to the Europa League final last year.

Eriksson's relationship with Cottagers chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who he used to work with at Manchester City, could work to his advantage but he says he is in the dark over the claims he is in line to take over at the west London club.

"I do not know, honestly. I do not think Fulham have decided what they want to do," said Eriksson.

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Sven-Goran-Eriksson-set-to-snub-Fulham-to-stay-on-as-manager-of-Ivory-Coast-article527455.html#ixzz0tjZDD6BS
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

Lighthouse · July 15, 2010, 11:27:44 AM

AARON Hughes has urged Fulham to get a manager in ASAP.

The Whites are yet to appoint a new boss – two weeks after Roy Hodgson jumped ship to take up the hotseat at Liverpool.

And Northern Ireland defender Hughes wants the club to get their target in place as quickly as possible, with Sven Goran Eriksson still the favourite for the post.

He said: "I think it's an anxious period for everyone because you're waiting for a new manager to see what happens.

"It's the same anywhere in the world with any team. It's just nice to get it sorted then we know where we go from there.

"We're not too worried because at the minute we're just getting along with our pre-season training and letting the powers that be make the decision."

Hughes played 45 minutes of the pre-season friendly at Brentford last night, as the Whites cruised to a 5-0 win against their west London rivals.

He added: "It's nice to be back with no injuries, and everyone getting through the game okay. Everyone's got a bit of match fitness, and we got a couple of goals as well."

Lighthouse · July 15, 2010, 11:50:37 AM

Official Fulham sources have revealed that Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and USA manager Bob Bradley are no longer on the club's shortlist to replace Roy Hodgson, and it now appears that Martin Jol is a leading candidate for the job.

GettyImages

Martin Jol: Managing in Holland

• Eriksson eyes new Ivory Coast deal

Soccernet understands that Mohammed Al Fayed is on the verge of making up his mind in a long drawn-out process of finding the right candidate. Fulham are on schedule to name their new manager by Monday at the latest, and possibly as early as Friday.

A source close to one of the leading candidates told Soccernet: "The rumour is that Martin Jol is now very much in the frame. A decision is expected by Friday and the rumour is that Mohammed Al Fayed has yet to make up his mind.

"The other rumour is that the budget for the manager is £1 million-a-year, which has put the cat amongst the pigeons. If that is the case, than it might be something to tempt a manager like Martin Jol back into English football."

Sven-Goran Eriksson, Mark Hughes and Carlos Queiroz are also names which continue to be linked with the vacant position. Queiroz is a surprise on the list, but sources inside Craven Cottage have suggested that he is not a leading contender.

Eriksson remains the firm favourite of the media, but Soccernet has been told that Al Fayed was concerned about his salary demands.

That has now been put into perspective by the former England manager's representative. Athole Still, the highly respected agent of Eriksson, has refused to comment to Soccerneton his client's prospects, but revealed that Eriksson earned €300,000, not the reported £2 million, for three months' work with Ivory Coast prior to and during the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Kia Joorabchian, who represents Hughes, has also told Soccernet that the reported £7 million-a-year he is said to have demanded from West Ham to succeed Gianfranco Zola is way off the mark.

Jol has unfinished business in English football after being sacked by Spurs and would love another crack at the Premier League, but Fulham may not be the right club for the man who is in charge of Dutch side Ajax.

Alan Curbishley is another who can be crossed off the list of candidates, even though the former West Ham boss was initially informed he was a stand-by possibility.