Saturday Fulham Stuff (31/07/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206781
Fulham - Gera Changes His Mind!
Having decided to retire from international football could Zoltan Gera be having a change of heart?

The indications are that is certainly the case with the Hungarian boss, Sandor Egervani, confirming that he has held lengthy discussions about the matter.

Apparently meetings have taken place between the new manager and Zoltan with Egervani remarking,

'We were talking through the whole morning and I talked to him about the present situation and outlined him my plans with the team.'

'Zoli said that there were so many positive changes lately that he'd like to come back to the national team and I'm very happy about it."

'At that time he told the national coach that he doesn't want to play in the team for a while and now he told the national coach (to me) that he wants to play again because of the changed atmosphere.'

So could we see Zoltan Gera in the Hungarian line-up when they challenge England at Wembley shortly? It certainly looks that way!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206781#ixzz0vErUEDUo

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206782
Fulham - We`ll Finish Where?
Right! Who infiltrated our recent poll?

Sent in by Vital Fulham member seanlynch7x we were trying to establish just where you perceived Fulham would finish this forthcoming season.

As it turned out, 48% believe that we`ll finish between 10th and 13th, pretty similar to the season that has just finished but, and here`s where the infiltration creeps in, 18% of the vote obviously belonged to those who surf the Vital network looking to pile up Members League points by selecting any old option in the poll, in this case Fulham being relegated.

In third place were the 16% who could see Fulham finishing between 14th and 17th, followed by the 15% who fancy a top half finish with Fulham finishing between 7th and 9th, whilst a mere 3% appear to be suffering from some delusion that we`re going to gate-crash the top six. Optimistic or what!

Myself, I`m with the 15%, how about you?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206782#ixzz0vErk8j3P

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206783
Fulham - A New Back Room Team!
There are always casualties!

One of the stark realities of introducing a new manager is that there will, inevitably, be casualties.

An appointment inevitably triggers change with the new man looking to bring in familiar faces to surround himself with.

Mark Hughes hasn`t been in the job more than twenty-four hours and already the inference is that he`ll be joined at Craven Cottage by his close allies - Mark Bowen, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwecki.

If so, it would look like curtains for two Fulham stalwarts with Ray Lewington and Mike Kelly being moved out. This would be particularly harsh on Lewington who, only earlier this week, received praise from the club with regards to his handling of the squad whilst a new manager was sourced.

But, there is some good news for the referenced pair with the inference that they could well be joining up with Roy Hodgson at Liverpool.

We`ll keep you informed of any further developments!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206783#ixzz0vErzIcf0

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206785
Fulham - Two Top Targets!
In his comments made shortly after the confirmation of his appointment, Mark Hughes mentioned that the club could move in the right direction with a couple of signings.

Now we`ve no idea how much cash Mr Al Fayed has promised Mark when it comes to bolstering the squad but already the media are speculating that Mark will be returning to Manchester City to try and lure two of his former charges to London.

Yesterday we mentioned that Craig Bellamy was one potential target and with Manchester City buying players by the bulk could become available for the right price.

Today, the tabloid world has thrown into the hat the name of another player who may well be on the verge of leaving Manchester City - Steven Ireland.

Ireland, a midfield player, was the City Player of the Year only two seasons ago and was coveted as a home produced player shining amongst a multi-national side. Unfortunately, his crown as such has slipped recently and as such isn`t even guaranteed a place in the squad of 25 that Roberto Mancini must name soon.

The speculation is that Ireland could be lured south in the hope of recapturing the rich vein of form he displayed whilst working with Hughes.

Our hopes are that we could quite possibly get both players and for a sensible price.

Your thoughts would be appreciated!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206785#ixzz0vEsJr3Mu

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206786
Fulham - Formally Welcoming Mark Hughes!
Here at Vital Fulham we like to do the gentlemanly thing!

We pride ourselves on being prim and proper and acting in a manner which befits our fine club, a club with a tradition and a history and a club which we now believe is in safe hands following the arrival of Mark Hughes.

Therefore, without much further ado we`d like to formally welcome Mark Hughes to Fulham Football Club and we hope that Mark`s reign, as manager, will see us scale new heights, continue to play the football we`ve become accustomed to but more than ever bring us that elusive first major trophy.

If you can do that for us Mark you will have succeeded where all others have failed and will be remembered as a true legend.

Good luck from all at Vital Fulham!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206786#ixzz0vEsWoTzY

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206787
Fulham - Pretty Standard Fare!
With the conclusion of the negotiations and the subsequent signing of what we believe to be a two year contract, Fulham now have a new manager to lead them into the 2010/2011 season.

Naturally, the appointment of Mark Hughes produced quotes form both the employee and the employer, quotes that, at this stage, are both harmonious and glowing.

First up is our chairman, Mr Al Fayed, who had this to say about the appointment,

"I would like to welcome Mark to Fulham. He understands my vision for the club and believes in what we want to achieve."

"We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years and my hopes and dreams are for that to continue."

"I am confident that with the successes in the Premier League and with Wales, Mark will be great."

Pretty standard fare there!

Next up, the new incumbent of the managerial role, Mark Hughes,

"I am happy to have joined Fulham and I believe we are aligned in our aims for what can realistically be achieved here."

"I am joining on the back of two of the most successful seasons in the clubs history that bring the challenge of expectation and ambition."

"I am confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this club forward in the right direction."

"I hope the fans will enjoy some special times during this season and we will work hard to achieve that."

Once again, pretty standard fare, nothing controversial, nothing outrageous just the normal fare associated with the pomp heralding the arrival of a new manager.

However, once we get down to the nitty-gritty, it might be another story!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206787#ixzz0vEsozscu

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206789
Fulham - Keeping Schwarzer!
With Mark Hughes now, officially, the man in charge, the tabloid media are suggesting that one of his first priorities is to keep hold of our Australian goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer.

Heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, the vibes coming from within Craven Cottage would seem to indicate that the club are reluctant to lose their outstanding keeper.

In fact, it`s being cited that Schwarzer is a firm favourite of Mr Al Fayed`s no less and an insider, from the club, is quoted in one leading tabloid as having remarked,

"The chairman absolutely adores Mark Schwarzer and has made it a top priority to keep him at Fulham."

"Arsenal made one enquiry but that was before the World Cup and since then there has been nothing."

"It`s no secret that Wenger likes him but the chairman hopes appointing a high profile boss like Hughes will be enough to convince Mark his future lies here." Don`t be surprised if Schwarzer starts the season with Fulham, not Arsenal."

My only misgiving is that the above statement doesn`t mention Schwarzer being at Crave Cottage when the transfer window slams shut on August 31st, only when the season starts on August 15th!

Or am I just being picky?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206789#ixzz0vEt81uPe

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206798
Fulham - Goalkeeping Options!
So, with Sparky installed as manager, attention turns back to the issue of Mark Schwarzer and his future. According to the Daily Mail, he wants to leave for Arsenal for a shot at the Champions League. So, who could replace him?

Option 1 - David James.

Linked heavily in recent times and available on a free transfer, he could be a quick, short term fix. However, two things bug me about James. Firstly, due to his free transfer status, he'd surely demand to stay on his high wage. Second, he seems to have quite a few flaws such as the ability to drop a clanger which doesnt instill confidence in a defence- something Schwarzer does.

Option 2 - Robert Green.

Linked with a transfer in todays papers though he doesn't strike me as being quite the goalkeeper most make him out to be. He doesn't seem outstanding in any attribute, merely decent at most things. Plus, would it be wise to take a punt on him post World Cup clanger...especially seeing as he'd be a teammate of a certain Clint Dempsey.

Option 3 - Joe Hart.

Ok, it's unlikely, but they worked together at City but he seems like the ideal replacement. Especially if he starts off as City's No.2, he may be keen to seek pastures new.

Option 4 - David Stockdale.

Having started every pre season match so far, he seems like he'd be a decent stop gap between keepers but I'd like to see him given half a season at the very least to prove himself. He's been here for 3 years now, has perfomed well in his few appearances, apparently performed well in his numerous loan spells and at his age could be a great long term asset.

Whatever the outcome of Schwarzer-gate, Sparky needs to sort the goalkeeping situation out as soon as possible, and I'm confident he will.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=206798#ixzz0vEtKpGWt

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/07/30/freddie-stoor-eyes-fulham-stay-82029-26965905/?
Freddie Stoor eyes Fulham stay

FREDDIE Stoor hopes Mark Hughes's arrival at Craven Cottage will hand him a Fulham lifeline.

The Swede looked like being on his way out of SW6 before Roy Hodgson left for Liverpool this summer.

Stoor made just 10 appearances since being signed by Hodgson in 2008, and spent a spell last season out on loan at Derby County.

But the right-back hopes he can impress the Welshman and force his way into his plans.

He said: "I don't think I was given a fair chance under Roy and I thought my Fulham career was over.

"But hopefully I can impress the new manager and show him what I can do.

"I'm still under contract and want to stay at Fulham."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hughes-hoping-for-special-fulham-1081764.html?
Hughes hoping for '"special" Fulham

New Fulham manager Mark Hughes is hopeful he will be able to keep the "special times" going at Craven Cottage.
The former Manchester City and Blackburn boss took the position following Roy Hodgson's decision to leave Craven Cottage to take the post as Liverpool manager.

Martin Jol and Sven Goran Eriksson had both been linked with the Cottagers but owner Mohamed Al Fayed has decided to turn to Hughes, who was relatively successful at City and Rovers.

Hughes has got some big shoes to fill following in the foot steps of Hodgson, the now Liverpool boss having guided Fulham away from the relegation zone and into the final of the Europa League.

Despite the accomplishments of his predecessor Hughes is confident he can keep the good times rolling and is promising Fulham fans that more 'special times' are to come.

"I am joining on the back of two of the most successful seasons in the club's history," he told the Fulham website.

"I am confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this club forward in the right direction.

"I have discussed my aspirations with both the chairman [Mohamed Al Fayed] and Alistair Mackintosh [chief executive, with whom he worked at City] and believe that we are aligned in our aims for what can realistically be achieved here.

"I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season's campaign and we will work hard to achieve that."

With the likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy and Stephen Ireland all being linked with the west London club punters might fancy using their free bet to back Hughes to guide Fulham back into Europe this season.

[WhiteJC]

http://tribalfootball.com/fulham-players-eager-work-new-boss-hughes-1011411?
Fulham players eager to work with new boss Hughes


Fulham duo Stephen Kelly and Dickson Etuhu are keen to begin working under new boss Mark Hughes.

The Cottagers' search for Roy Hodgson's replacement ended this week after they confirmed the arrival of the ex-Manchester City man.

Kelly is well aware of Hughes' reputation and believes he can build upon the excellent foundations laid by Hodgson in recent seasons.

"Everyone's delighted," Kelly told Sky Sports News of Hughes' appointment.

"He's a big manager with a great reputation so everyone's looking forward to working with him.

"Hopefully he'll move the club in the right direction.

"We're a passing team. He's got a similar style in what he's done at other clubs as well.

"He likes to play football which is very similar to here, so everyone is very excited about working with him.

"He's proved himself at other clubs. Hopefully we can come here and continue that form that he's shown with the other teams."

Kelvin Etuhu played under Hughes in Eastlands and the Fulham ace has quizzed his brother on his new manager.

"We're all excited about it," Etuhu added. "We know he's a good manager.

"I spoke to my brother about him at Manchester City and he had a lot of good things to say.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it. (Hughes) had a lot of positive things to say.

"Finally having a manager is very important for us."

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/07/in_through_the_out_door.php?
In Through the Out Door

Our new manager has to hit the ground running after the farrago of sealing a successor to Roy. Get set for more wild speculation and some inspired guesswork from the media as Fulham transfer talk goes into overdrive.

Mark Hughes has money burning a hole in his pocket. Every agent in football knows it, and all incoming managers rebuild a team in their own image to some degree. Roy was no exception. The jumping off point therefore for signs of new blood are bound to centre on those facing uncertain futures, the plain fed up or now out of favour with their respective bosses at both Blackburn and Manchester City.

If Stephen Ireland can rekindle the form of two years the little leprechaun would be top of my list. There's something of the Sean Davis in Ireland's box to box play that would energise our ageing and safety-first engine room, especially if the equation includes Steve Sidwell. Both names went off the boil last season but I've seen too many good qualities in both to know they have not become bad players overnight.

At the 1999 Copa America in Paraguay I heard about the remarkable footballing brothers from the Santa Cruz family. Karl-Heinz Rummenige, then scouting for Bayern Munich, was quickest off the mark, taking Roque to the Bundesliga. The big target man never looked out of place in that Bayern side and really set the Premiership alight on arrival at Ewood. A long run of injuries have rocked Roque...but perhaps he's ready to roll again with a move South? If a realistic transfer fee is quoted, and he stands up to a medical, I think this guy can do a job for us - elegance, solid work ethic and a clinical finisher. I hope Hughes has a scouting network in place for South America (no previous FFC manager seems to have). There are many good players to be had from Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and the Central American states.

All the papers are leading on the strongest candidate likely to feel the warm embrace of Mr. Hughes again soon...Craig Bellamy. Well they speak the same language for one thing. Can Hughes keep the Welsh tyro on the straight and narrow over 38 games? Among the bright lights of London? When I first saw Bellamy as a quicksilver, hungry front runner at Norwich and Coventry he shone like a jewel. Tenacious, frighteningly fast and committed, playing in ordinary sides. But now at 31 I think Bellamy's best days are behind him. He's had his chance in the big time and too often blown it. And if I'm honest, he just does not strike me as being a 'Fulham' player, bit like us being forced to like Scott Parker.

Had he not signed a new contract last year I would have happily seen Mort Gamst Pedersen in a white shirt. Let's see if Mark's contacts at Rovers are good enough to cherry pick from the best they have on offer. Otherwise, Mark may have to surprise us with the scope and depth of his scouting contacts. I suspect they are unlikely to be as sound as Roy's.

Who would you have augment the Whites this season to see us getting back on the European qualification trail? You know, under Mark I think it's just possible. Personally, can't wait to see how we approach that first away game at Bolton.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jul/30/fulham-court-action-premier-league-dave-richards?
Fulham want Sir Dave Richards thrown out as Premier League chairman
• Fulham anger over failed Peter Crouch deal reaches high court
• Club claim Richards's involvement scuppered transfer last year

Details of Fulham's court action against Sir Dave Richards emerged today showing the club has demanded his removal as chairman of the Premier League, or at least a ban from any involvement with transfers, the Guardian can reveal.

The Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, confirmed in an email to all member clubs this week: "Fulham are asking the court to order an injunction restraining the chairman [Richards] from taking any role in the transfer of players or, alternatively, that the court remove the chairman from the board of the Premier League."

It is an extraordinary and unprecedented step from a shareholder club to take recourse to the high court against the chairman, whose role it is to represent their interests as the custodian of his organisation's corporate governance. Fulham's fury was ignited over Richards's involvement in Peter Crouch's transfer from Portsmouth last summer.

According to Scudamore's email, the fact Richards became involved is not in dispute. It states the League ordered an inquiry and found there had been no impropriety on Richards's part. "The inquiry concluded the chairman's actions had not been detrimental to Fulham, and that it was not inappropriate for the chairman to assist in such matters when requested to do so by a club," Scudamore wrote.

However, Fulham are not satisfied by the outcome of the inquiry and on 27 April delivered their petition to the companies court. They maintain their allegation that it was Richards's intervention that prompted Crouch to abandon his pledge to join Fulham, for £11m, in favour of a switch to Spurs, for £2m less.

Though he accepts he did speak with Portsmouth's then chief executive, Peter Storrie – a personal friend – Richards denies he sought to assist Spurs over Fulham.

Scudamore said: "The claim is that Fulham have been unfairly prejudiced in their capacity as a member of the Premier League, as a result of alleged assistance provided by the chairman to Portsmouth in securing the transfer of Peter Crouch to Tottenham Hotspur in August 2009."

Richards maintains Portsmouth, under pressure from HM Revenue & Customs over an eight-figure debt that threatened to push them into administration, sought to receive cash up front.

Spurs' payment to Pompey was indeed in a single lump sum of £9m but it will be for the courts to test how Fulham's offer would have been arranged.

If the courts accede to Fulham's request for the removal of Richards it would be a seismic shift in English football. After 11 years as Premier League chairman, Richards has built arguably the biggest powerbase in the game. The 66-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday chairman is also vice-chairman of the Football Association, chairman of Club England and on the FA's international committee, an array of interests that is attracting increasing scrutiny and would prove untenable if he is toppled at the Premier League.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/KingstonianvFulhamXI.aspx?
Kingstonian 2-3 Fulham XI

A Fulham XI came back from a two-goal first-half deficit to record an entertaining win over Kingstonian on Friday evening at Kingsmeadow. Billy McKinlay's side produced a stirring display after the break to secure the win.

Speaking after the match, McKinlay said:

"It was a really challenging night for the players. In the first-half we were second best all over the pitch and struggled to come to terms with their physical presence. It was a real eye opener for the players in terms of the nature of the game.

"We came out of the traps quick in the second-half, moved the ball quicker, made some better decisions and played a more positive and purposeful game.

"It was a really good exercise because in essence it was an Academy team that was playing tonight, bar one or two. They got caught in the headlights a little bit in the first-half, they struggled to handle the style of football they were playing against. So from that point of view, it was a really good lesson. We had to dig in and showed good determination to come back in the second-half."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/KingstonianvFulhamXI.aspx?#ixzz0vEvN1c3O

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/al_fayed_delighted_with_hughes_arrival_541606/index.shtml
Al Fayed Delighted With Hughes Arrival

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed is delighted with the arrival of new manager Mark Hughes.

Al Fayed said: "I would like to welcome Mark Hughes to Fulham. I know that he understands my vision for the club, and believes in what we want achieve. We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue. I am confident that with his Premier League and national team successes Mark will be a great guy for the job."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/146939/Mark-Hughes-set-to-sign-Luke-Young-for-Fulham/?
MARK HUGHES SET TO SIGN LUKE YOUNG FOR FULHAM

MARK HUGHES is set to make Luke Young his first signing as Fulham boss.

Young's move from Aston Villa to Liverpool collapsed because the 31-year-old refused to take a £10,000-a-week pay cut.

But Hughes is keen to bring him to Craven Cottage in a cut-price £2.5m switch which could pave the way for Paul Konchesky to join Liverpool.

And Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed is willing to bankroll the move to prove he will back his new manager in the transfer market.

Young made just 14 Premier League starts last season and is one of six Villa players made available for transfer. Hughes hopes to wrap up the transfer in time for his first match in charge against Werder Bremen on August 7.

The former Manchester City boss has also told Ghana defender John Pantsil he can leave the club, with West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo keen on a £1.5m deal.

Pantsil only returned from a post-World Cup holiday on Tuesday but has already been informed he is surplus to requirements.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7919420/Fulham-take-legal-action-against-Sir-Dave-Richards-over-Peter-Crouch-Spurs-transfer.html?
Fulham take legal action against Sir Dave Richards over Peter Crouch Spurs transfer
Fulham have lodged a petition in the High Court over the role of Sir Dave Richards in the transfer of Peter Crouch to Tottenham, even though the Premier League chairman has already been cleared of any wrongdoing by one inquiry.

The Premier League hired external lawyers to conduct their own investigation into Fulham's complaint about Richards, who is also the chairman of the Football Association's Club England, and were satisfied that there was no evidence of any impropriety.

Fulham, though, have now taken their complaint to the High Court.

They thought a deal worth £11 million had been clinched for Crouch but allege that the situation changed following Richards's involvement.

Crouch eventually joined Tottenham from Portsmouth for only £9 million.

It is understood that the Tottenham deal involved paying a far higher percentage of the fee up front.

This would have been important at the time for Portsmouth, who were struggling to fund even their most basic costs. Another factor in Tottenham's favour was the desire of Crouch to again work under Harry Redknapp.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/07/30/2048881/fulham-duo-stephen-kelly-and-dickson-etuhu-delighted-with
Fulham duo Stephen Kelly and Dickson Etuhu delighted with Mark Hughes appointment
Pair cannot wait to work under new boss...

After being confirmed as Fulham boss on Thursday, Mark Hughes' arrival has excited Stephen Kelly and Dickson Etuhu.

The former Manchester City manager succeeds Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage, ending growing uncertainty and unrest among fans and players with the new Premier League season just two weeks away.

But with Hughes in position, Kelly has no doubt that his appointment is a positive step for the club.

"He's a big manager with a great reputation so everyone's looking forward to working with him."  Kelly told Sky Sports News.

"Hopefully he'll move the club in the right direction. We're a passing team. He's got a similar style in what he's done at other clubs as well.

"He likes to play football which is very similar to here, so everyone is very excited about working with him.

"He's proved himself at other clubs. Hopefully we can come here and continue that form that he's shown with the other teams."

Midfielder Dickson Etuhu echoed his team-mate's sentiments. Etuhu's brother, Kelvin, played under Hughes at Manchester City and apparently had nothing but good things to say about the ex-Wales manager.

"I spoke to my brother about him at Manchester City and he had a lot of good things to say," Etuhu revealed.

"Finally having a manager is very important for us."

Hughes' first game in charge is a friendly on Saturday against recently-relegated Portsmouth. Fulham kick off the new league campaign with an away fixture at Bolton Wanderers on August 14.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6286545,00.html
Hughes arrival pleases duo
Kelly and Etuhu delighted at managerial choice

Fulham duo Stephen Kelly and Dickson Etuhu cannot wait to begin working under new manager Mark Hughes.

The Cottagers' search for Roy Hodgson'sreplacement ended this week after they confirmed the arrival of the ex-Manchester Cityman.

Martin Jol had been favourite to succeed Hodgson at Craven Cottage, but he ultimately ended up staying with Dutch giants Ajax.
Hughes has now signed a two-year deal and is expected to begin work at the club next week.

Kelly is well aware of Hughes' reputation and believes he can build upon the excellent foundations laid by Hodgson in recent seasons.

"Everyone's delighted," Kelly told Sky Sports News of Hughes' appointment.

"He's a big manager with a great reputation so everyone's looking forward to working with him.

Right direction

"Hopefully he'll move the club in the right direction.

"We're a passing team. He's got a similar style in what he's done at other clubs as well.

"He likes to play football which is very similar to here, so everyone is very excited about working with him.

"He's proved himself at other clubs. Hopefully we can come here and continue that form that he's shown with the other teams."

Kelvin Etuhu played under Hughes in Eastlands and the Fulham ace has quizzed his brother on his new manager.

"We're all excited about it," Etuhu added. "We know he's a good manager.

"I spoke to my brother about him at Manchester City and he had a lot of good things to say.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it. (Hughes) had a lot of positive things to say.

"Finally having a manager is very important for us."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3075912/Fuham-can-pip-spurs-to-Bellamy-signing.html
Spurs hit by alarm Bell

MARK HUGHES is close to persuading Craig Bellamy NOT to join Tottenham - for the second time.

Sparky convinced Wales striker Bellamy to sign for Manchester City ahead of the North Londoners 18 months ago.

And now the new Fulham manager is poised to nab Bellamy despite Harry Redknapp's public desire to land him.

Bellamy, 31, insists he wants to stay and fight for his place at City.

But the striker fears he could be squeezed out by Roberto Mancini's big-money buys and Hughes will do his best to convince Bellamy that his future lies elsewhere.

Hughes is also bidding to hijack Hull keeper Boaz Myhill's £1.5million move to West Brom.

He has matched Baggies' bid for the Wales stopper, 27, because he still fears losing Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3075912/Fuham-can-pip-spurs-to-Bellamy-signing.html#ixzz0vExz21rY