Wednesday Fulham Stuff 04.08.10

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http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/sport/8309474.Sutton_chairman_hails_Southampton_over_Lane_visit/

Sutton chairman hails Southampton over Lane visit

Sutton United chairman Bruce Elliott has heaped praise on Southampton for filling the void left by Premier League Fulham last month.

The Cottagers failed to agree a date to visit Gander Green Lane this summer under the terms of former striker Stefan Payne's transfer deal.

Saints boss Alan Pardew brought a full-strength side to south London last weekend, but his side ended the trip being criticised for missing the post-match President's Trophy presentation.

But Elliott insists an administrative error his end in the wake of the 1-1 draw - if anything - was to blame.

"They did us a massive favour. They fielded their strongest side of pre-season for this game," he said.

"We thought they would win comfortably and when the game ended in a draw it caught us all by surprise. They were hastily invited to share the trophy.

"That wasn't properly communicated to Southampton, so if anyone was to blame it was Sutton United."

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http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/837033-fulham-aim-to-see-off-arsenal-to-keep-mark-schwarzer-and-paul-konchesky

Fulham aim to see off Arsenal to keep Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky
New Fulham boss Mark Hughes admits his top priority is to hold on to key players like Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky.

The Cottagers' goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Arsenal but Hughes hopes to persuade the Australia star and left-back Konchesky – who has been a target for Birmingham – to stay. 'It's not my intention to allow the better players at Fulham Football Club to leave,' the Welshman said.
But Hughes did admit Fulham are unlikely to be able to afford Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy, although he is keen to bring in at least one new striker.
Hughes added: 'I think it's fair to say that we need more attacking options.'

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http://justarsenal.com/hleb-and-flamini-to-return-to-premier-league/4815

Hleb and Flamini to return to Premier League?

Just two years after both Aleksandr Hleb and Mathieu Flamini left Arsenal, it looks like both of them will be returning to England with their tails between their legs.

Hleb especially should be embarassed as he forced Wenger to let him leave, whilst complaining about "chaotic English life (and the weather!), while Flamini refused to sign a new contract and took his "dream" move to AC MIlan.

Hleb only made eight appearances at the Camp Nou and even flopped when on loan at Stuttgart last season, but now it seems Fulham are expected to land him for a measly £3m. Oh how the mighty have fallen....

Flamini has done a bit better at Milan, and although he is not a certain starter in the team, he has performed well when given the chance. He is now available at a much more respectable £12m, according to Caughtoffside, and it looks like Liverpool want him to replace the departing Javier Mascherano.

Having started just 12 games for Milan last season, it is highly possible that he would move to Anfield if he is promised regular first team football.

It would be great to see if the two ex-Gunners could recapture their Arsenal form back in the Premiership, but I wonder what sort of reaction they would get when they played Arsenal?

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http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/wrexham-fc/2010/08/04/pre-season-friendly-airbus-uk-broughton-2-wrexham-fc-2-55578-26991666/

Pre-season friendly: Airbus UK Broughton 2 Wrexham FC 2
Aug 4 2010 by Mark Currie, Daily Post

Harrison kept the youngster on the bench at the start, instead preferring to give veteran striker Andy Moran a run-out against the Dragons, who had former Fulham youngster and latest Racecourse trialist Michael Uwezu among their substitutes.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/8798896.stm

Darren Pratley close to signing new Swansea City deal


Darren Pratley is an important figure in Swansea's midfield
Swansea City midfielder Darren Pratley is close to signing a new contract with the club, new manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.
It is understood the 25-year-old will put pen to paper on a three-year deal, ending speculation over his future.
"It was my number one objective to make sure one of the top midfield players in the Championship stays here," Rodgers told BBC Sport Wales.
"We are hoping that will be concluded very, very soon."
Pratley, whose current contract expires at the end of the forthcoming season, has been heavily linked with a move to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.
In January, Forest had a £1.5m bid rejected and were reportedly set to make another move last month after they lost James Perch to newly promoted Premier League side Newcastle United.
The Swans have already seen another key midfielder leave this summer when Leon Britton ended his seven-year stay in south Wales to join Sheffield United on a free transfer.
But the club vowed to keep hold of London-born Pratley who was Swansea's top scorer last season with seven goals and has made 158 league and cup appearances since arriving from Fulham for £100,000 in June 2006.
"I can assure supporters that nobody will leave this club unless the deal is right for us and every other option has been exhausted," chairman Huw Jenkins said last month.
"I had a private conversation with Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago which, as we agreed, will stay private.
"I assume that today's story is an attempt by agents to put pressure on us. It's certainly not a new story, so I'm very disappointed.
"But I can state quite categorically that we will not be pressurised or bullied by anyone.
"We will deal with things the right way for our football club. I can assure supporters that nobody will leave this club unless the deal is right for us and every other option has been exhausted.''

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5glLF3c5mGLxJpjIFO9SD0HqSJwPQ

Hughes unconcerned by deadline

Mark Hughes is confident he will have enough time before the transfer window closes to bring in the players he wants to Fulham.
While nearly all his Barclays Premier League rivals have had the whole summer to reinforce their squads for the coming season, Hughes will have less than two weeks to assess where he needs to strengthen before the Barclays Premier League kicks off, and less than two weeks after that before the window slams shut.
"Ideally, we would've liked to have been in place before the pre-season schedule was undertaken," said Hughes, who plans to establish Fulham as a permanent fixture in the Barclays Premier League top 10.
"But that wasn't possible. We've got two weeks before the start of the season and we've still got another two weeks after that of the window to negotiate as well, so there's still plenty of time."
Hughes' priority is signing a striker after none of Fulham's players managed double figures in terms of goals last season.
But he has all but ruled out raiding City for Craig Bellamy - and possibly Roque Santa Cruz - admitting the former in particular would be out of his new club's price range. Bellamy would need to be convinced to take a huge pay cut to move to Fulham.
Hughes revealed on Tuesday he himself needed to be talked into taking charge at Craven Cottage, despite the club enjoying the two most successful seasons in their history under his predecessor Roy Hodgson.
"The last two years, I thought maybe they'd been punching above their weight and maybe that's a consequence of the good work that had gone on beforehand," Hughes said.
"The Premier League is a very expensive league and you do need resources; you need funds to keep energising the team to enable it to continue.
"If you don't add quality to a club and a group of players then you will stand still and people will overtake you. Maybe that was the reassurance that I needed when I had the discussions with Alistair (Mackintosh, chief executive)."

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gAch4NK48SNfIkoBIF9TFT1D16KA

Hughes defends City spending

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes has defended his spending record at Manchester City, insisting he had no say over the transfer fees paid for players.
Mega-rich City splashed out more than £200million during Hughes' 18 months as manager before he was sacked in December. But the 46-year-old insists he had no direct input into the figures and revealed what many suspect about the inner-workings at Eastlands when it comes to buying players.
"Actually, the amounts paid weren't really directly influenced by me, I would suggest," said Hughes.
"On some occasions at City, in fairness, players were presented to me which I didn't really have a direct input in.
"But you get a phone call and somebody says, 'would you like Robinho?'
"As a manager you say, 'well, yeah - I would'.
"But whether or not the situation like that was correct in terms of timing and the development of the club at that stage, that's open to debate."

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7924823/Fulham-owner-Mohamed-Fayed-says-Roy-Hodgson-let-club-down-by-joining-Liverpool.html

Fulham owner Mohamed Fayed says Roy Hodgson let club down by joining Liverpool
Roy Hodgson was accused on Tuesday night of letting Fulham down after leaving to become manager of Liverpool.

Mohamed Fayed, Fulham's multi-millionaire owner and chairman, gave Hodgson his break back in English football when he appointed him as successor to Lawrie Sanchez.
But on Tuesday he voiced disappointment at the fact that the manager, who was on a 12-month rolling contract, accepted the chance to manage Liverpool.
Hodgson turned Fulham from a side that were just one game from relegation into a team that registered their best finish yet in the Premier League when they came seventh in the 2008-09 campaign.
Then last season he led them on a remarkable run to the final of the Europa League, where they lost to Atlético Madrid.
Fayed chose former Wales, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City manager Mark Hughes to replace Hodgson.
Hughes was unveiled to the media on Tuesday and just 10 minutes and 23 seconds into the press conference at Craven Cottage, Fayed made an unscheduled appearance, at first watching from the sidelines, before joining his new manager at the top table.
Fayed was quick to make his feelings known about Hodgson's departure when he said: "This other guy let us down and just walked away. But we have a nice guy now. Don't mention Roy Hodgson any more.
"He [Hughes] is the man in charge. He's much better than the previous one. I am sure he's going to do a great job. He knows what he's doing. Fulham's a wonderful club."
And then Fayed delved into his pocket and handed Hughes a pristine £50 note, adding: "There are no complications, no bureaucracy here. I am sure he will deliver. I've given him £50 to buy a new striker."
Going back to Hodgson, Fayed added: "This guy, after we put him where he is now, he took advantage. But I'm sure he's [Hughes] going to win us the championship."
Asked to expand on the accusation that Hodgson took advantage, Fayed added: "We gave him all the support, we believed in him and he just let us down. It's no problem because Mark is much better.
"He has a great team and we had some fantastic results, but this guy [Hodgson] after we put him where he is now, took advantage."
While Fayed's comments may have been made amid the glare of the television cameras and assembled media, his sentiments will disappoint Hodgson, who believes he did an exceptional job and left in the correct manner.
Liverpool also paid Fulham £2 million in compensation.

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300163/What-pages-say-West-Ham-players-hurl-abuse-Robert-Green-Carlo-Ancelotti-slams-dim-Joe-Cole-Fulham-boot-Manchester-City.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

What the back pages say: West Ham players hurl abuse at Robert Green, Carlo Ancelotti slams 'dim' Joe Cole, Fulham put the boot into Manchester City

DAILY MAIL
West Ham's players and coaching staff have been hurling abuse at Robert Green in a bid to prepare him for the World Cup backlash expected from crowds this season.
EXCLUSIVE: Green told he's rubbish - by his own players!
Also: Fernando Torres finally ended doubts over his future yesterday by committing himself to Liverpool and describing them as 'the best club in the country'.
I'm staying: Torres ends the speculation over his Liverpool future

You cost us the World Cup: Robert Green has been prepared for the fans' taunts by being abused by his own team-mates
DAILY STAR
Fernando Torres last night insisted new Kop boss Roy Hodgson was the reason why he decided to stay at the 'best club in the country'.
Also: Carlo Ancelotti last night took a parting shot at Joe Cole, claiming: You weren't intelligent enough for me.
Cole didn't obey orders reveals Chelsea boss Ancelotti
THE INDEPENDENT
Mark Hughes began his career at Fulham yesterday with a remarkable swipe at his former employers at Manchester City, claiming he would have led the club to the Champions League last season had he not been sacked in December.
Hughes can't resist putting the boot in on City
Also: Fernando Torres has ended the speculation over his future by committing to another season at Liverpool, citing Roy Hodgson's personal touch and a determination to deliver a trophy as his reasons for staying.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Fernando Torres yesterday brought months of speculation to a close by committing his immediate future to Liverpool, as the prospect of an end to three years of financial plight under owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks drew closer.
Also: Martin Broughton, the Liverpool chairman, and at least one potential bidder for the club have alerted the Premier League to a possible change of ownership at Anfield.
DAILY MIRROR
Mohamed Al Fayed last night launched a blistering attack on Roy Hodgson for walking out on Fulham to join Liverpool.
Al Fayed lays into old boss Roy Hodgson
Also: Fernando Torres has delivered the news every Liverpool fan prayed for by insisting: 'I'm staying to win the title'.
DAILY EXPRESS
Fernando Torres ended the uncertainty over his future when he committed himself to Liverpool and vowed to spearhead their quest for silverware.
Also: Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed yesterday unleashed a fearsome attack on former manager Roy Hodgson accusing him of letting down the fans and the club.
THE SUN
Fernando Torres last night said the words Liverpool fans had been longing to hear: I'm staying.
Also: Joe Cole was dumped by Chelsea because he would not follow Carlo Ancelotti's orders.
THE TIMES
A Chinese-led takeover of Liverpool gained momentum last night after Fernando Torres committed his immediate future to the club.
Also: Warwickshire have blamed the huge volume of international cricket for poor ticket sales for the second npower Test against Pakistan on Friday.
THE GUARDIAN
Liverpool's preparations for the new season were given a huge boost yesterday when Fernando Torres announced that he had decided to stay at the club, rejecting the possibility of a £70million move to Chelsea or Manchester City.
Also: Andrew Flintoff has suffered another major blow in the battle to prolong his career, conceding he will not be able to play for Lancashire this season because his knee is not yet ready for the strain.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7925437/Premier-League-backs-Sir-Dave-Richards-over-Peter-Crouch-deal.html

Premier League backs Sir Dave Richards over Peter Crouch deal

Sir Dave Richards retains the full support of the Premier League executive despite Fulham's attempt to remove him as chairman in protest at his alleged involvement in the transfer of Peter Crouch from Portsmouth to Tottenham.

Fulham are seeking to sue for his dismissal in the Companies Court, claiming that Richards phoned Crouch to try to persuade him to accept an offer from Tottenham worth £9 million in one lump sum instead of an £11 million offer from Craven Cottage payable in instalments.
Sources with knowledge of the case however dismiss the allegation or that any such call took place.

It is understood that, in his witness statement, Crouch says he did not speak to Richards, and that Fulham are also said to have told a Premier League inquiry that they made no formal offer for Crouch.

The suggestion that Richards might have been involved in transfer deals surprised many, but sources said he has done so routinely, several times on behalf of Fulham and on behalf of Alistair Mackintosh, the club's chief executive who previously worked for Manchester City.

Given this background Richards is expected to receive the total backing of chief executive Richard Scudamore in the Fulham case.

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http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/66724,sport,football,transfer-talk-schwarzers-going-nowhere-fulham-boss-mark-hughes-tells-arsenal-montpelier-demand-25m-for-emir-spahic-ramires

Arsenal face fight for £25m Spahic, Schwarzer deal off

Meanwhile new Fulham boss Mark Hughes has trampled over the dreams of Mark Schwarzer by telling the Aussie shotstopper: "You're going nowhere". The 37-year-old Schwarzer has been linked with a move to Arsenal these past few weeks and it looked a done deal until Hughes' arrival at Craven Cottage. Now the former Manchester City boss is determined to keep his squad intact as much as possible, even if it means shattering the aspirations of ageing Australian goalkeepers.
"There is always interest in quality players and it is not my intention to allow the betters players leave the football club," said Hughes, adding: "There was a conversation [with Schwarzer] some time ago but I have only just come through the door and will have to refresh myself about the conversations that happened. But we want to resolve the situation as soon as possible but we are not in the position of letting our best players leave and Mark falls into that category."

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7925063/Mark-Hughes-takes-a-swipe-at-Manchester-City-on-first-day-with-Fulham.html

Mark Hughes takes a swipe at Manchester City on first day with Fulham
Mark Hughes delivered a withering assessment of former club Manchester City and Roberto Mancini when he took charge of Fulham.

At a press conference at Craven Cottage, Hughes claimed that he would have taken City into the Champions League if he had remained at Eastlands.
Hughes was sacked last December and Mancini replaced him. But the Italian failed to guide City into the top four.
Asked about reaching the Champions League, Hughes said: "Yes I would. I agreed to the targets at the beginning of the season, which was to get to sixth position. I agreed to that because I thought we could over-achieve. I thought fifth, possibly fourth was very, very achievable."
Hughes also revealed that he was keen to join Fulham to return to direct management after some of his powers were taken away from him at the City of Manchester Stadium.
"On some occasions at City players were presented to me which I didn't really have a direct input on. But if you get a call and someone says 'Would you like Robinho?' then, as a manager, I have to say 'Yes I would'.
"Whether a situation like that was correct in terms of timing, that's open to debate.
"People always quote my record in terms of spending at Man City but I don't always understand that. The amounts paid were not directly influenced by me.
"I have ambitions to be the best manager I can be. I have no embarrassment whatsoever about the job I did at Manchester City. My performance and what I achieved there is as good as anybody's.
"The emotion of feeling bitter is not good an emotion and I have moved on and City have moved on.
Asked whether City have an unfair advantage with their huge resources, Hughes added: "You have to have a competitive advantage – in business and football. In football terms it means having some of the better players, which means you will win more games.
"City are going to use that competitive advantage. Whether it's fair to the rest of us, probably not. But there is nothing you can do about it."
Hughes admitted that he has been pleasantly surprised by the ambition at Fulham: "My perception of Fulham was different from the reality of the situation.
''I discussed what the club anticipated doing in the coming year. My perception completely changed and then the possibility of me coming here become a reality.''
Five top priorities for Mark Hughes
»Keep his best players. Mark Schwarzer is wanted by Arsenal while Paul Konchesky and Brede Hangeland are also being coveted by rivals.
»Sign at least one striker. Top League scorer last season was Bobby Zamora, with eight goals.
»Make sure Zamora is not a "one-season wonder".
»Finish in the top 10. Fulham got to the Europa League final but finished12th in the Premier League.
»Have a good run in a cup. Hughes values the Carling Cup for its route into Europe.

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http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swansea-city-fc/2010/08/04/swansea-city-told-to-forget-about-brian-stock-91466-26990782/

Swansea City told to forget about Brian Stock
Aug 4 2010 by Staff Reporter, Western Mail

SWANSEA CITY were last night told to forget about signing Welsh international midfielder Brian Stock, with Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll insisting the player is going nowhere.

It's understood Stock is high up on the list of new Swans manager Brendan Rodgers' wanted men, but O'Driscoll maintains that rather than him heading for South Wales, negotiations are taking place about a new contract at Rovers.

Stock is entering the final year of his current deal at Keepmoat Stadium, a situation that alerted Rodgers.

O'Driscoll confirmed that the Liberty Stadium boss has been in touch, but has been told flatly that the former Bournemouth and Preston midfielder will not be leaving the South Yorkshire side.

The Rovers manager accepts that it can be unsettling for players when they enter the final stages of their contracts, but underlined how determined he is to retain Stock's services.

"I have spoken to Brendan Rodgers and told him we are not looking to sell," O'Driscoll said.

"Brian is fully aware of the conversation and nothing further from Swansea has since appeared.

"He's in the last year of his contract – so it becomes a difficult time for players and clubs – but we are in the process of negotiating a new deal."

O'Driscoll says Stock is one of a number of Doncaster players who are entering the final year of their current deals, whose futures he is looking to tie down.

Defenders James Chambers and James O'Connor and midfield duo Martin Woods and James Coppinger are also in talks with O'Driscoll over new deals.

"All are in the last years of their contracts so it is important that we start a process that has an end," O'Driscoll added.

"The players would like that, too, and the process is currently on-going."

The news will come as a disappointment to the Swans, who are looking to bolster their squad with the start of the new Championship campaign just days away.

Chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed to the Western Mail last week that Stock was a target of the club.

"We are looking at that type of player," he said.

"Brian Stock was a player we've talked about long before Brendan, but he likes that type of player suited to our system.

"With regards to Brian, we've had a few tentative conversations with Doncaster, but nothing more than that at this stage."

Meanwhile, Angel Rangel's agent has put pressure on the Swans to release the Spaniard so he can switch to Premiership new boys Blackpool.

Swansea are thought to have dismissed an offer from Ian Holloway's side believed to be in the region of £500,000 for Rangel.

But Rangel's representative Xavi Cruz, also his brother-in-law, wants the way cleared for him to make the move.

"It is the chance for Angel to fulfil his dream, which is to play in the Premier League," said Cruz. "Angel wants to be in the Premier League as soon as possible.

"We have been talking with the chairman during the last week and he understands the situation because this is not the first time that Angel has had the chance to play in the Premier."

Swansea said no to a bid from Fulham for the player in the January transfer window.

It's expected a bid of around £750,000 from Blackpool will persuade the Swans to do business.

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/04/2054961/fulham-boss-mark-hughes-insists-that-he-will-not-sell-mark

Fulham boss Mark Hughes insists that he will not sell Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal
Australian is keen to play in the Champions League with the Gunners...

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has informed Mark Schwarzer that he has no plans to sell him to Arsenal this summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already had a £2 million offer for the Australia international goalkeeper rejected by the Cottagers this summer.

Wenger is looking to replace Manuel Almunia with a steady, veteran keeper like Schwarzer, who at 37-years old is hoping to experience Champions League football for the first time.

However, Hughes insists that he has no interest in selling top players like Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky, who is reportedly of interest to Liverpool, before the new Premier League season begins.

"There is always interest in quality players and it is not my intention to allow the better players toleave the football club," Hughes told the press at his unveiling at the club on Tuesday.

"We are in a position where we don't have to sell our better players.

"We want to progress and you want to have the better players, so I suggest the two players you mention will still be Fulham players by the end of the window.

"There was a conversation [with Schwarzer] some time ago but I have only just come through the door and will have to refresh myself about the conversations that happened.

"But we want to resolve the situation as soon as possible but we are not in the position of letting our best players leave and Mark falls into that category."

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http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/191043/Mohamed-Al-Fayed-lays-into-Roy-Hodgson

MOHAMED AL FAYED LAYS INTO ROY HODGSON

FULHAM owner Mohamed Al Fayed yesterday unleashed a fierce attack on former manager Roy Hodgson, accusing him of "letting down" the fans and the club.
Al Fayed, 77, sitting alongside his new manager Mark Hughes at his unveiling at Craven Cottage, made clear his disappointment at Hodgson's decision to go to Liverpool this summer.
After the press conference the outspoken Al Fayed unleashed both barrels.
"We gave him all the support, we believed in him and he just let us down," said Al Fayed.
"But it's no problem, because Mark is much better.
"Roy disappointed the fans, he disappointed the players. I did everything for him, to help him. But that's his character. He can't help it. After we put him where he is now, he took advantage. I forgive him, anyhow – and I'm sure he's going to take Liverpool downhill."
Al Fayed insisted that former Manchester City manager Hughes, like Hodgson, will receive his full backing. "Mark is a nice guy. He's got a great sense. The players, I'm sure, will like him. But I can assure him it's a different atmosphere here [to Manchester City].
"I'm always here, I go to the training ground. It's a different type of ownership than when you buy it and you are in Kathmandu, like City." Al Fayed might have been poking fun at Manchester City's Abu Dhabi-based owners. He even presented Hughes with a £50 note when he was asked about his possible transfer kitty.
But he will back Welshman Hughes with hard cash as soon as he identifies his targets. "I'll give him more than £50 – it's just a tip," he said smiling. "But Mark is the man in charge and he's much better than the previous one, so I'm sure he's going to do a great job. I'm sure he's going to take us to the title."
Hughes has signed a two-year deal at Craven Cottage believed to be worth £2million a year, with the club retaining an option to add a year if results go the right way.

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http://www.onenewspage.com/news/Sports/20100804/13699711/Mohamed-Al-Fayed-has-dig-at-new-Liverpool.htm

Mohamed Al Fayed has dig at new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson
Reported by guardian.co.uk on Wednesday, 4 August 2010 (7 hours ago)

• 'I forgive him but he took advantage and left us'
• 'Sure he is going to get Liverpool going downhill'


Mohamed Al Fayed was in a jovial mood at Mark Hughes's first press conference as Fulham manager, but he could not resist a dig at Roy..

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http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=224225

Big Sam closing in on first signing


Andranik Teymourian is hopeful he can become Blackburn Rovers' first summer signing as he waits for talks with boss Sam Allardyce.

The Iranian midfielder has already undergone a medical at Brockhall and the club are now waiting to hear back about possible 'work permit complications' before continuing talks with Teymourian.

Teymourian's representatives are confident obtaining a work permit will not be an issue though and are hopeful a deal can be finalized "very soon".

Rovers arrived back home from the Sydney Festival of Football yesterday morning and manager Allardyce is expected at Brockhall this morning, although his players won't report back for duty until Thursday.

He is expected to discuss Teymourian's situation with the board and, if paperwork issues are sorted, he could be ready to sign a short term deal at Ewood Park.

The 27-year-old is desperate for a Premier League lifeline after spending the last couple of seasons on the sidelines at Fulham.

He did previously impress though during a spell under Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers and is keen to renew his working relationship with the Rovers boss, having spent a week on trial at Rovers earlier this summer.

Sources close to the player, said: "We are hopeful something can be sorted very soon. He has had his medical and has had his work permit tests."

Meanwhile Blackburn Rovers have denied reports linking them with a move for Portsmouth's Nigerian international John Utaka as they continue to wait for news on their main striking target.

The club are expected to hear in the next couple of days whether a bid has been accepted for the unnamed target but Utaka is not their man .

Utaka's representative Monique Van Vossem, said: "We had heard there might be some interest from Blackburn but nothing definite at the moment. There have certainly been no negotiations.

"There are come clubs interested but no one team has yet made their interest official. He will leave Portsmouth for sure though."

Jason Roberts' Blackburn Rovers future continues to be shrouded in uncertainty though, as Allardyce looks to bolster his firepower options, but there has been official interest for the striker to date.

The Lancashire Telegraph also understand Georgian international Zurab Khizanishvili is keen to remain in England after turning down a move to an unnamed Turkish outfit.

Khizanishvili is unlikely to feature at Ewood Park much this campaign but, with one season left on his contract, is hopeful he will attract interest closer to home. (Source: Lancashiretelegraph)

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http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/1210115-liverpool-fc-planning-move-for-australia-international-stopper.html

Liverpool FC planning move for Australia international stopper
by Richard Buxton. Published Wed 04 Aug 2010 00:47, Last updated: 2010-08-04

Liverpool are lining up a move for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones as an understudy to Pepe Reina.

Roy Hodgson is believed to be a long-standing fan of the Australia international and planned a swoop for him prior to leaving Fulham last month.

Jones is the latest stopper to be linked with a move to Anfield as Hodgson looks to boost the club's home-grown quota to meet new regulations being implemented by the Premier League for the forthcoming campaign.

The 28-year-old qualifies as a home-grown player after joining Boro in 1999, aged 17, and is keen on joining Liverpool, who have made an official inquiry about his availability.

However the resistence of Gordon Strachan has proved to be a stumbling block for the Kop boss.

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Hull chief Russell Bartlett denies cash-strapped Tigers are on verge of administration

Hull owner Russell Bartlett has denied claims the club is heading for administration due to money owed on transfers. Speculation is rife that the Tigers could be forced into administration within the next 48 hours.
Club officials are holding talks with the Premier League after it emerged parachute payments of £9m due to the Tigers this week could be witheld and given to those clubs still owed cash by the relegated outfit instead.

Up front: City still owe Fulham money for the sale of Bullard
But Bartlett is hopeful no such action will be taken and insists there is no immediate crisis at the KC Stadium.
Bartlett said: 'I can categorically state that administration is simply not on the agenda. "We are well down the line in our plans to restructure the finances of the club and we are very close to meeting our targets.'
The Tigers still owe money to Stoke and Fulham for the sale of Ibrahima Sonko, Seyi Olofinjana and Jimmy Bullard.
There is also a suggestion from the Premier League that transfer fees owed to clubs abroad may also be deducted from the parachute payment.
The £2.7m transfer of Kamel Ghilas from La Liga outfit Celta Vigo is one deal where money remains outstanding along with Jozy Altidore's loan move from Villareal and Steven Mouyokolo's £2.5m switch from Boulogne in France.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1300094/Hull-chief-Russell-Bartlett-denies-Tigers-verge-administration.html#ixzz0vcikh6QV

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Fayed - Roy Will Take Kop Down

FULHAM owner Mohamed Fayed last night claimed Roy Hodgson will take Liverpool 'downhill'.
The Craven Cottage chief also labelled him a 'bugger' for joining the Reds. Fayed, 77, said: "Roy disappointed the fans and the players.
"I'm sure he'll take Liverpool downhill. He was just a bugger. I did everything to help him. But that's his character, he can't help it.
"After we put him where he is now, he took advantage but good luck to him.
"We gave him all the support, we believed in him and he let us down. I forgive him, anyhow."
Fayed made his comments as Mark Hughes was officially unveiled as Fulham's new boss.
The Egyptian added: "Mark's much better than the previous one. He knows what he's doing.
"We have a nice guy now. Don't mention Roy Hodgson any more.
"Fulham's a wonderful club and I'm sure Mark will do a great job.
"The players will like him - he's going to win us the championship."


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3080672/Fayed-Roy-will-take-Kop-down.html#ixzz0vcj2ZyTT