Thursday Fulham Stuff (12.08.10)

[mccscratch]

Villa move for Manuel Almunia as keeper merry-go-round cranks up

Published 23:00 11/08/10


By Football Spy


Aston Villa are preparing a shock move to bring Manuel Almunia to Villa Park as the goalkeeping merry go-round takes another twist.

A triangle of moves is set start with Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer joining Arsenal and Villa's Brad Friedel moving down to Craven Cottage to replace him.

That would leave managerless Villa without a keeper, but they are keen to sign Almunia, even though he struggled last season and made a number of crucial blunders.

The Spanish keeper has played little in pre-season as Wenger opted to have a look at Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski, while talented youngster Wojciech Szczesny is also being talked about as a future Arsenal number one.

Even though Martin O'Neill has left the Midlands club, they are still looking to sign a big name replacement if Friedel leaves and are hoping that a new challenge will get the best out of Almunia.

Despite last season's let-down, Almunia was still one of the best keepers in the Premier League when it came to the number of clean sheets.

Villa are expected to name their new manager before the Premier League game against Newcastle on August 22 and the deal for Almunia could be finalised next week.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Aston-Villa-move-for-Arsenal-keeper-Manuel-Almunia-to-replace-Fulham-bound-Brad-Friedel-as-keeper-merry-go-round-cranks-up-article550077.html#ixzz0wMjN8Uj

Yes no keeper @ Villa.... Only leaves them USA back-up Brad Guzan who if anybody watched the US v Brazil match will be quick to point out that he was top notch. Made some spectacular saves when he was bombarded the entire second half.... what piss poor journalism..

[White Noise]

Celtic open discussions with rebel Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy over loan move

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 11:26 AM on 12th August 2010


Celtic have opened discussions with Manchester City and Craig Bellamy over a loan switch for the out-of-favour striker.

The Wales striker has been left out of City's squad for their Europa League qualifier against Timisoara despite there being room for two more players in the pool.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon today confirmed the club had approached City with a view to taking Bellamy back to Parkhead where he enjoyed a similar stint in 2005.
Lennon said: 'When you see someone of the calibre of Craig and the fact that he's not in the 25 and he's looking to go out and play football, then we feel it's something that we can't try and miss out on.

'We've been speaking to his representatives and we've been speaking to Man City. How far down the line we are will be down to Craig obviously.

'But the advantage we have is that, one, it's not in the Premier League and, two, he has been here before and he enjoyed his time here and made a huge impact on the game up here and has a real connection with the supporters.'

The Bhoys face stiff competition from both Tottenham and Fulham for Bellamy, who was on target for his country on Wednesday night as they beat Luxembourg 5-1.
Good Bhoy: Bellamy was on loan at Parkhead in 2005
However it has also emerged that the striker will be hit with a heavy fine by City after his claim earlier in the week that Roberto Mancini was trying to force him out of Eastlands.

As revealed in Sportsmail, the player will be hit by the maximum two weeks' wages - £160,000 in his case.
Bellamy even threatened to quit football if he was left out of the club's 25-man Premier League squad for the season.

And he was given the clearest indication yet that his worst fears might become reality when he was not in Mancini's squad, named yesterday, for next Thursday's Europa League qualifying tie against Romanian side FC Timisoara.
Fallout: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has had several spats with Bellamy
City have finally lost patience with the forward who was no stranger to trouble even before he moved from West Ham for £14million in January 2009.

Bellamy has clashed with Mancini several times. They first fell out in February when the 31-year-old defied his manager's instruction to train with one of his Italian coaches, sparking a row in which Mancini is believed to have told Bellamy to stay away from the club for three months.
City then launched an internal investigation in March after Mancini's touchline bust-up with David Moyes amid claims Bellamy had made comment in support of the Everton manager as he went down the players' tunnel.

The club were also unhappy with the enthusiastic manner in which Bellamy greeted Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp after his side ended City's hopes of a Champions League place with victory at Eastlands in May.

Bellamy's potential arrival would compensate for the imminent departure of Aiden McGeady, who is set to join Spartak Moscow.

Lennon said of the reported £9.5million deal: 'We're hoping it's going to get over the line today or tomorrow. He was having a medical with Moscow. I'm sure that will be fine - hopefully it will be done this week.'

Lennon, who confirmed Gary Hooper would miss the Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener at Inverness, added: 'We're working very hard behind the scenes to bring in players in the positions we want.'

The Celtic manager, who was promoting the launch of Lomond Audi Group's Old Firm vehicle sponsorship deal along with Rangers counterpart Walter Smith, added: 'I don't know if we'll have anything for you before the weekend but we're hoping.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302445/Celtic-open-discussions-rebel-Manchester-City-striker-Craig-Bellamy-loan-move.html#ixzz0wO7senAx

[White Noise]

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/8326080.Whites_can_emulate_Fulham_s_Euro_run__says_Robinson/


Whites can emulate Fulham's Euro run, says Robinson

11:20am Thursday 12th August 2010



PAUL Robinson admits he looked on enviously last season as Fulham mounted their charge to the Europa League final – but insists Wanderers are capable of doing the same.

Mark Hughes will lead the Cottagers out for the first time on Saturday at the Reebok as he begins the difficult task of replacing Roy Hodgson, who left for Liverpool in the summer.

The West Londoners have transformed their fortunes in the last three seasons, having eclipsed Gary Megson's own Great Escape to survive relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2007/8 before finishing seventh a year later to qualify for Europe for the first time in the club's history.

And while Robinson, pictured, has saluted their achievements under Hodgson, he says watching a team of comparable size to Wanderers has whet his appetite for some success of his own.

"Fulham are a benchmark with what they did last season," said the full-back, entering into his second season at the Reebok. "We looked at all those teams that finished directly above us last season and know we should have done a lot better – and that's no disrespect to their players "We feel we can challenge at that end of the table. We have got a group that has the hunger and desire to do better. Hopefully, this year we can look forward to pushing on and doing that."

Hughes makes his return to football after his high-profile exit at Manchester City on a ground where he enjoyed considerable success as manager of Blackburn.

In four visits, the former Manchester United striker guided Rovers to three wins and a draw in the Lancashire derby. At City, however, Ricardo Gardner's first goal in nearly five years condemned his side to a 2-0 victory in 2008, while the thrilling 3-3 draw in December last season effectively spelled the end of his tenure at Eastlands, which ended two games and eight days later.

Hughes's arrival hasn't changed Robinson's approach to the game, however, with the Whites defender believing it is more important for Wanderers to concentrate on their own lot.

"No matter what manager took the job on, he's inherited a fantastic group of players," he said.

"We know we're going to have to be at our best to beat a very strong Fulham team, and I think we'll be ready for that.

"But we've been planning all along how to tackle this game. A new manager makes no difference to us."

What is beyond doubt is that the managerial change has hampered Fulham's work in the transfer market, with former Arsenal defender Phillipe Senderos the only new arrival over the summer.

And, having been beaten by Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final back in May, some have speculated that Fulham's start to this season could be sluggish as a result.

Robinson remains unconcerned.

"We're not bothered about what they did in Europe, or whether they lost the final. All that matters is how we prepare," he added.

"Wherever they finished last season, or whatever final they lost – it's up to them how they react. We'll be looking at ourselves and making sure we're ready."

[White Noise]

International Round-Up

Thursday 12th August 2010


Fulham FC News


A number of Fulham players were involved in international action on Wednesday evening.

Brede Hangeland & Bjorn Helge Riise
Norway 2-1 France

Brede Hangeland played the full match whilst Bjorn Helge Riise played 87 minutes as Norway produced an impressive win over Laurent Blanc's France.

Hatem Ben Arfa opened the scoring for France with a fizzing low drive from distance early in the second half but Erik Huseklepp struck twice for the hosts to turn the game around.

Mark Schwarzer
Solvenia 2-0 Australia

Mark Schwarzer played the first 45 minutes as Slovenia recorded a 2-0 win over Australia in Ljubljana, with goals from Zlatko Dedic and Zlatan Ljubijankic settling the encounter.

Chris Baird
Montenegro 2-0 Northern Ireland

Chris Baird saw 45 minutes of action on Wednesday evening as Northern Ireland lost their final warm-up game before the Euro 2012 qualifiers as Radomir Djalovic struck a double.

Damien Duff & Stephen Kelly
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Argentina

Damien Duff took part in the full 90 minutes whilst Stephen Kelly was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland narrowly lost to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium. Angel Di Maria's controversial first-half goal earned the visitors the victory.

Zoltan Gera & Bobby Zamora
England 2-1 Hungary

Bobby Zamora earned his first full England cap on Wednesday evening as Fabio Capello's men came back from a goal down to beat Hungary at Wembley. Zamora was joined on the pitch by Fulham team-mate Zoltan Gera, who captained Hungary.

Dickson Etuhu
South Korea 2-1 Nigeria

Dickson Etuhu was in action as South Korea beat Nigeria 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday in Seoul, handing Cho Kwang-Rae his first victory as national team coach.
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/InternationalRound-Up.aspx#ixzz0wOv9ma7u

[White Noise]

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce enters race for Manchester City misfit Craig Bellamy


By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 11:48 AM on 12th August 2010


Sunderland are set to make a rival bid for Manchester City's out of favour striker Craig Bellamy.

Tottenham and Celtic have both already made their intentions known, with the latter having tabled a bid in the region of £6million.
Fulham are also interest in taking the former Newcastle man, who worked under new Cottagers boss Mark Hughes at City and Blackburn, as well as at the national team.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said: 'There's a lot of clubs who would love Craig Bellamy. He's a fantastic player but whether it's possible, I'm not quite sure.

'I've been a big admirer of Craig's for a long, long time. If he's available, which it looks like he is, and if we could afford him, then I would love to bring Craig to the football club.'
The Stadium of Light fans, though, may have some reservations about welcoming a second former Toon star to their club this summer, following Titus Bramble's arrival from Wigan.

Wales international Bellamy has been left out of City's squad for their Europa League qualifier against Timisoara despite there being room for two more players in the pool.
It appears to signal the end for a striker who has fallen out with manager Roberto Mancini.
As revealed in Sportsmail, Bellamy will be hit by a maximum two weeks' wages - £160,000 in his case - fine after a verbal attack on his manager earlier this week.
Should Bellamy join Sunderland he will become the second player to make the move from the City of Manchester stadium after Nedum Onuoha made the leap on loan.
The Black Cats are on the hunt for a new striker after Kenwyne Jones left the club to join Stoke in an £8m deal.
Sunderland boss Bruce said: 'There's a lot of clubs who would love Craig Bellamy. He's a fantastic player but whether it's possible, I'm not quite sure.

Pottering about: Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones has joined Stoke City in a club-record £8m
Jones did not appear to leave Sunderland on the best of terms, saying yesterday: 'Sometimes circumstances happen that you have to leave.'

Remarks attributed to Bruce also hinted at a breakdown in relations but, although he admitted there had been "ups and downs" with the 25-year-old, he insisted it was purely a footballing decision to allow him to join Stoke.

He said: 'I've never made any comment. I think Kenwyne needs a fresh challenge
and the money that we've got will enable me to strengthen the squad further.

'On his day he's unplayable, but I wanted it every day. I shook him by the hand yesterday. We had a few ups and downs but I wish him the best of luck and hope he reignites himself.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302458/Sunderland-boss-Steve-Bruce-enters-race-Manchester-City-misfit-Craig-Bellamy.html#ixzz0wOvVHt8t

[White Noise]

Felipe Caicedo

Manchester City to West Ham - The Insider says: 2/5

The Ecuador striker joined City under Sven Goran Eriksson and came with a big reputation as a barnstorming-type forward with pace and skill.

He has failed to live up to expectations in this country so far but is still only 21.

He has had loan spells in Portugal and Spain but now looks likely to find a Premier League club for the season as City look to eventually recoup the £5.2m they spent on him.

Fulham have shown interest but are trying for his City team-mate Roque Santa Cruz at the moment and West Ham have stepped in after failing to land other targets.

They are holding talks today and could have a loan deal wrapped up before the weekend.

Avram Grant still has designs on Everton's Yakubu but David Sullivan has made it clear he thinks the Nigerian is overpriced.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302484/THE-INSIDER-James-Beattie-bound-Rangers-Blackpool-secure-Chris-Basham.html#ixzz0wOw1zdva

[White Noise]

Fulham star Bobby Zamora determined to make up for lost time after impressive England introduction


By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 1:20 PM on 12th August 2010



Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is determined to play a key role in Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign after getting his first taste of international football.
Only two athletic saves from Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly denied the 29-year-old a chance to mark his international debut with a goal at Wembley.   

Zamora, who scored 19 goals to help Fulham reach the Europa League final last term, could have figured in Capello's World Cup squad had he not picked up an achilles injury towards the end of last season.   

He is now eager to make up for lost time after an encouraging substitute appearance in front of more than 70,000 fans at the home of English football.   

'I was slightly unlucky not to get a goal, the keeper pulled off a couple of great saves,' said Zamora. 'I hoped to round my debut off with a goal but it wasn't to be. I was quite pleased with it though. 

'I want to stay in the squad now, definitely,' he added. 'We have some great strikers and it will be very tough to get in that squad. All I can do is score goals for Fulham. If I do that then hopefully I'll be included.'
Those who figured during England's poor showing in South Africa came in for some rough treatment at times from the home support at Wembley, with certain sections of the crowd booing Ashley Cole, John Terry, captain Steven Gerrard and striker Wayne Rooney, particularly in the first half.   

Goal threat: Zamora was unlucky not to score after two efforts were well saved
Those boos intensified when England went 1-0 down but two excellent goals from Gerrard ensured that the team were given a good reception at the final whistle.   Zamora was impressed with how the team bounced back from going behind and now hopes the fans will be able to forget their World Cup disappointment and get behind the team for the 2012 campaign.   

'It wasn't easy for us but the lads showed some great character and the fire that everyone was looking for. I'd like to think that it showed everybody what England can do,' he said. 'For me, there's no point in dwelling on what's gone. We just have to focus on qualifying for the European Championships now.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302485/Fulham-star-Bobby-Zamora-determined-make-lost-time-impressive-England-introduction.html#ixzz0wOwMBumw

[Mr Fulham]

Celtic open discussions with rebel Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy over loan move

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 11:26 AM on 12th August 2010


Celtic have opened discussions with Manchester City and Craig Bellamy over a loan switch for the out-of-favour striker.

The Wales striker has been left out of City's squad for their Europa League qualifier against Timisoara despite there being room for two more players in the pool.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon today confirmed the club had approached City with a view to taking Bellamy back to Parkhead where he enjoyed a similar stint in 2005.
Lennon said: 'When you see someone of the calibre of Craig and the fact that he's not in the 25 and he's looking to go out and play football, then we feel it's something that we can't try and miss out on.

'We've been speaking to his representatives and we've been speaking to Man City. How far down the line we are will be down to Craig obviously.

'But the advantage we have is that, one, it's not in the Premier League and, two, he has been here before and he enjoyed his time here and made a huge impact on the game up here and has a real connection with the supporters.'

The Bhoys face stiff competition from both Tottenham and Fulham for Bellamy, who was on target for his country on Wednesday night as they beat Luxembourg 5-1.
Good Bhoy: Bellamy was on loan at Parkhead in 2005
However it has also emerged that the striker will be hit with a heavy fine by City after his claim earlier in the week that Roberto Mancini was trying to force him out of Eastlands.

As revealed in Sportsmail, the player will be hit by the maximum two weeks' wages - £160,000 in his case.
Bellamy even threatened to quit football if he was left out of the club's 25-man Premier League squad for the season.

And he was given the clearest indication yet that his worst fears might become reality when he was not in Mancini's squad, named yesterday, for next Thursday's Europa League qualifying tie against Romanian side FC Timisoara.
Fallout: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has had several spats with Bellamy
City have finally lost patience with the forward who was no stranger to trouble even before he moved from West Ham for £14million in January 2009.

Bellamy has clashed with Mancini several times. They first fell out in February when the 31-year-old defied his manager's instruction to train with one of his Italian coaches, sparking a row in which Mancini is believed to have told Bellamy to stay away from the club for three months.
City then launched an internal investigation in March after Mancini's touchline bust-up with David Moyes amid claims Bellamy had made comment in support of the Everton manager as he went down the players' tunnel.

The club were also unhappy with the enthusiastic manner in which Bellamy greeted Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp after his side ended City's hopes of a Champions League place with victory at Eastlands in May.

Bellamy's potential arrival would compensate for the imminent departure of Aiden McGeady, who is set to join Spartak Moscow.

Lennon said of the reported £9.5million deal: 'We're hoping it's going to get over the line today or tomorrow. He was having a medical with Moscow. I'm sure that will be fine - hopefully it will be done this week.'

Lennon, who confirmed Gary Hooper would miss the Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener at Inverness, added: 'We're working very hard behind the scenes to bring in players in the positions we want.'

The Celtic manager, who was promoting the launch of Lomond Audi Group's Old Firm vehicle sponsorship deal along with Rangers counterpart Walter Smith, added: 'I don't know if we'll have anything for you before the weekend but we're hoping.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1302445/Celtic-open-discussions-rebel-Manchester-City-striker-Craig-Bellamy-loan-move.html#ixzz0wO7senAx

I'd be so gutted if we miss out on him and he moves to either Celtic or Sunderland. Both so incredibly dull sides.

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6307778,00.html

Baggies move for Avdic


West Brom eye Swedish striker


Last updated: 12th August 2010   

West Bromwich Albion have made a move for Swedish striking prospect Denni Avdic, skysports.com understands.

The player, valued at around £2million by his club Elfsborg, is being tracked by a number of clubs from across Europe but England seems his most likely destination.

Fulham, Blackburn, Sunderland and Wolves are all understood to be keeping tabs on the 21-year-old - but West Brom have made their move to try and land the Bosnian-born striker.

West Brom are now looking to conclude a deal for Avdic, who impressed scouts when scoring in Sweden Under-21s' 1-1 draw with Scotland on Wednesday evening.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo is looking to bolster his squad before the end of the transfer window later this month and Avdic is seemingly one of those he wants to take to the Hawthorns.

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,18932_6307761,00.html

Fulham

THE DEAL: This is a tricky one. Not only because Mark Hughes has just come in and as yet, hasn't made any signings of his own, but also because of what constitutes success for Fulham. For a start Roy Hodgson is a very tough act to follow but given the budget and their crowds, what more can Hughes really do? I guess a top-half finish would be a starting point but before that they need to make sure that the likes of Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer are still at Craven Cottage once the transfer window has closed. If Andy Johnson can get back playing again they will be much better going forward, but even without him, you'd expect Hughes to follow Hodgson's lead and get them playing football and working hard for one another.

ACE IN THE PACK: Bobby Zamora - getting into the England squad will have given him a great lift and he has now become a top centre-forward. I like the fact that they can hit him long as well because that does help ease the pressure.
IN THE BLACK: Fulham will always be Fulham. They won't get carried away with last season's European exploits and they will set out with the same target as always, which is to reach 40 points.
RED ALERT: They need to keep hold of Mark Schwarzer because he won them plenty of points last season. If he goes, you fear for that defensive stability, which allows the likes of Danny Murphy, Damien Duff and the rest to go and play.
THE VERDICT: A new manager always brings new expectations, but top-half should be the starting point. Anything else would be a bonus - which isn't to say they aren't capable of it.

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12038_6304634,00.html


PLAYING THE SQUAD GAME

Hi Martin,

Love the column with the Opta stats and I know it's very early for this season's stats but I was wondering how many players did each club use last season? Thanks, Andrew

MARTIN SAYS: I can tell you that the team that used the most players last season was the team that finished rock bottom, Portsmouth. They used 33 different players throughout the campaign.

They were (in order of most appearances to fewest): Piquionne, Wilson, O'Hara, James, Brown, Mokoena, Kanu, Boateng, Ben-Haim, Finnan, Borre, Dindane, Belhadj, Kaboul, Yebda, Mullins, Utaka, Webber, Hreidarsson, Smith, Basina, Diop, Owusu-Abeyie, Rocha, Hughes, Begovic, Ashdown, Sowah, Kranjcar, Nugent, Ward, Distin, Ritchie.

Man City used 31 players from their expensively-assembled squad, while last season's top four - Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal and Tottenham - used exactly 30 players each.

The sides that used the fewest players were Aston Villa and Stoke, who used just 23 players each during the whole of the Premier League season. However, every other side used 25 or more.

Players used by each side in the Premier League 2009/10:

33: Portsmouth
31: Man City
30: Arsenal, Chelsea, Hull, Man Utd, Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham
29: Fulham, Wolves
28: Blackburn, Everton, Sunderland
27: Wigan
26: Burnley
25: Birmingham City, Bolton
23: Aston Villa, Stoke

Remember, even though the 25-man squad rule has been brought in this year, clubs are allowed to use any number of players under the age of 21 on top of their submitted 25-man lists. Eight players on that list must be "homegrown" in the Premier League - or 10 in the Football League.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/08/12/fulham-star-tips-bobby-zamora-to-shine-for-england-82029-27050692/


Fulham star tips Bobby Zamora to shine for England

Aug 12 2010

By Yann Tear

BOBBY Zamora showed enough at Wembley on Wednesday night to prove he could yet have a huge impact on the international stage, according to Fulham team-mate Zoltan Gera.

As skipper of the Hungarian side that took on England this week, he had a front seat view of his Fulham colleague's debut and liked what he saw.

"I think he played very well," Gera said of the 29-year-old striker.

"He was unlucky because he didn't score, but I think you can see he's a very good player for England. He can hold the ball, has good feet and I think is a big bonus for them."

Gera added: "He was disappointed not to go to the World Cup because of the operation on his Achilles in the summer, but he really wanted to play for England.

"Sometimes you need time when you sign for a new club. The first season for Bobby was a bit difficult and he missed chances, but he worked very very hard for the team. Last year he scored the goals he deserved and now has the reward of playing for England."

Zamora came on at half time and always made his presence felt. He was not afraid to shoot from distance – having one stinging drive tipped onto the roof of the net and two goalbound headers saved by busy Hungarian keeper Gabor Kiraly.