Monday Fulham Stuff 16.08.10

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http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/reason-for-fulham-to-be-cheerful

Reason for Fulham to be cheerful

Fulham correspondent: Draw at Bolton makes for solid start under Mark Hughes
By Paul Dawson  August 16, 2010

The Premier League season has started and the summer can finally be forgotten, not just for Fulham fans!

With new manager Mark Hughes at the helm, a draw away at Bolton makes for a fine start to the campaign, with the Reebok a notoriously tricky place to travel.

Bobby Zamorra, in fine spirits after winning his first international cap in the win over Hungary, led the line well for the Cottagers but injuries to other key players took their toll.

Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchelsky failed late fitness tests while Johnson, Senderos and Duff were all missing. It just goes to show that the real impact Hughes will have on our season could well take place in the last two weeks of August.

Can he seal some deals to bring in the two or three players that could strengthen this side for the full campaign?

No European adventures at Craven Cottage this season, but that will probably be something Hughes is pretty glad about.

He can focus on the top ten and hope that the continental excursions of the top seven start to have an effect and give us a chink of a light that a high position is there for the taking.

Getting a result away to Owen Coyle's much improved Bolton was always going to be difficult, and the fair draw provides good indication that it could be a great year. All in all, every reason to be cheerful, optimistic and excited by what awaits.

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http://www.fansfc.com/story/23627.html

Gudjohnsen close to Fulham move
10:30 AM 16 August, 2010
Eidur Gudjohnsen is close to joining Fulham Football Club.

The Icelandic international has struggled to settle at Monaco, following his move from Barcelona in 2009, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

It was expected that he would return to White Hart Lane this season, and although that move hasn't materialised, he could still end up in London with the Cottagers.

According to The People, Mark Hughes is close to finalising a loan deal for the 31-year-old forward, who has also starred for Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea.

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http://www.fansfc.com/story/23646.html

Spurs give up, so it's Fulham, Cardiff, Celtic or Sunderland for Bellamy
10:00 AM 16 August, 2010

With Spurs boss Harry Redknapp already conceding defeat, more or less, in his attempt to sign Craig Bellamy, the Man City winger looks to be heading for Fulham, Cardiff, Celtic or Sunderland.

"He's never going to come here on loan," Redknapp told the Daily Star Sunday.

"He'll go somewhere and I would think Fulham are favourites now.

"If we want him, we will have to put up the money to sign him."

Nevertheless, recent reports suggest the in-demand Welshman will join his hometown club, Cardiff on a six-month loan deal.

A Cardiff spokesman said: "With the number and the names of the clubs being mentioned in connection to Craig it is flattering that we are an option, but at this stage it is pure speculation.

"Being connected to a player of this calibre shows how far we have come, to be even considered in a deal like this.

"We would love it to happen of course, but we are by no means alone in this."

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http://www.espnstar.com/football/from-the-desk/news/detail/item485291/Red-card-debuts:-A-list-of-nightmares/

Red card debuts: A list of nightmares

Joe Cole - Liverpool vs Arsenal - 2010
Hailed as the main man to restore Liverpool's faltering Premier League reputation, the ex-Chelsea man lasted just 44 minutes before a rash challenge on fellow debutant Laurent Koscielny left him seeing red and his new team down to ten men.

Laurent Koscielny - Liverpool vs Arsenal - 2010
Karma works in funny ways, and after making the most of Cole's late challenge Arsenal's new signing was sent off himself after collecting two unnecessary yellow cards - leaving new manager Arsene Wenger looking decidedly unimpressed.

Lionel Messi - Hungary vs Argentina - 2005
Proving that nightmare debuts can happen to the very best, Lionel Messi's first Argentina appearance lasted just two minutes before an elbow to the face of Hungarian defender Vilmos Vanczak saw the 18-year old prodigy pick up a straight red. Luckily, it didn't slow him down much as the now 23-year old picked up the world player of the year title in 2009.

Jonathan Woodgate - Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao - 2005
There were plenty of questions when Jonathan Woodgate was announced as the latest addition to Madrid's Galacticos, but most of these were replaced by laughs when the fragile defender rounded off his long-awaited debut with an own goal and a red card for two bookable offences.

Ryan McGivern - Scotland vs Northern Ireland - 2008
Must was expected of 18-year olf Ryan McGivern when the Manchester City left-back made his first international appearance for Northern Ireland against Scotland. Two clumsy challenges and two yellow cards later, the youngster was back in the dressing room with his debut dreams now a cruel nightmare.

Ade Akinbiyi - Burnley vs Sunderland - 2005
Brought to Burnley for his sheer physical presence, Akinbiyi overstepped the mark on his debut - lasting just two minutes before head butting Sunderland's George McCartney and being promptly sent off.

Kagisho Dikgacoi - Fulham vs West Ham - 2009
A recent addition to the list of red card debutants, Dikgacoi made his Premier League debut for Fulham in 2009 and ensured his inclusion on this list with a playful slap on Scott Parker - earning him a straight red card.

Garry Flitcroft - Blackburn vs Everton - 1996
Brought from north-east rivals Manchester City, Flitcroft was looking to win over his new fans on his debut against Everton. Literally an instant hit, the tough tackling midfielder was on the pitch for just three minutes before an elbow on Tony Grant saw him receive his marching orders.

Glenn Keeley - Everton vs Liverpool - 1982
Making a debut for your new club must be nerve-wracking enough, let alone making it in a Merseyside derby as Everton's Glenn Keeley did in 1982. He didn't have long to worry about it though as a tackle on Kenny Dalglish 30 minutes in saw the debutant watching the rest of the game from the stands.

Jason Crowe - Arsenal vs Birmingham - 1997
Arsenal youngster Jason Crowe had his eyes on a record-breaking career when he made his first team debut against Birmingham in the League Cup. However, a red card just 33 seconds after coming on as a sub - an English record - probably wasn't what he had in mind.

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http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/Tributes-pour-in-for-tragic.6476850.jp

Tributes pour in for tragic Joe: ADD YOUR THOUGHTS

Joe Greening

Published Date: 16 August 2010
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for 26-year-old Joe Greening, who died in a car accident.
The father of two died after his car left the road near Staxton roundabout and hit a tree.

Joe had been driving a silver Vauxhall Corsa westbound on the A64 on his way to work at Kingspan Wards in Sherburn, early on Friday morning.

Police say he had overtaken a car and a camper van before losing control of his car opposite Merry Lees Caravan Park.

The former Cayton, Pindar and Yorkshire Coast College student has been described as "the kindest person you could meet" by friends.

He was a keen footballer, playing for Star, and was the cousin of Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening.

On Friday night more than 100 of his friends met in the Star pub in Cayton for a drink in his memory.

Bryn Kneeshaw, manager of Star football team and landlord of the Star pub, said: "Joe was such a nice kid, and was from a lovely family.

"He was the kindest, most gentle person you could meet, and that is heartfelt by everyone here.

"He was such a character, and such a well liked lad. He didn't deserve this and will be missed by a lot of people."

Nick Sheader, who played alongside Joe at Star and managed him for Star2b, said: "He was so enthusiastic and always had a smile on his face.

"I knew him since he was a young lad, he loved his football and we could never get the ball off him. If he scored a goal he would always call it a 'worldie' because he was so chuffed that he had scored."

His teammates from Star joined together to say: "You will be hugely missed so much by everyone Joe. You were the happiest lad on this planet and loved by everyone who knew you. You will never be forgotten. Ever."

The bar staff at the Star pub had this message for Joe: "Joey we will miss your cheeky smile at the bar. All our love to Emma and the boys and Linda and Vanessa. Good night Joey, all our love."

Joe, who grew up in Cayton, lived in Filey with his girlfriend and two sons.

Less than six hours after the accident on Friday more than 100 messages of condolence had been left on Facebook.

Kyle May said: "I love you to bits mate. Couldn't have met a nicer, genuine, down to earth guy like yourself. Sleep tight."

Joanne Clarkson said: "RIP Joe. Scarborough's loss, heaven's gain. Sleep tight, thoughts are with your loved ones."

Mark Barber said: "Love and remember you always pal. Nicest lad you could meet. Love you kidder."

Scarborough boxer Danny Price, who played football with Joe, wrote: "Joey you're a diamond and one of those lads that nobody had a bad word for. Love you to bits mate. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family."

Victoria Addis-Brown said: "Sleep tight Joe; a complete star who was loved by everyone. Thoughts are with your family."

Lee Major said: "So unfair how the best always get taken early. Heaven will be a brighter place with you up there Joe."

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Fire, ambulance and police crews were called at 5.51am.

The road was closed until 11.50am while officers investigated the scene and removed the wreckage.

Police are appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone who may have seen the silver Corsa prior to the accident to contact them on 0845 6060 247.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6315273,00.html

Stockdale ready for battle
Stockdale ready to fight for place if Cottagers recruit keeper

Fulham's David Stockdale fully expects the Cottagers to sign another goalkeeper if Mark Schwarzer leaves - but he will fight for his place in the side.

The 24-year-old started against Bolton on Saturday after Schwarzer was injured in training and he was in inspired form in the goalless stalemate at the Reebok.

If Schwarzer gets his wish and moves to Arsenal before the transfer window slams shut, Stockdale believes Fulham boss Mark Hughes will recruit another stopper.

But the 24-year-old, who joined the Cottagers from Darlington in 2008, hopes to fight off the competition and win an extended run in the side.

Excited

The keeper told the Daily Star: "I feel excited to have played, done well and hopefully given the manager a dilemma.

"We have Mark Schwarzer and Pascal Zuberbuhler and they are two great people to learn off and I've been happy doing that.

"If Mark goes, I fully expect Fulham to bring another goalkeeper in and that would be the right thing to do I think.

"I just hope I've shown the gaffer that I am capable of doing a job for him and given him something to think about.

"I'd rather Mark stayed really, but you hear the rumours about the clubs that are interested and it's not the sort of thing that comes along very often in your career.

Understand
"So, from that point of view, you can understand why he'd want to leave, but then Fulham will want to keep a world-class keeper like him."

If Stockdale does retain his place in the side, he will face the task of keeping out Manchester United hot-shot Wayne Rooney next time.

He added: "Keeping Rooney out wouldn't be an easy thing to do. He hasn't scored for a while, but you saw last season how good he is.

"I'd love to get a run in the team and show people what I can do. It's taken two years to get to this point."

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http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/42221/Fulham_target_Given_as_Gunners_push_for_Schwarzer.aspx

Fulham target Given as Gunners push for Schwarzer

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes is eyeing a possible deal for goalkeeper Shay Given and will look to negotiate with old club Manchester City in the coming days, according to The Guardian. The Irishman started the new Premier League season as back-up for England international
Joe Hart and is thought to be eager to quit Eastlands in search of guaranteed first team football.

Interest from the Cottagers is solely dependent on a deal taking Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal. The Australian international reportedly handed in a transfer request at the weekend in an attempt to seal a deal with the Gunners.

Joe Hart has earned plaudits for his performance at White Hart Lane as an under-pressure Manchester City side held out against Tottenham Hotspur to gain a valuable opening day point. The 23-year-old produced a series of stunning saves to deny Harry Redknapp's strike force and looks to have cemented his credentials as the long-term keeper option with both the Citizens and Fabio Capello's England.

With Given facing a spell on the sidelines it would appear that the £8 million acquisition will be targeted by several sides looking to snap up his services. At 34-years-old, the Irish international is approaching the final years of his career but is still motivated to play regularly at the highest level. While a reunion with Mark Hughes appears particularly appealing it is believed that Arsenal's head has also been turned, despite Arsene Wenger's acknowledged interest in Schwarzer.

With speculation formerly linking Aston Villa's Brad Friedel to Fulham and Arsenal number one Manuel Almunia as his replacement it appears a veritable goalkeeper-transfer merry-go-round is potentially on the horizon.

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http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1679/us-national-team/2010/08/16/2072760/fan-view-why-many-usa-fans-dont-rate-bob-bradley-as-highly

Fan View: Why Many USA Fans Don't Rate Bob Bradley As Highly As Sir Alex Ferguson Does
By Kevin McCauley

With the performance of the United States at the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup, manager Bob Bradley significantly raised his profile overseas. He has been linked to the managerial positions at English clubs Fulham and Aston Villa and has received lavish praise from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

"I think he would do well [in England]," Ferguson said about Bradley's managerial abilities during Manchester United's U.S. tour. "I like Bob, I like his approach. I think he has a steely determination about him, and he goes into a lot of detail in his coaching. I think he did a fantastic job, and I am surprised the USA have not sprinted to his house and given him a new contract, I must say."

Yet, despite the tabloid rumors and the opinion of Ferguson, Bradley's future with the United States national team hangs in the balance. He has yet to agree to a new contract and speculation is that the U.S. Soccer Federation will let it expire at the end of the year. In his home country, he is generally thought of as a manager with more faults than strengths. Popular opinion is that the United States needs to move on to reach their goals in international football.

U.S. fans generally cling to three main qualms with Bob Bradley.

1. Tactical Inflexibility

One of the most common criticisms of Bradley's managerial style is his tactical inflexibility. The last time Bradley played a formation other than his normal 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders was on June 3, 2009 in a World Cup qualifying match in Costa Rica, a match the United States lost 3-1. Three days later in a match against Honduras, Bradley reverted to the setup that he would use in every single match for over a year.

When teams have lined up in ways that made it difficult for the United States to execute their game plan – Brazil's fluid 4-2-3-1 setup last Tuesday, for example – Bradley has refused to alter his tactics to compensate. The United States' draw against England is seen as one of Bradley's finer accomplishments, but with the way Fabio Capello lined up his side, a draw was always the most likely result. Whenever teams use tactics that are a bad matchup for Bradley's preferred setup, he fails to adjust.

2. Inability To Learn From Mistakes

Along the same lines, Bradley is a manager who often fails to learn from his mistakes. In the last two matches in group play of the World Cup, the United States got off to a slow start and improved when Benny Feilhaber and Maurice Edu were both in the lineup and the team played a fluid variation of a 4-5-1 formation.

In the round of 16, despite what happened against Slovenia and Algeria, Bradley started the game with his normal 4-4-2 setup and Ricardo Clark preferred ahead of Maurice Edu in the center of midfield. The team put in a shocking first half performance, Clark in particular standing out as exceptionally poor. Maurice Edu replaced Clark in the 31st minute and Feilhaber relieved forward Robbie Findley at halftime. Unsurprisingly, the United States were the better side for most of the second half against Ghana and eventually found an equalizer.

It seemed blatantly obvious that Edu and Feilhaber should have started the match. Bradley saw with his own eyes how well the team played in the second half of the matches against Algeria and Slovenia and he failed to act on the evidence against Ghana.

3. Poor Man-management Skills

Before the World Cup, even Bradley's biggest detractors seemed to agree that he was a good man-manager. He was thought of as someone who did very well at preparing his players for matches and someone who knew when to pump his players up and calm his players down.

That sentiment went out the window during the World Cup, though, as the United States allowed goals inside of the first 15 minutes in three out of their four matches. Once might be a fluke and twice might be a coincidence, but three times in one tournament is a trend. The team did not defend well early against Algeria either. The Desert Foxes had their fair share of chances early but failed to convert. When early goals go in, most of the blame has to go to the players, but Bradley is not faultless. When a team starts poorly in all of their matches during a tournament, the manager is obviously doing a poor job to prepare his players mentally.

The Complaints Continue

The list of fan criticisms of Bradley could go on for pages. His squad selections are thought of as curious at best. He seems to play favorites and select certain players regardless of their form. He values speed over all other attributes. He made a poor judgment call by bringing Oguchi Onyewu to the World Cup when the AC Milan defender was not fit. He plays his own son out of his natural position.

The average fan of the United States seems to rattle off most of these criticisms without pausing to think or take a breath. (Though, it must be mentioned, some U.S. fans are quite content with Bradley's record as an international coach.) However, the most prevalent public sentiment is time for the United States to go in a different direction with their manager.

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http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2010/08/latest_transfer_gossip_august_42.php

Daily Mail: Cardiff are ready to offer Craig Bellamy a way out of Manchester City and the Wales striker is thought to be keen on a move home; Chelsea will return to Stoke with a £4.5 million offer for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic - who the Potters only signed earlier this year; Algeria World Cup defender Rafik Halliche is on his way to the Premier League, and will have a medical with Fulham ahead of a £1.3 million move from Benfica - but Newcastle could make a last-ditch attempt to hijack the move.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/aug/16/mark-hughes-craig-bellamy-fulham

Mark Hughes covets Craig Bellamy after Fulham draw with Bolton

• Bellamy's ability could have tipped scales against Bolton
• Fulham saved by David Stockdale's inspired goalkeeping

There was just a hint of the Leslie Phillips about Mark Hughes on Saturday. After luring Craig Bellamy to his two previous clubs, Blackburn and Manchester City, and picking him for Wales, the Fulham manager knows just how to smooth-talk the striker, and he was at it again when he was asked whether he was dusting off those previously successful overtures to his fellow Welshman.

"The key to it is waiting to see what Craig wants to do," said Hughes, deep and meaningful sincerity oozing from every pore. "It's really important he takes the right step for him, so I'm sure he'll take his time and eventually get to the right decision." Well hello.

Having demonstrated that he knows exactly how to get the best out of the combustible but undeniably potent forward, Hughes would dearly love to bring Bellamy to Craven Cottage. Had he been playing on Saturday, it is not far-fetched to say Fulham would have almost certainly won. In the last 10 minutes they were all over Bolton, and someone with Bellamy's pace, shooting ability and eye for goal would have made their dominance count.

As it was, Bobby Zamora had long since shot his bolt, and though Hughes brought on Clint Dempsey, the American did not quite have what it took to make the difference.

In fairness to Bolton, a draw was a fair outcome. Until the last few minutes, Owen Coyle's team had created the better chances, but the closest they came to scoring was when Stuart Holden hit the outside of a post with a low drive from just outside the box 12 minutes from time. Otherwise they were stymied by solid defending, orchestrated by the impressive Brede Hangeland, and an inspired performance from the Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, again deputising for the injured and keen-to-leave Mark Schwarzer.

Despite only being told he was playing after Schwarzer had failed a fitness test earlier in the day, the 24-year-old Stockdale made excellent saves from Martin Petrov and twice in the second half from Johan Elmander. The first was spectacular, a flying leap to his right to touch the Swede's shot over the bar, the second no less impressive in that he got down low to block as he came out to narrow the angle after Elmander had cleverly created space in the penalty area.

Equally reassuring as far as his defenders were concerned, Stockdale showed a nice judgement in coming for crosses and commanded his penalty area throughout, all of which gives Hughes a nice dilemma when Manchester United visit the Cottage next Sunday. Does he pick the veteran Schwarzer, who wants to talk to Arsenal, or stay with Stockdale, not so long ago released by York City?

Hughes would only say Fulham understood Schwarzer being keen to join a team likely to challenge for trophies, but that the club had their own position and reputation to protect. "So at the moment it's very much the status quo and nothing's moved on," he shrugged.

Like Hughes, Coyle took much encouragement from the game, particularly in the performance of Elmander, a Sweden international centre-forward signed for £8m two years ago but who with 10 goals in 64 games has yet to justify that outlay. "I've always believed in him, and he was outstanding, not just in terms of his goal efforts but in work rate," said Coyle. "In fact, to a man we worked out socks off, and if we do that there's no doubt we'll pick up points. Some of our play was great, and the atmosphere was great too."

Man of the Match: David Stockdale (Fulham). The young reserve goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves, but also commanded his box with an authority belying his lack of experience.

Best moment: A diving touch over the bar high to his right from Johan Elmander's shot early in the second half.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7946986/Bolton-Wanderers-0-Fulham-0-match-report.html

Fulham manager Mark Hughes seeks cutting edge following Bolton Wanderers stalemate

For two teams who arrived simultaneously in the Premier League a decade ago, an 11th successive season at the top table offers similar
fare to that revealed in the 10 previous campaigns.
Neither possess serious title intent; nor can they be considered candidates to struggle.
However, there remains a difference in that Bolton Wanderers's diet has changed radically. Boring long ball tactics of previous regimes have been replaced by manager Owen Coyle's augmentation of a refined and more pleasing passing game.
Nevertheless, a greater cutting edge in the final third is demanded by Coyle, a factor his opposite number Mark Hughes will equally insist on following his appointment as Roy Hodgson's successor less than three weeks ago.
Indeed, Hughes is already seeking a remedy with negotiations ongoing towards bringing in Craig Bellamy should he persuade his firebrand Welsh compatriot, unwanted by Manchester City, that his future is at Craven Cottage despite interest from elsewhere, notably Tottenham and Celtic.
Hughes is not entirely bereft of strikers although Bobby Zamora, following his England debut, was anonymous at the Reebok Stadium – apart from a first half chip that almost caught out the Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen – and Andy Johnson is still recovering from injury.
Hughes will pursue Bellamy regardless, but insists: "There is a long way to go." Coyle, on the other hand, welcomed the return to form of Swedish striker Johan Elmander, a £12m club record signing two years ago. He was outstanding in Saturday's sterile encounter, particularly in bringing the best from goalkeeper David Stockdale, replacement for the injured Mark Schwarzer, whose head is turned by a possible move to Arsenal.
Even Coyle was magnaminous in praising Stockdale for keeping the score line blank and Hughes claimed: "The confidence he showed helped the back four understand what they had to do to get a positive result. Our recent away form has not been that accomplished, but this was a good start."
Apart from Stockdale's brief heroics and Stuart Holden striking a post for the home side, it was perhaps a predictable outcome considering the scoring shortcomings of both teams.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/7946993/Manchester-City-will-only-allow-goalkeeper-Shay-Given-to-leave-Eastlands-on-loan.html

Manchester City will only allow goalkeeper Shay Given to leave Eastlands on loan

Shay Given's hopes of securing first-team football away from Manchester City are likely to be restricted to a loan move with Roberto Mancini reluctant to risk a repeat of the goalkeeper crisis that scuppered the club's Champions League ambitions last season.
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Given is facing the prospect of being second-choice at Eastlands this season following Mancini's decision to install Joe Hart as his number one for the Premier League opener at Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
At 34, Given is reluctant to accept a role as understudy and is understood to be keen to resolve his situation before the transfer deadline on Aug 31.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes, who signed Given for City in Jan 2009, is ready to move for the player should Mark Schwarzer leave Craven Cottage for Arsenal.
But with City forced to recruit Sunderland's Marton Fulop on an emergency loan last season due to a goalkeeping shortage that left Mancini without the injured Given and Stuart Taylor, plus Hart who was on loan at Birmingham, Mancini is only prepared to allow Given to leave on loan, with a clause in the deal allowing an instant recall.
City are hopeful of concluding a deal for James Milner this week, despite being surprised by comments by Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner suggesting they had "violated the rules" in their pursuit of the England player.

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http://www.tribalfootball.com/arsenal-boss-wenger-coy-schwarzer-given-rumours-1047721

Schwarzer, Given rumours

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has refused to comment on his plans to sign a new goalkeeper.

Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer and Manchester City's Shay Given are both being linked with the Gunners.

"It is better for me not to talk about that because it doesn't help the goalkeepers that play for us," Wenger said after his side launched their new season with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

"It is better that we focus on the goalkeepers we have.

"I believe (Manuel) Almunia had a good game today."

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http://bowral.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/a-message-from-the-shed/1914102.aspx

A message from the shed
RALPH GOODWIN

TRUE stories come along sometimes that movies are made from.
How a boy, destitute and living on the streets, has signed a multi million-dollar contract with one of the elite football clubs in the world, Manchester United.

Tiago Manuel Dias Correia – nicknamed Bebe – was raised in an orphanage in Portugal and spent part of his childhood living on the streets.

The lad, while playing for a local homeless side, became noticed by a scout for his raw talent.

Although he never made it to the Homeless World Cup, he began playing for a Portuguese third division side.

Word soon spread about Bebe, so much so that Carlos Queiroz, the Portugal national manager, called his good friend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Within two weeks, the 20-year-old Bebe had signed a $7million contract with Man Utd and with $10,000 a week wage packet in his pocket. So is this a miracle?

Not really. The world wide web of scouting for talent is part of football, whether you're playing for Highlands under-14s, under-20s or even your local club under-12s.

It does not matter football scouts will be watching you at some stage of your game.

I mentioned eight weeks ago that Fulham and Socceroos' goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer would join Arsenal, however new Fulham boss Mark Hughes put a hold on it.

Arsenal has now come back with a bigger offer, and Schwarzer is keen to be a Gunners player and taste Champions League football before the end of his career.

It is now my understanding from within the Arsenal camp this will happen within the next week.

However, do not be surprised if Fulham make an offer too good to refuse.

The English Premier League has kicked off just 34 days after the final game in the World Cup.

The question is, who will be crowned champions after each team has played their 38 games?

Well, if you believe in statistics, then it will be Everton.

The toffees have won the trophy every 24 years since 1891 and won it last time in the 1986-7 season.

But I cannot see it myself, after losing their opening game 1-0.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/stockdale-happy-to-hand-hughes-a-dilemma-2053496.html

Stockdale happy to hand Hughes 'a dilemma'
Bolton Wanderers 0 Fulham 0

David Stockdale, an emerging 24-year-old goalkeeper with one previous Premier League appearance behind him before the start of the new season, may yet fall victim to the goalkeeper merry-go-round that appears likely in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

But, in the short term, Mark Hughes and Fulham should feel relief the Yorkshireman remains at their beck and call as the new manager tries to negotiate his way through the delicate situation regarding Mark Schwarzer.

The Australian was left out at the Reebok Stadium after failing a pre-match fitness test, a fate that also befell defender Paul Konchesky, currently being heavily linked with a possible move to Liverpool. Hughes insisted there was no ulterior motive behind either absence, but the fact remains that Schwarzer is still expected to be an Arsenal player before the end of the month.

Logic, not to mention necessity, dictate that Hughes will sign a senior replacement for Schwarzer should that happen and he need look no further than his former club Manchester City, and the displaced Shay Given, for one potential successor, even if only on a loan basis.

"I feel excited to have played, done well and, hopefully, given the manager a dilemma," said Stockdale after a pair of second-half saves from Johan Elmander assured his team of a point. "If Mark goes, I fully expect Fulham to bring in another goalkeeper and that would be the right thing to do. I just hope I've shown the gaffer that I'm capable of doing a job for him and given him something to think about."

Despite being denied by the goalkeeper, Elmander continued his rehabilitation under manager Owen Coyle. The Swedish international, signed two years ago at a cost of £10m, has scored just eight goals in 56 league games for Bolton, but his improved form and fitness in the closing weeks of last season and at the start of this suggest that record will soon be improved.

"I've said to him it is a fresh start," said Coyle. "I have belief in him and he looked a top player today. If I see him put in that level of performance after an international break, it augurs well for the rest of the season."

Match facts

Bolton 4-4-2: Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Muamba (M Davies 86), Holden, Petrov (Taylor 86); K Davies, Elmander (Klasnic 89) Substitutes not used Bodgan, Ricketts, Blake, O'Brien

Booked Muamba

Fulham 4-4-1-1: Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; S Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Gera (Dempsey 74); Zamora. Substitutes not used Zuberbühler, Baird, Stoor, Dempsey, Riise, Greening, Elm

Booked Gera, Zamora, Pantsil.

Referee JS Attwell (Warwickshire).

Attendance 20,352.

Man of the match Elmander.

[os5889]

Newcastle make late bid to hijack Fulham move for defender Rafik Halliche

Newcastle are ready to thwart Fulham's bid for Algerian defender Rafik Halliche.
The 23-year-old is due at Fulham for a medical and to train before a £1.3m move from Benfica.
However, Newcastle, who have concerns over Steven Taylor, have made late enquiries.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1303366/Newcastle-make-late-bid-hijack-Fulham-defender-Rafik-Halliche.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0wlStI3a8

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Dermalogica Clean Start
Monday 16th August 2010

On Tuesday 10th August girls from Fulham Football Club Foundation's Aspire 2 Move programme which is funded by the Premier League and Sport England were given the chance to take part in an interactive skin care evening with skin care specialists from Clean Start by Dermalogica, thanks to a new partnership between the Foundation and skin care brand.

15 young women attended the first 'Aspire to Move Girls Night' at the Brunswick Club in Fulham, taking part in skincare workshops using products from Dermalogica's 'Clean Start' brand. This brand is specially designed for teenagers and young women, therefore fits with the Aspire 2 Move programme which aims to get young women aged 12-21 physically active and living healthy lifestyles, through dance, sport and issue based workshops.

Jen Emeny, Social Inclusion Co-ordinator said "These skin care evenings are a great way to attract new young women to our sessions and for them to meet new people. With today's pressure for young girls to fit into stereotypes that they see in magazines, the Dermalogica sessions are a refreshing change; encouraging young women to be themselves and promoting healthy lifestyles as opposed to placing importance upon image. I have already seen a massive increase in these girls confidence and self-esteem."

Wendy Klerck, Dermalogica Marketing Manager added: "We are very proud to be part of such a fantastic initiative, working alongside the Aspire 2 Move team and with some very inspirational young people. We believe the concepts of 'beauty', 'pampering' and 'indulgence' are outdated and alienating - particularly to young women, yet are too commonly associated with skincare.

"We firmly believe that health, wellness and real results are what counts, and that is precisely what Aspire to Move delivers within the community, along with a big dose of fun!"

The 'Aspire 2 Move girls nights in association with Dermologica Clean Start are going on tour throughout August at different venues across Kingston and Merton. All young women aged 12-21 are invited to attend the remaining sessions:

Wednesday 18th August 6-8pm
Piper Hall, Kingston, KT1 3EX

Thursday 19th August 6-8pm
Kingsnympton Community Centre, KT2 7XZ

Thursday 19th August 6-8pm
Tolworth Junior School Hall, KT6 7SA

Wednesday 25th August 6-8pm
Chessington Community College, Kingston, KT9 2JS

Thursday 26th August 6-8pm
Pollards Hill Youth Centre, Merton, CR4 1LT

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/DermalogicaReview.aspx#ixzz0wlWaD4Iy

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Shot-shy West Brom lining up move for Nigeria striker Peter  Odemwingie

Roberto Di Matteo is ready to make a move for Lokomotiv Moscow striker Peter Odemwingie after seeing his shot-shy West Bromwich Albion forwards muster just one attempt on target during Saturday's 6-0 defeat by Chelsea.
Panathinaikos had been closing in on a deal for Nigeria international Odemwingie, but talks have been put on hold while West Brom's interest in being explored.
The 29-year-old has made no secret of his desire to move to England and was previously offered to Tottenham as part of Lokomotiv's failed bid to sign Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Baggies target: Peter Odemwingie is wanted by West Brom
He has also previously interested Everton and Fulham.
Lokomotiv failed to find a buyer earlier this summer after demanding a prohibitive £8.5million, but they are ready to lower their demands as Odemwingie enters the final year of his contract.
The Russian club are looking for a quick sale to help fund a move for Dynamo Kiev's impressive Ukraine striker Artem Milevskiy.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1303493/Shot-shy-West-Brom-lining-Nigeria-striker-Peter-Odemwingie.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0wlehrTy1

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http://www.tribalfootball.com/arsenal-wait-schwarzer-minders-enter-fulham-talks-today-1048591

Arsenal wait as Schwarzer minders enter Fulham talks today

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is on the brink of a move to Arsenal.

The News of the World says crunch talks will take place today with the Australian keeper set to end his two-year stay at Craven Cottage.

Schwarzer's advisors will meet with Fulham's top brass after weeks of moving the deal towards its conclusion.

That is likely to happen next week with the keeper's advisors confident they have convinced Fulham that he must be allowed to achieve his dream move at the age of 37.

Schwarzer will sign a two-year deal to join the Gunners with the fee still being haggled over.

Arsenal are expected to pay around £3million for a keeper whom Arsene Wenger has long admired and will signal the end of Manuel Almunia's inconsistent time at the club.

[os5889]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/hammers-make-approach-for-south-american-hotshot

Hammers 'make approach' for South American hotshot
West Ham want Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz
By Will Haine  August 16, 2010

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to sell Roque Santa Cruz to West Ham.

Goal.com suggests that City are willing to listen to offers for the Paraguayan striker as the deadline for the submission of their 25-man Premier League squad looms.

The Hammers are stepping up their pursuit of a new centre-forward and - having missed out on Everton frontman Yakubu - they have supposedly tabled a bid of £8.5 million for 29-year-old Santa Cruz.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes - who snapped up Santa Cruz from Blackburn while in charge at Eastlands - has also reportedly been keen to seal a deal for the ex-Bayern Munich marksman, but his wage demands are believed to be a stumbling block.

This would appear to make West Ham the frontrunners to gain his signature - which could prove to be vital should they lose Carlton Cole to Liverpool.

Cole has been constantly linked with a £20 million move to Anfield in recent weeks, but the Irons' co-chairman David Sullivan has made it clear that he does not intend to let any of his best players leave Upton Park.

Scott Parker has also been subject to interest from a number of clubs - including Tottenham - but Sullivan today issued a firm "hands-off" warning to any potential suitors.

"I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters," he told the Daily Mail.

"I have told Spurs again that he's not available and not to bother us any further, or we'll report them to the Premier League."