Friday Fulham Stuff (20/08/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6323285,00.html?
Trio target Loach move
City, Fulham and Celtic keen on Hornets goalkeeper

Skysports.com understands a host of sides are chasing Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Loach, who was called up to the England squad and named on the bench for last week's friendly against Hungary, is regarded as one of the best young keepers in the country after impressing at Vicarage Road over the last few seasons.

Manchester City, Fulham and Celtic, who are all thought to be in the market for a goalkeeper, are all believed to be keeping tabs on Loach's situation.

Big-spending City could make a move for Loach should Shay Given opt to leave Eastlands after losing his No.1 berth to Joe Hart.

Loach is also thought to be on Fulham's shortlist as they ponder replacements for Arsenal target Mark Schwarzer.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is looking to land a new goalkeeper after losing Artur Boruc to Fiorentina and Loach is believed to be on his radar.

Watford are reluctant to lose the highly-rated custodian, but they could face a fight to keep him if any of the interested clubs firm up their interest before the close of the transfer window.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.givemefootball.com/championship/eagles-land-young-stopper?
Eagles land young stopper
Crystal Palace sign Wesley Foderingham

Crystal Palace have signed former Fulham youth goalkeeper Wesley Foderingham on a two-year contract.

The 19-year-old is to join non-league neighbours at Bromley with immediate effect on a two-month loan.

Boss George Burley has already brought in former Derby and Brentford keeper Lewis Price as cover for regular number one Julian Speroni.

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/manchester-united-face-fulham-looking-to-avoid-third-successive-defeat-at-the-cottage/62486/?
Manchester United face Fulham looking to avoid third successive defeat at the Cottage

Fulham v Manchester United, Premier League, August 19, 2010

Fulham 6.15; Draw 3.75; Manchester United 1.54

Manchester United head down to London for a clash with Fulham, as well as former legend and then local rival Mark Hughes, on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed an excellent record at Fulham during the Premier League years until 2008/2009 when a 2-0 defeat in March could have derailed Manchester United's eventual title success. And last season the Cottagers emerged as 3-0 winners in December in probably their best league performance of the campaign.

With Chelsea winning the league by just one point, it is easy to point out that Fulham's win last season was critical and it was also probably one of the nadirs of United's campaign. Key to this encounter is the fact that Mark Hughes' transfer spending at the Cottage is far from over and it would be no surprise if the west London side fail to replicate the form they showed under Roy Hodgson.

Sparky picked up a creditable point in his first game with a 0-0 draw at Bolton on the opening Saturday. Goalkeeper David Stockdale took the plaudits with a fine performance and the former reserve keeper is expected to face Berbatov, Rooney and co. on Sunday although there continues to be speculation that Mark Schwarzer is heading to Arsenal and Shay Given may re-join Hughes on loan.

New signing Moussa Dembele can be expected to come into the starting line-up following his move from AZ Alkmaar. He could also be joined by Rafik Halliche who has been training with Fulham with a view to a move from Benfica.

Dembele's inclusion should add some pace to the Fulham attack, the Belgian striker could benefit from Bobby Zamora's hold up play. Hughes may also start with Clint Dempsey, such a crucial player for Fulham in recent seasons, who played just 14 minutes as a late substitute at the Reebok.

Danny Murphy should also be a threat, scoring twice in successive seasons against Manchester United after often finding the back of the net against the Red Devils during his time at Liverpool.

Manchester United will be buoyed by their start to the 2010/2011 season, brushing Chelsea aside in the Community Shield and then easing past Newcastle at Old Trafford last Monday. Paul Scholes, who was sent off at Craven Cottage in 2008/2009, was at his imperious best against the Toon and should start again against Fulham.

All eyes will again be on Wayne Rooney who hasn't scored since the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Wazza continued to look rusty in the Premier League opener but the suspicion remains that if he bags one, he will go on a good run.

Former Cottager Chris Smalling will likely be on the Manchester United bench and Edwin van der Sar can also be expected to start against his old club. Since Sir Alex Ferguson rarely starts the same team twice in succession, there could also be starts for Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick or Javier Hernandez.

Since Fulham are still undergoing their re-invention under Mark Hughes, Manchester United should win this one but it may be tight until they can rack up a couple of goals.

101gg predicts: Fulham 1 – Manchester United 3 (12.96)

Fulham 6.15; Draw 3.75; Manchester United 1.54

[WhiteJC]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/premier-league-skipper-confirms-arsenal-and-liverp?
Premier League skipper confirms Arsenal and Liverpool interest
Danny Murphy has urged Fulham to sort out contracts for Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky

Fulham skipper Danny Murphy has admitted that Arsenal and Liverpool are serious about Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky respectively and is hoping the pair will reject their advances.

A number of Fulham players have been linked to Liverpool since Roy Hodgson took over but one player who he has his eye on is left-back Paul Konchesky.

With Emiliano Insua on the way out, the Reds were forced into re-signing released Brazilian Fabio Aurelio and play Daniel Agger as an emergency left-back.

Furthermore, Arsenal have been busy looking into keeper signings to replace error-prone Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski.

And Schwarzer has admitted he wants to be able to speak to the Gunners after they made enquiries about the 37-year-old.

Murphy told The Mirror: "Strangely enough, and I don't know why the club has let it happen, but seven or eight of the squad are into the last year of their contracts.

"I don't think that's particularly healthy, and I think it's important that we get it sorted because it is difficult for players to be having a year left on their contracts.

"It's different for me because I'm a bit older and, when you reach my age, you start doing it year by year, but for a lot of the other lads it's an unsettling time.

"You have other clubs coming in for them and you worry about getting injured with only a year left on your contract," he added.

New Cottagers manager Mark Hughes has made his first signing in Moussa Dembele today but Murphy believes it is more important to keep hold of their existing players.

He continued: "New additions are all very well and good, but I think we need to get the players with a year left tied down and keep as many of the squad together as possible.

"Obviously when players do well they can move on to bigger and better things - I know Arsenal are chasing Schwarzer and Liverpool are after Konchesky - and I don't know whether we will be able to keep them, it's out of my hands.

"But you can't buy experience and you don't want to be losing key members of your squad."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/aug/19/arsenal-mark-schwarzer-fulham?
Fulham reject second approach from Arsenal for Mark Schwarzer
• London rivals fail to improve on initial £2m bid for goalkeeper
• Attention may turn to Maarten Stekelenburg or Shay Given

Fulham have rejected a second bid from Arsenal for Mark Schwarzer after the Gunners failed to increase their bid for the Australia goalkeeper from the initial £2m offer they made in May, with the Cottagers pricing the 37-year-old at around £5m.

There is bemusement at Fulham over Arsenal's decision to renew their interest in Schwarzer but fail to increase their valuation of him, with Arsenal apparently confident of eventually securing the transfer due to the player lodging a transfer request.

Mark Hughes does not want to sell Schwarzer and, as the close of the transfer window approaches, the manager is not prepared to countenance any deal unless Fulham receive what they would consider to be a realistic bid for a player who has two years remaining on his contract.

While Arsène Wenger is keen to replace Manuel Almunia, Schwarzer is not necessarily his first choice, with Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg thought to be among Wenger's preferred options.

Shay Given, who has been dislodged by Joe Hart as Manchester City's No1, is also under consideration by Wenger and the Irishman would be keen on a move to north London as, at 34, he wants the guarantee of regular first-team football and to safeguard his international career.

Hughes is hopeful the Algeria defender Rafik Halliche, who has trained with Fulham will complete a move from Benfica today for around £1.5m. The Welshman also hopes to bring in several more players with a loan deal for Eidur Gudjohnsen, who is at Monaco, one possibility.

Wenger, meanwhile, appears close to strengthening his defence with the France international Sébastien Squillaci after the defender's club, Sevilla, confirmed an offer has been received. Wenger's squad lacks experienced defensive cover following the summer departure of William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikaël Silvestre, who all left once their contracts had expired.
The 30-year-old Squillaci asked not to be selected for Sevilla's Champions League play-off against Braga last night to avoid being cup-tied should he move to the Emirates. The former Lyon defender is valued at around £6.5m but it is uncertain whether Arsenal have matched that valuation.

Sevilla said: "Sébastien Squillaci's future is in the air. As was confirmed by sporting director Ramón Rodríguez at the airport in Porto, the club have received an offer from Arsenal. The player asked coaches not to play him in the match."

As with Schwarzer, Rodríguez said Arsenal need to improve their offer: "The player asked not to play because of the offer from such a big team but for the moment we believe the offer is insufficient and Squillaci is still a Sevilla player," he told the Spanish newspaper Marca.

The Arsenal defender Armand Traoré is wanted by Benfica. The 20-year-old, who signed from Monaco four years ago, was impressive when on loan at Portsmouth last season but with the emergence of Kieran Gibbs, the left-back is now effectively third-choice and could join the Portuguese champions for around £3.2m .

Traoré's agent Richard des Voeux told the A Bola newspaper: "A number of European clubs were interested in Armand, but the Benfica option is more important in many aspects. The interest is real and we are at a sensitive stage [of negotiations]. Armand is aware of contacts between Benfica and Arsenal. Benfica are a wonderful club that would interest any player.

"Obviously, Armand is very interested and excited about the possibility of coming to play at Benfica. Nothing is finalised, but things can be decided very soon."

Following the news that Samir Nasri will be out for a month Wenger now has to deal with the loss of the 18-year-old midfielder, Emmanuel Frimpong. Wenger said: "We have had another blow with Emmanuel Frimpong. He has done his cruciate in training. That is a massive blow. A cartilage is three to four weeks but a cruciate like that one Frimpong did yesterday is six to nine months. I rate him highly and I still have a lot of faith in him but we will miss him for six to nine months."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209911
Fulham - Rumour Overdrive!
The rumoured decision made by Roberto Mancini to select Joe Hart ahead of Shay Given for the Europa League fixture this evening could have ramifications if the rumour mill is to be believed.

Given is reported to be unhappy at the situation and is mulling over his next move. Amongst the options suggested are moves to either Arsenal or Fulham.

If it were to be Fulham it would almost certainly mean Mark Schwarzer would be heading of to join Arsenal.

One sign that a move to Fulham would be a favourable option for City is that they`ve already shown a reluctance to sell / loan players to top six rivals, as shown by their refusal to sell Craig Bellamy to Spurs.

If this scenario is kicked off by a request from Given to move on, it could see another rumour-mill scenario evolve with it now being suggested that Mark Schwarzer will move to Arsenal for a fee but with the young Arsenal striker, Carlos Vela, heading to the Cottage.

All we`ll advise is for you all to sit back and watch events unfold, or not unfold as may be the case this time around!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209911#ixzz0x7fDFhOt

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209910
Fulham - How About If?
If Paul Konchesky truly does have a desire to be re-united with Roy Hodgson now our old manager is running the Liverpool show, they could be about to be dashed.

Amongst the many transfer rumours in circulation about the Anfield club is one that offers the inference that Roy Hodgson may be about to launch a double raid on north-west neighbours Manchester City.

The players he`s reportedly interested in are the striker, Roque Santa Cruz, and the left back Wayne Bridge.

Therefore, by the powers of deduction it doesn`t take a genius to work out that if Bridge is one of Hodgson`s targets then he will be fulfilling the sentiments of his parting speech whereby he implicitly stated he`d not be raiding Craven Cottage to bolster the Liverpool squad.

On the other hand though, and this is purely speculative, is there anybody out there that wouldn`t mind Konchesky going to Anfield if we could lure Bridge to Craven Cottage, bearing in mind how well he was received here when he was on loan from Chelsea?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209910#ixzz0x7fT9Nk6

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209909
Fulham - Dembele Questions Need Answers!
Manchester United at home couldn`t be a more enticing prospect when it comes to making your debut!

The big question is though, will Moussa Dembele get to play a part in the action or will he be forced to watch from the sidelines?

It`s fairly certain that barring a last minute training injury Bobby Zamora will start up front, but will Mark Hughes be bold and go for two up front against a team that are amongst the favourites for domestic and European glory, or will he keep it tight and pack the midfield with a five designed to frustrate United?

If it is the former will he employ Dembele alongside Zamora or will he opt for Dempsey or Gera in a more forward role? Hell he might even shock us and stick Elm of Johnson in, who knows?

Whatever happens Dembele seems a decent enough guy and a guy who is looking to work hard to impress Hughes, remarking to the media,

"I`m prepared to work hard for the manager and take my chance to impress."

A lot of question sin this article I know, but some questions that might promote a response, but I`ll leave you with one final question.

Could Dembele become an instant hero by climbing off the bench to score against United thereby marking his debut with a goal or is that only the stuff dreams are made of?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209909#ixzz0x7ffS6qb

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209908
Fulham - Bellamy Backlash?
Yesterday, being a cheeky so and so, I couldn`t help but question why Cardiff City were allowed to take Crag Bellamy on board when they were being chased for transfer fees owed by another club.

Well it seems I`m not the only person to show concern with the Football League hierarchy also keen to have their say.

In fact the League chairman, Greg Clarke, mentioned that the situation was such that the League might well refuse to register Bellamy as a player unless Cardiff City were able to provide financial assurances.

Cardiff City responded by commenting on the matter with a club source replying in a statement,

"We are extremely disappointed the League chairman has chosen to discuss these matters in public. We are fully confident this deal adds up and it has been fully supported and underwritten by our Malaysian investors."

Well can you ask these Malaysian investors to keep Motherwell sweet as well because what`s gone on reeks of something peculiar especially when you learn Motherwell are excluded as they`re not classed as domestic debt!

And that my friends, is the last I have to say on an unsuccessful pursuit of a player who could have done so much better by signing for us!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209908#ixzz0x7ft1QBi

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209907
Fulham - Hughes Not Finished Spending!
The ideal scenario would have been to have the squad sorted, settled and eager for action prior to the start of the new season.

Unfortunately, life doesn`t often run to plan and with Roy Hodgson departing for the north-west and the subsequent arrival of Mark Hughes, we`re a lagging a little behind in the transfer stakes.

But, some two weeks into the job, Hughes has kick-started his regime with the signing of the Belgian striker, Moussa Dembele, and there`s also the suggestion that he`ll not be the last with Hughes greeting the signing of the striker with the following remarks,

"I`m glad we have finalized the deal with Moussa Dembele."

"It is important that we add strength and depth to enable us to compete."

"Moussa is strong and will add another dimension to our attacking options."

"I look forward to working with him, and with a few more additions."

Does anyone care to offer a suggestion as to which area of the squad Hughes will want to improve next?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209907#ixzz0x7gL0WAH

[WhiteJC]

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/19/liverpool-closing-in-on-dempsey-as-fulham-bring-in-dembele/?
Liverpool Closing In On Dempsey as Fulham Bring in Dembele?

Clint Dempsey: you've got to admit he looks quite good in red. Anfield move a possibility?


The signing of Moussa Dembele for Fulham has meant that reports of American international Clint Dempsey moving on have resurfaced. With Zoltan Gera playing off Bobby Zamora up front, both players are seemingly fighting for the same place in the side – left midfield.

Last season, Dempsey was often deployed from the bench – most notably coming on as a substitute to score a cracking goal against Juventus.

With Mark Schwarzer looking set to move elsewhere, Danny Murphy bemoaning the club's failure to get key players to commit to the club, and no European campaign to look forward to, Dempsey is reportedly considering his options – and former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has taken note at Liverpool.

The Liverpool squad is thin – however talented the starting XI appear – and Dempsey would provide an excellent option.

He would provide an element of flair and creativity as well as a commitment both going forward and defensively, and as the only ever American player to feature in a major European final, he has experience too. Furthermore, he has accumulated 66 caps for the USA and scored nineteen goals for his country.

However, new Fulham coach Mark Hughes would not prove himself particularly popular amongst the West London club's supporters if he were to allow Dempsey to leave.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/danny-murphys-replacement/?
Centre Midfield: Who Replaces Danny Murphy?
by CODY WORSHAM on AUGUST 19, 2010

In the past year observing both Fulham's games on the pitch and its fans off of it, I've noticed that the biggest personnel complaint seems to be the aging (and as a result, diminishing) Danny Murphy.

While Murphy has enjoyed a successful stay at the Cottage (no one will ever forget Portsmouth 2008), many feel that the game is passing him up; others feel it already has. His pace is gone, and what he provides in terms of passing and possession he equally lacks in defensive pressure and scoring threat.

If you've been watching Fulham for at least the last year or so, you'll likely agree that Murphy's days are numbered. The strenuous 2009-10 campaign saw Murphy wear down with an increased work load, and his form dipped directly with more minutes.

The captain has served admirably during a fine run of form in Fulham, but it's time to begin the search to find the next player to fill his role.

Disclaimer: I'm not advocating the benching of Murphy. He still has value, and this side lacks the central depth and leadership to drop its captain. On the contrary, I'm talking about either a) promoting from within a player who can learn from Murphy before he leaves or b) finding a player from the transfer market to play beside Murphy until his stay is done.

The problem with a) is that Fulham don't really have a number of promising central midfield prospects. The problem with b), at the same time, is that the transfer window is closing daily, and Fulham have not been seriously linked with a central midfielder since the Steve Sidwell scenario was shot down.

Regardless, there are some candidates, both from the outside and in. Let's begin with the latter.

Chris Baird

Fulham's very own utility man seems to be a fan favorite to see more minutes in the centre of midfield

The Northern Irish international was a revelation in the 2009-10 squad, which due to injury required the defender to slide into a midfield role. He was superb there, breaking up attacks left and right with an unmatched work rate and a knack for anticipation. His defensive skills translated sublimely higher up the pitch.

Baird is also a dependable passer. His play at right back before the 2009-10 season proved that, even if he lacked for pace, he could play a pass and hold possession. His passing range is well above average, and he doesn't lose the ball with reckless attacks or absurd decision-making.

However, Baird's passing lacks the vision and creativity of Murphy's. While he is safe and sturdy, rarely will he pick out a pass like this one that very literally creates something out of nothing.

He also fails to make up for Murphy's lack of pace or scoring threat. He's not the distance-shooter that Murphy is, and he has been caught out on pace more than a few times for the Whites.

In all truth, Baird is at his best in a central role as a complement to a creative midfielder. He's a classic holder to be put beside a penetrator, and unless his game has evolved during the offseason, I'm not convinced he's the heir-apparent to Murphy.

Simon Davies/Clint Dempsey

Both are natural wide midfielders (or even second strikers), but both are fully capable of handling creative duties in the centre.

For Davies, his skill set matches excellently with a creative role in the center. His technique on the ball is top-notch, he's a superb passer, and his work rate is as good as they come. He's played this role for Tottenham and Everton extensively in the past, and he's done it a bit for Fulham the last few seasons.

The only real downside to moving Davies centrally is losing his vision for cuts. He's not the quickest player, but he's crafty at beating fullbacks down the line or cutting right inside of them. He's also a fine crosser of the ball, a skill lost for the most part when moved to the centre. Also, at 30 years old, he doesn't provide much cover long term, though I imagine he's got another three good seasons in him at top form, especially considering his international retirement.

Still, I could see Davies making a real impact here. He has the creativity of Murphy and the work rate of a holding mid, and his skill matches perfectly in this role.

Dempsey, on the other hand, developed him game in MLS as a central attacking midfielder. He has played the top of the diamond before in college as well as with the New England Revolution prior to joining Fulham. With a strong holding mid like Baird or Etuhu behind him, he could lead a midfield attack with Davies and Duff flanked wide.

In fact, much of Dempsey's international work is done centrally. Granted, he begins games out wide, but he and Landon Donovan often switch sides in the middle of play for the US National Team, bringing both into central creative roles. It's not an out-and-out centre midfield position by any means, but don't think that Dempsey couldn't be comfortable in the middle of the pitch.

Again, with Dempsey in the centre, Fulham would lose his greatest strength: his ability to run at and take on defenders. He would still be able to do this, but from a median area it would take away shooting angles he loves to exploit.

Of the two, I'd prefer Davies in the center of a flat four midfield. Alongside a holding mid and with Dempsey and Damien Duff wide, Fulham would have a particularly effective midfield going forward.

The advantage with Davies or Dempsey in a central role is that it gets the best Fulham attackers on the pitch in the stead of the declining Murphy, but I can't say with anything but speculation that either would be a better option in the centre than the captain.

The other central options like Jonathan Greening, Kashigo Dickagoi, and Etuhu are too defensive minded to replace Murphy's offensive play, so they aren't worth considering right now. The other central options like Jonathan Greening, Kashigo Dickagoi, and Etuhu are too defensive minded to replace Murphy's offensive play, so they aren't worth considering right now.

With that said, the best option is to look elsewhere. One of the strengths of the squad this season is depth wide (Duff, Dempsey, Davies, and Gera), and it should make for a fresh attack every week. It would be foolish to forfeit that depth just to play players out of position.

Why not look to the market for solutions? Here are some possible names with brief mentions of why they might be options as creative central midfielders for Fulham

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Just 20 years old, the Icelandic international is overflowing with talent. He's probably the least familiar name on the list, but he's put on some fantastic displays for Reading. With 18 goals in 41 appearances for Reading, he provides a true scoring threat in an attacking midfield role. How many players at his age are capable of this?

The good news is that he has expressed interest in coming to Craven Cottage before. The bad news is that he is in the first year of three remaining on his contract and would be an expensive purchase, relatively speaking.

Rumors from Icelandic media are linking him to Fulham, but take that for what very little it is worth.

Jamie O'Hara

Neither O'Hara nor the rest of the names on this list have been directly linked to Fulham, but they all provide the skill we need and are relatively accessible. O'Hara impressed on loan at Portsmouth last season, earning club player of the year honors.

Back at Tottenham, he might be available for transfer due to an excess of depth in centre midfield for Spurs and a rocky relationship with Harry Redknapp. Redknapp publically criticized the 23-year-old last season when O'Hara expressed a desire for Fulham to beat Tottenham in the FA Cup so he could play at Wembley (as a loanee from Spurs, he was ineligible to compete against his club.

If he really is on his way out at Tottenham, he would be a cheap buy and a ready replacement. His youth also makes him a long-term solution, and he could spend the next year or two learning under Murphy.

Jermaine Jenas

This is a buy only based on skill and availability. Jenas is not getting the minutes he wants at Spurs, and he would get them for the Whites. He didn't even travel for their Champions League matchup with Young Bhoys.

That said, his personality excites very few teams, and throwing him in the mix under a new manager might be a catastrophe for team chemistry.

Could Mark Hughes get the talent out of Jenas that he's never seemed to express fully? I'm wary about this one, as I'm not sure he would add anything to an already cohesive dressing room. He's also the oldest of the suggested targets, so unless management can get him for cheap and manage his ego, it's probably best to keep this one on the backburner.

Michael Johnson

Johnson's injury and drug issues have been well-documented, and he wouldn't be available until midseason.

Still, he has a good history with Mark Hughes, who constantly invested confidence into the lad at City. He could be on the off if he's not needed to meet the homegrown players quota, and Craven Cottage could be a place of redemption for him.

Mark Noble

West Ham's financial woes make Noble a likely sale. Though he's the longest serving Hammer in the first team, he may be the odd man out in a competitive West Ham midfield.

He's young, talented, and should mix in well with the squad. His chemistry with Scott Parker could reflect on a possible match with Murphy, giving Fulham two industrious, crafty players in the middle.

Of the buys, he could be the most likely to join if pursued.

What do you think? Who would you like to see join? Comment below.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/ManUnitedAnnouncement.aspx?
Season Ticket and Membership Cards

To avoid congestion at the turnstiles, all supporters are kindly asked to enter the stadium and take their seats as early as possible before Sunday's match against Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

To encourage you to come early, we are offering supporters that arrive before 3:15pm some fantastic pre-match food and drink offers, including pints for just £2.50 and a pie and a pint for just £5.

Access Cards (Season Tickets and Memberships)

The Club would like to remind supporters that 2009/10 stadium access cards (Season Tickets and Membership cards) are no longer valid. New cards have been issued and must be used on Sunday.

Valid 2010/11 Stadium Access Cards:


The below cards are no longer valid:


   

Important Notice

We would like to remind supporters that purchasing tickets for Manchester United supporters in home areas is in breach of the Clubs ticket Terms and Conditions and Ground Regulations. The Club reserves the right to remove any away fans found in home areas from the stadium and to cancel the Season Ticket/Membership of the purchaser, disqualifying them from applying for future match tickets.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/ManUnitedAnnouncement.aspx?#ixzz0x7i6mcJ0

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_6323773,00.html?
Gunners fail in Schwarzer bid
Cottagers knock back second offer from Arsenal

Sky Sports News understands Arsenal have failed with a second bid for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The Gunners saw an offer knocked back by the Cottagers in May and have received short shrift once again in their latest approach.

It is believed that the terms offered by Arsenalwere the same as those put on the table earlier in the summer, with a £2million bid believed to have been put forward.

Fulham remain reluctant to do business at that price, despite Schwarzer making it clear that he wants to move on.

The Australia international has admitted that the opportunity to move to Emirates Stadium would be too good to turn down and recently put in a transfer request.

Reliable

The Cottagers accept that the 37-year-old wants to further his career at a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, but insist they will not be held to ransom.

Mark Hughes will not part with his No.1 shot-stopper unless his terms are met, and Arsenal have been made well aware of that.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will return with a third offer for Schwarzer, but Arsene Wenger is known to be in the market for a reliable last line of defence.

The summer transfer window is not due to close until 6pm on 31st August, so there is still plenty of time for an agreement to be reached.

[Tom]

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/19/liverpool-closing-in-on-dempsey-as-fulham-bring-in-dembele/?
Liverpool Closing In On Dempsey as Fulham Bring in Dembele?

Clint Dempsey: you've got to admit he looks quite good in red. Anfield move a possibility?


The signing of Moussa Dembele for Fulham has meant that reports of American international Clint Dempsey moving on have resurfaced. With Zoltan Gera playing off Bobby Zamora up front, both players are seemingly fighting for the same place in the side – left midfield.

Last season, Dempsey was often deployed from the bench – most notably coming on as a substitute to score a cracking goal against Juventus.

With Mark Schwarzer looking set to move elsewhere, Danny Murphy bemoaning the club's failure to get key players to commit to the club, and no European campaign to look forward to, Dempsey is reportedly considering his options – and former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has taken note at Liverpool.

The Liverpool squad is thin – however talented the starting XI appear – and Dempsey would provide an excellent option.

He would provide an element of flair and creativity as well as a commitment both going forward and defensively, and as the only ever American player to feature in a major European final, he has experience too. Furthermore, he has accumulated 66 caps for the USA and scored nineteen goals for his country.

However, new Fulham coach Mark Hughes would not prove himself particularly popular amongst the West London club's supporters if he were to allow Dempsey to leave.

Roy needs to back the f#ck up! He is really starting to irritate me now. Clint is not going anywhere.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal/6323792/Fulham-stand-firm-over-Schwarzer?
Fulham stand firm over Schwarzer

Arsenal have failed with a second bid of around £2million for veteran Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, according to reports.

The Gunners saw an offer knocked back by the Cottagers in May and have received short shrift once again in their latest approach.

It is believed that the terms offered by Arsenal were the same as those put on the table earlier in the summer, with a £2million bid believed to have been put forward.

Fulham remain reluctant to do business at that price, despite Schwarzer making it clear that he wants to move on.

The Australia international has admitted that the opportunity to move to Emirates Stadium would be too good to turn down and recently put in a transfer request.

The Cottagers accept that the 37-year-old wants to further his career at a club competing in the Champions League, but insist they will not be held to ransom.

Mark Hughes will not part with his first-choice shot-stopper unless his terms are met, and Arsenal have been made well aware of that.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will return with a third offer for Schwarzer, but Arsene Wenger is known to be in the market for a reliable last line of defence.

The summer transfer window is not due to close until 6pm on August 31, so there is still plenty of time for an agreement to be reached.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1304544/Arsenal-turn-Sebastian-Squillaci-Fulham-reject-2-5m-bid-Mark-Schwarzer.html?
Arsenal turn to Sebastian Squillaci but Fulham reject £2.5m bid for Mark Schwarzer

Arsenal have had a second £2.5million bid for Mark Schwarzer rejected by Fulham but hope to have more success with their £4.5m offer for Sevilla's Sebastien Squillaci.

Fulham were left bemused by Arsenal's tactics yesterday but are aware they are banking on Schwarzer's desire to leave.

Fulham remain keen on bringing in Manchester City's Shay Given as a replacement on loan but have yet to make a formal approach.

And first Arsenal must make what Mark Hughes considers a proper offer for him to allow 37-year-old Schwarzer to go.

Wenger, who is also interested in Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, is hopeful of reaching a compromise with Sevilla on their £6.5m valuation of 30-year-old French centre half Squillaci.

The player has already made clear his intent to leave after asking to be left out of Wednesday's Champions League qualifier with Sporting Braga.

Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has been ruled out for the season with knee ligament damage and striker Jay Simpson has joined Hull on a three year contract.

Fulham, meanwhile, hope to complete the signing of Algeria defender Rafik Halliche from Benfica today.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1304544/Arsenal-turn-Sebastian-Squillaci-Fulham-reject-2-5m-bid-Mark-Schwarzer.html?#ixzz0x7kMqK9J

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/free-for-all/?
Free For All...
by GATESY on AUGUST 19, 2010

As I often do I had a check from the players listed by the PFA as being un-attatched to a club and looking for employment. I often do this just to keep my toe in the water as you never know when a club will come to its senses and employ me as their gaffer. It'll happen. But anyway, I noticed there were quite a few names that sprung out at me with Fulham connections. Then I wondered if you could put together a side of them. And I did.


1 – TONY WARNER  -   GOALKEEPER  - After leaving Fulham in 2008 and failing to make an appearance for new club Hull he went on loan Leicester City. Then moved on a free to Charlton, again failing to make an appearance. Currently looking for a club.

2 – STEVE FINNAN  -  RIGHT BACK  - Made 21 appearances for Pompy last season despite numerous injuries. Released with many others when they were relegated. Currently unattached.

3 – NATHAN ASHTON  -  LEFT BACK  - Former England youth international. Made a single appearance for Fulham, a single appearance for Palace on loan  and turned out 11 times for Wycombe. Signed for AFC Wimbledon in Autumn 2009 but left two weeks later. Still looking for a new club.

4 – TONI KALLIO  -  CENTRE BACK  - After four appearances for the Whites 'Bone crusher' was deemed surplus to requirements and was let go this summer. Currently unattached but training with Cardiff City.

5 – OLIVIER DACOURT  – CENTRAL MIDFIELD  - Nine games on loan for the whites at the end of Roy's first full season. After leaving us he signed a single year deal with Standard Liege. He was released at the end of the season.

6 – TEYMOURIAN ANDRANIK  -  DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD  - After being released at the end of last season he turned down the chance to join Blackburn and had talks with Sheffield United. They fell through and he's talking to Blackburn again, but is currently a free agent.

7 – LIAM ROSENIOR  -  RIGHT MIDFIELD  - Spent last season at Ipswich Town on loan from Reading. Currently without club.

8 – STEPHEN HUGHES  – CENTRAL MIDFIELD  - A loan signing by Bracewell, he quickly had a stop and was sent back to Arsenal. Played for five clubs after us including Everton and Watford. Currently unemployed.

9 – BARRINGTON HAYLES  -  FORWARD  - Played for five clubs after Fulham including Sheffield United and Millwall. Was released by Cheltenham in the summer and is without a club at the moment.

10 – MICHAEL UWEZU  -  FORWARD  - a member of the academy set up after joining from Asenals youth set up. Never made a full appearance for us and was sent out on loan last season to Lincoln. Was allowed to leave the club in July.

11 – AHMED ELRICH  – LEFT MIDFIELD  - After making his debut against Liverpool (and being quickly subbed off) he was loaned out to a Norwegian club before heading back home. His contract was not renewed at the end of the last A League season.

Together my free transfer Fulham XI have made 471 appearances and scored 51 goals between them. Though to be fair most of the apps and all the goals came from just two of the players.

I don't think it'd be the worst eleven to ever turn out in the Premier League either...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cityam.com/sport/wenger-told-raise-arsenal-bids-pair?
Wenger told to raise Arsenal bids for pair

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has been dealt a double blow in his efforts to patch up a threadbare rearguard after failing with bids for Mark Schwarzer and Sebastien Squillaci.

The Gunners stepped up their attempts to prise Schwarzer away from Fulham this week by lodging a second offer for the Australia goalkeeper, but the Cottagers have rejected the proposal.

And Sevilla, who yesterday held an emergency meeting to discuss Wenger's bid for Squillaci, deemed the offer for the experienced France centre-back "insufficient".

Despite the setbacks, Arsenal are expected to persist with both deals.

Fulham may have resisted the second bid, which is said to merely be a resubmission of the Gunners' initial £2m offer, but have not publicly ruled out a transfer and Schwarzer is keen to move.

Sevilla are reluctant to lose a player so close to the 31 August transfer deadline unless their financial demands are met. They were, however, sufficiently open to a deal to pull Squillaci out of Wednesday's Champions League tie to prevent him becoming cup-tied.

Sporting director Ramon Rodriguez said: "The player asked not to play because of the offer from such a big team. But, for the moment, we believe the offer is insufficient and Squillaci is still a Sevilla player."

Wenger's squad was further depleted yesterday when promising midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong was ruled out for six to nine months after rupturing cruciate ligaments.

But the manager does expect captain Cesc Fabregas, striker Robin van Persie and utility man Alex Song to return against Blackpool tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Tottenham look set to sign ex-Gunners captain William Gallas. The Frenchman, released in June, will have a medical today.

[WhiteJC]

http://tribalfootball.com/blackburn-rovers-keen-fulham's-greening-1057731?
Blackburn Rovers keen on Fulham's Greening

Blackburn Rovers are set to offer Fulham's Jonathan Greening a lifeline.

The Lancashire club are keen on having the 31-year old on a season-long loan and offering him a way out of Craven Cottage.

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes has told Greening he doesn't figure in his plans this term and Rovers manager Sam Allardyce wants to strengthen his squad.

Greening, a former Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion midfielder, has dropped his form since becoming a Cottager and a new environment could be a positive move.