Wednesday Fulham Stuff (25/08/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6334464,00.html?
Reds move for Konchesky
Hodgson keen on landing Fulham ace

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky.

Reds bos Roy Hodgson has openly admitted bringing a new left-back is one of his top priorities this summer and it is believed he wants Konchesky to solve the problematic position.

Hodgson is a big admirer of Konchesy having worked with the 29-year-old for two-and-a-half-years prior to his switch to Anfield.

Liverpool are keen to bring in a new left-back before the close of the transfer window and had been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven'sCarlos Salicido.

However, it appears Liverpool have opted to go for Konchesky with the player having just a year to run on his contract at Fulham.
Konchesky's future at Fulham has been the subject of speculation all summer with Birmingham having seen one bid turned down eartlier this summer.

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes was keen to keep hold of the former Charlton man, but Konchesky is thought to have informed the Cottagers chief of his desire to be reunited with Hodgson at Anfield.

Liverpool are believed to be prepared to pay up to £3.5million to land Konchesky as Hodgson looks to finalise his rebuilding plans at the club.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.york.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=210582
David's stock rising at Fulham
Former York City goalkeeper David Stockdale still expects to lose his place to a more senior goalkeeper despite a superb display for Fulham at the weekend.

The 24-year-old had a starring role at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon as the home side twice came from behind to hold Manchester United to a 2-2 draw.

Stockdale made a couple of crucial saves from Reds striker Dimitar Berbatov to keep his side in the game early on before later denying Portuguese international Nani a winner from the penalty spot.

However, with Fulham's first-choice keeper Mark Schwarzer seemingly intent on a move to Arsenal, the former York shot-stopper was still expecting recently appointed Cottagers chief Mark Hughes to look elsewhere for a replacement.

"I believe the manager will buy an experienced keeper, and maybe I can displace the new guy if it comes to that," Stockdale told the Fulham Chronicle. "You dream about playing in the Premiership - never mind in front of Fabio Capello. And this was all about proving I can play in the Premier League rather than ousting Mark.

"I always believed I could do it, and I`ve been on loan a lot over the last two seasons in the lower divisions," he added. "But I thought that if I gave up hope, and this is no disrespect to the lads back in League One and Two - I would end up back there."


Read more: http://www.york.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=210582#ixzz0xb53Jg8D

[WhiteJC]

http://football.uk.reuters.com/leagues/premiership/news/2010/08/24/LDE67N0WQ.php?rpc=401
Fulham sign Algeria defender Halliche


LONDON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Algeria defender Rafik Halliche has signed a three-year deal with Fulham, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who has joined the London club from Portuguese side Benfica for an undisclosed fee, played every minute of Algeria's three matches at the World Cup finals and impressed in the 0-0 draw against England.

"I'm so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised," he said on Fulham's website (www.fulhamfc.com).

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and to be able to play alongside some wonderful players and to be given an opportunity to compete against some fantastic teams for a team like Fulham is something that I've always dreamed of doing."

Halliche spent most of his time at Benfica out on loan with fellow Portuguese club Nacional of Madeira.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-players-and-manager---are-in-it-together?
Fulham players – and manager - are in it together
Fulham correspondent: Mark Hughes carries on where Roy Hodgson left off




Despite yet being able to pick up three points, it has been a strong opening to Fulham's campaign

Two tricky matches – away to Bolton, home to Man United – have shown that the togetherness and spirit, that marked Roy Hodgson's managerial spell with The Cottagers, is alive and well under new boss Mark Hughes.

Even better news was that the passing moves are still evident as was shown with Simon Davies' first equaliser against United on Sunday.

In fact, there were many positives, as there usually are from a draw with the perennial title contenders, that indicate Hughes has been smart enough to recognise that tinkering is all that is required.

A little off the pace in the first-half - although Hughes obviously had a few words about what he expected - the team then delivered a much improved second half display, refused to buckle and many players stood out.

Bobby Zamora looked to have grown an inch from his first England cap, while Brede Hangeland - who has always been a rock - seems also to have recognised just how vital he is to the side.

So unfortunate with his own-goal, his determined challenge in United's box for a last-gasp equaliser seems to suggest Brede is going to be an even bigger influence at the club this season. Mobbed by his teammates, it is clear he is a popular guy too.

Then new signing Moussa Dembele did enough in a second half cameo to suggest his fee will be repaid early. There was also the suggestion that he and Zamora could become a really useful striking partnership in the making, even if, for the moment, his role is limited to 'impact from the bench'.

Then there is David Stockdale. Sure a dream move and finish from Davies stood out and, yes, Hangeland's determination to correct his own goal was inspirational, while Zamora made life extremely uncomfortable especially for Jonny Evans.

But Stockdale looked as though he had started a 'Who's Mark Schwarzer' petition – although tough to judge two strong games against two great seasons.

Having been given no chance with Paul Scholes' beauty or the own goal, the game's turning point had arrived from 12 yards out. Stockdale stepped up manfully to keep out Nani's penalty with an excellent save and looked assured throughout the whole game.

It seems Hughes is biding his time on Schwarzer but time is running out with the transfer deadline looming fast. But Stockdale has shown he may just be up for the job. For him, just like the team, it has been a good start to build on.

*Disclaimer: The views in this article are that of the writer and may not replicate those of the Professional Footballers' Association.

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8939681.stm?
Fulham    v    Port Vale

Carling Cup second round
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Wednesday, 25 August Kick-off: 2000 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights on The League Cup Show

TEAM NEWS
Fulham's new signings Moussa Dembele and Rafik Halliche are both available for the cup tie.
Andy Johnson will miss the game because of a knee problem.

Port Vale's former Fulham boss Micky Adams will be without midfielders Doug Loft (ribs) and Lewis Haldane, who has an ankle injury.

Captain Tommy Fraser could be pushing for a start while Louis Dodds will look to keep his place in the side after scoring at Southend at the weekend.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• These clubs have met 48 times. Fulham have won 21 of those matches and Port Vale 14, with 13 draws. This is the first time they have met in the League Cup.

• Their most recent meetings were in 1999/2000, when both clubs were in the second tier and Fulham did the double over Vale.

Fulham
• Fulham are looking for a place in the League Cup third round, where they have exited in each of the last three seasons.
• Since reaching the quarter-finals in 2004/05, the Cottagers have fallen at the second-round hurdle once. Wycombe knocked them out in September 2006.

Port Vale
• Vale are vying for a place in the third round for the second year in a row, and the third time in 14 years.
• This is the club's fifth away tie in six League Cup matches.
• Lee Collins could make his 100th Vale appearance.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/cottage-collapse-not-good-enough-vidic-2309310.html?
Cottage collapse not good enough: Vidic

By Sam Wallace
Tuesday August 24 2010

There are still 36 games left for Manchester United to join Chelsea in the goal plundering but in the light of their draw with Fulham on Sunday, even Nemanja Vidic had to concede that throwing away the lead in the final minutes was not good enough for a team that has aspirations to reclaim their Premier League title.

Chelsea have 12 goals already this season and are nine better off than United on goal difference alone, which is always worth a point itself in a close title race. Last season, Carlo Ancelotti's side finished with a goal difference that was 13 superior to United's which was nicely boosted by the eight they racked up against Wigan Athletic on the last day of the season.

First of all United will have to turn their attention to shutting their back door after they uncharacteristically conceded a late goal at Craven Cottage to Brede Hangeland's header to draw the game 2-2. Vidic, one of those who failed to put in a challenge on Hangeland, said that United had recovered from slow starts in the past.

"It's happened in previous years," he said. "We don't want to be too down after this result but it's definitely hard to take because we had the result in our hands.

"Everyone in the dressing room is very disappointed. It's a bad result, especially as we were winning in the last minute of the game. It's hard to take the draw.

"It was an up and down game, especially in the second half and it was hard because the weather was hotter than it usually is here. But it was the same for both teams and we were happy with the result at 2-1. But it's a shame whenever we drop points and we need to improve at set-pieces.

"It's hard to take. If it had finished 2-1 we would have been happy with the result but not that much with the performance. But if we'd won we could have forgotten this game. But now there are definitely some lessons we must learn from this."

United lost their second league game of last season to Burnley and drew with Newcastle and Reading on the previous two opening days of the season. Ryan Giggs said: "The Premier League is the most important (trophy to win) after losing the title by a point last season. We lost far too many last year (seven). You know you are going to slip up during a season, and every away game is tough, but you have to limit the mistakes."

- Sam Wallace

[WhiteJC]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/rafik-halliche-signs-for-fulham.html?
Rafik Halliche signs for Fulham
By: timmyg | August 24th, 2010

Algerian center-back Rafik Halliche joins Fulham on a three-year deal, reported to be around the 2-million pound mark.

Halliche is Mark Hughes' second signing since taking over in late July, and should provide great cover for our ailing center of defense that saw signing Phillipe Senderos blow an achilles.

Despite being just 23 years old, Halliche already has 20 caps and one goal for his native Algeria. He was an integral part in helping the Desert Foxes qualify for their first World Cup since 1986, and then only conceding two goals — despite not scoring one.

Halliche was a Benfica player but never once featured for them. He instead was loaned out to C.D. Nacional of Madeira. One could argue that he was not good enough for Benfica, but I think he'll be good enough for us. Hopefully he features in tomorrow night's Carling Cup match against Port Vale.

I found this story about how Halliche's fellow Algerians are milling around as free agents after the World Cup. Gotta love the backhanded compliment at the end.

Still, the Greens' performance in South Africa certainly caught the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. He was often quoted as praising the skills of Yebda and Halliche. For a while, it looked like the Premiereship side was set to make a deal.

Then Arsenal made it clear it had no plans for them, making them face an unknown fate.

Halliche, who for the last 2 years has been playing on loan from Benfica to fellow Portuguese club Naciona, may have a way out.

With Fulham.

Ouch.

[WhiteJC]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24082010/63/duo-available-debuts.html?
Duo available for debuts

Fulham's new signings Moussa Dembele and Rafik Halliche are both available for their Carling Cup tie against Port Vale.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer remains doubtful with the back problem which prevented him from playing in the draws with Bolton and Manchester United.

Long-term injury victims Philippe Senderos (Achilles), Andrew Johnson (knee) and Diomansy Kamara (foot) are out.

[WhiteJC]

http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2010/08/24/happy_halliche_joins_cottagers?
Happy Halliche joins Cottagers
Fulham have confirmed the signing Algeria defender Rafik Halliche on a three-year deal from Portuguese side Benfica.

The 23-year-old could go straight into the squad for tomorrow's Carling Cup tie against Port Vale at Craven Cottage.

Fulham manager Mark Hughes also has Moussa Dembele available after the Belgian striker received international clearance following his £5million switch from AZ Alkmaar.

Halliche joins a club in buoyant mood following an impressive performance in Saturday's draw with Manchester United.

"I'm so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised," he said.

"For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and to be able to play alongside some wonderful players and to be given an opportunity to compete against some fantastic teams for a team like Fulham is something that I've always dreamed of doing."

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/halliche-in-line-for-debut/?
Halliche in line for debut
by DAN on AUGUST 24, 2010

Rafik Halliche could make his Fulham debut in tomorrow's League Cup tie against Port Vale.

The Algerian centre back, who completed his £2m move from Benfica on Monday, has been included in Mark Hughes' squad for the second round fixture at Craven Cottage and could replace either Brede Hangeland or Aaron Hughes at the heart of the Fulham defence, especially with Saturday's trip to Blackpool in mind. Moussa Dembele, impressive from the bench against Manchester United on Sunday, is expected to make his full debut against the League Two side.

According to the Press Association, Rob Milsom, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Frederik Stoor and Eddie Johnson are all available for selection.

[WhiteJC]

http://soccerlens.com/placement-of-a-penalty/53074/?
Placement Of A Penalty
by: The United Religion
24 AUG 2010
Much is being made about Manchester United's missed penalty in the 2-2 draw against Fulham, so where should have Nani placed his kick?

This question has very simple, obvious answer – in the back of the net – but if it were only that easy.

With the score at 2-1 in United's favor, the Reds were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute following Damien Duff's unintentional handling of the ball inside the area, but Nani's penalty was well-saved by Fulham's goalkeeper David Stockdale.

Directly after the match and without seeing the placement of Nani's kick, Sir Alex Ferguson said that all penalties should have some height on them, which makes it harder for the goalkeeper to save.

Like he normally is, the United manager was spot on, because if his effort was struck into the top corner then Stockdale would have had no chance of saving it, but despite the fact that it was hit low and hard, the young 'keeper was able to get down and push it away.

Nowadays, the reaction of the goalkeepers is much quicker, so it is imperative for the attacker to strike the ball as cleanly and as high into the top corner as possible.

Opposers will say that the attackers have the advantage, because they are striking a ball into a 192 square-foot (24′ x 8′) goal from just 12-yards out, but the wingspan of a normal goalkeeper ranges from six to seven feet will do well to cover the vast majority of the goal.

Guess
Hitting penalties has become a bit of a strategic guessing game for not only the goalkeeper, but also the spot kick taker.

Like in the match-up between Nani and Stockdale, if the 'keeper saves the penalty then he is a hero and the taker of kick is a goat, but in actuality each of them have a 50/50 chance of either scoring or saving it.

Take nothing away from the 24-year old shot stopper, because he fully deserves credit for helping Fulham earn a point in the match, however, if Nani converted the kick then he would have been seen as the hero, but the goalkeeper would not have been at fault, because he was "supposed" to have scored – a catch-22, really.

Statistics
To better prove this point, there were seven penalty kicks in the second round of Barclays Premier League and four of them were missed (three saved).

Carlton Cole (West Ham United) and Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers) both had their penalties saved, but John Carew (Aston Villa) totally missed the target.

The amazing correlation about each of the players that missed spot kicks this weekend – their team lost – and in each circumstance, a successful conversion would have given their team the lead as well.

Manchester United should learn a valuable lesson with this missed opportunity at sealing three points, and hopefully they will not make the same mistake again.

The author of this post, David T. Hammons, runs the website The United Religion.



Read more: http://soccerlens.com/placement-of-a-penalty/53074/?#ixzz0xb8hto1J

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/08/24/fulham-sign-rafik-halliche-82029-27125788/?
Fulham sign Rafik Halliche

FULHAM have signed Algerian international defender Rafik Halliche.

The 23-year-old centre-half will fill the void left by the crocked Philippe Senderos, who is set for a long spell on the sidelines following an injury in training.

Halliche started his career at NA Hussein Dey before moving to Benfica in 2008.

He spent the past two seasons on loan at CD Nacional of Madeira, and starred for his country in this summer's World Cup.

Halliche has signed a three-year deal at Craven Cottage that will keep him in SW6 until 2013.

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/liverpool-closing-in-konchesky/?
Liverpool closing in on Konchesky?
by DAN on AUGUST 25, 2010

Time for another transfer saga straight from the Sky Sports studios in Isleworth. A story carried prominently on the Sky Sports website this morning declares that Liverpool are 'closing in' on Paul Konchesky.

The report claims that Liverpool have dropped their interest in PSV defender Carlos Salicido in favour of a move for Konchesky as the Fulham defender only has a year left on his Craven Cottage contract. Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, who claimed he wouldn't be raiding his former club during his first press conference at Anfield, has identified left back as a problem position to be solved before the close of the transfer window and Konchesky is apparently keen to be reunited with his former manager on Merseyside.

As usual, there are no quotes to substantiate these inferences – but expect it to feature pretty strongly on the rolling sports news channel. It will be interesting to if Konchesky's included in the side to face Port Vale this evening.

The former England international, who has made 122 appearances for the Whites since moving from West Ham for £1.5m in 2007, missed Fulham's first game of the season at Bolton but returned to the starting line-up for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United. Sky Sports suggest Hodgson would be willing to part with £3.5m to sign Konchesky. Watch this space.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/Mickey-Adams-to-miss-Fulham-striker-Zamora.aspx
MICKEY ADAMS TO MISS FULHAM STRIKER ZAMORA

Former Fulham and now Port Vale manager Mickey Adams and Bobby Zamora have already exchanged texts before Fulham's Carling Cup clash with Port Vale.

But it had nothing to with the match that brings the former Whites manager back to the Cottage for the third time since he was sacked at the start of chairman Mohamed Al Fayed's reign in 1997.

"We texted each other last week before the England game to thank each other for the past at Brighton," said Adams.

"I was proud of the fact he played for England and I hope he gets a few more opportunities."

"Bobby is a great kid who always knew where the back of the net was," said Adams.

"He was a very intelligent footballer, I didn't have to tell him things twice and if I gave him a rollicking he didn't sulk."

But it's likely Zamora will sit out the game as current Fulham boss Mark Hughes is ready to make a raft of changes to the team that produced an exciting 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Hughes had six internationals warming the bench against the Man Utd, and with Blackpool and the Premier League a bigger priority on Saturday, Hughes could make use of all six to knock over the League Two side.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-boss-Mickey-Adams-wants-revenge-against-Fulham-owner-Mohamed-Al-Fayed-in-Carling-Cup-article563039.html
Adams seeks Fulham revenge in Carling Cup

Port Vale boss Micky Adams wants his team to wipe the smile off Mohamed Al Fayed's face.

The Fulham owner sacked Adams in 1997 so Kevin Keegan could launch a top-flight return.

He is back in League Two now with unbeaten Vale, who shocked QPR in the first round, storming to a 3-1 win at Loftus Road.

Adams, whose No.2 Geoff Horsfield is also an ex-Fulham player, said: "If you are going to pull off a shock you need a confident side – and we are.

"This game can show how far we have come over the past 12 months."

Vale will pin their hopes on a pair of striking Richards. Marc Richards netted 22 times last term, while Justin bagged two at QPR



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-boss-Mickey-Adams-wants-revenge-against-Fulham-owner-Mohamed-Al-Fayed-in-Carling-Cup-article563039.html#ixzz0xbBJO0oR
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

[WhiteJC]

http://www.football.co.uk/fulham/manchester_city_s_roque_santa_cruz_edges_towards_5m_lazio_switch_rss1164887.shtml
Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz edges towards 5m Lazio switch

Roque Santa Cruz's Manchester City nightmare looks set to end after the player's agent revealed Lazio have tabled a bid for the striker. The Serie A outfit have offered just £5million for Santa Cruz, who joined City last summer in a deal worth almost four times that amount. Since his move from Blackburn, the Paraguay international has seen a raft of stars also arrive at Eastlands, nudging him further down the pecking order.
Up for grabs: Out-of-favour Man City striker Roque Santa Cruz is wanted by Lazio Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez usurped him last year, while the arrival of Mario Balotelli has further limited a player who has also suffered a series of injuries.
'I understand that there have been meetings between Manchester City and Lazio's officials for the transfer of Santa Cruz,' explained his agent Jan Van Baal. International class: Santa Cruz played for Paraguay in this summer's World Cup 'I have been informed about the real interest of Lazio.
At this moment I can say that there are 50 per cent possibility that the transfer can be done. 'This proposal is official and according to what I have been informed Lazio would be offering £5million.' Lazio president Claudio Lotito confirmed negotiations and admitted there was no back-up plan. 'The talks for Santa Cruz are still open, but we are thinking in detail about some aspects,' he said. 'We will make the right assessments and decide soon.
There are no alternatives to Santa Cruz, if we don't buy him.' Santa Cruz, who played in this summer's World Cup, has also been linked with a move to Fulham where he would join up with Mark Hughes under whom he excelled at Blackburn.
West Ham approached City about a potential loan for the striker who arrived in the Premier League from Bayern Munich in 2007.  
As Manchester City's Sheik Mansour watches his team for the first time...it's King Carlos!
Santa Cruz wanted by West Ham as Grant eyes season loan for City striker
Roque Santa Cruz loan is a priority for Fulham boss Mark Hughes

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/PortValeHome.aspx
Fulham v Port Vale

Carling Cup
Wednesday 25 August
Kick-Off 20:00



On-sale dates

General Sale on sale (unlimited)
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/PortValeHome.aspx#ixzz0xbCepepU

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/FoundationDraw.aspx
Foundation Draw

After many years of operation, the Club would like to confirm to supporters that the Foundation Draw will no longer be taking place. Fulham Football Club Foundation are working on a brand new initiative which will be launched soon.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/FoundationDraw.aspx#ixzz0xbD4c4rX

[WhiteJC]

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Liverpool-boss-Roy-Hodgson-eyes-up-move-for-Fulhams-Dickson-Etuhu/9984/?
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson eyes up move for Fulham's Dickson Etuhu

Roy Hodgson is closely monitoring Fulham's contract negotiations with Dickson Etuhu and is poised to bring the Nigerian international to Liverpool.

The 28-year-old flourished under Hodgson at Fulham and is a firm favourite at Craven Cottage.  Etuhu has only a year left on his current Fulham deal and has yet to sign a new contract, sparking Liverpool's interest.

The Sun reports that Liverpool boss Hodgson is ready to make a move for Etuhu, should he stall on a new Fulham deal.  Etuhu is a ball-winning, combative midfielder and could help fill the gap should Javier Mascherano leave Anfield.

The Sun quotes a Fulham insider, who commented on Etuhu "Unfortunately everything has been left to the last minute.

"Although the situation is not ideal, no one at the club wants him to go."

[Lighthouse]

Gerrard passes to ETUHU !!!!!!!!!!!! Oh too stupid for words.