Thursday Fulham Stuff (26.08.10)

[White Noise]

Fulham eye £2.5m defender Carlos Salcido as Liverpool step up bid for Paul Konchesky

By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 12:59 AM on 26th August 2010


Fulham are close to agreeing a £2.5million deal for Mexico international Carlos Salcido from PSV Eindhoven.

Manager Mark Hughes made his move for the 30-year-old defender after Liverpool stepped up their interest in Fulham full back Paul Konchesky.
 
Although Wigan have also expressed fresh interest in Salcido, 30, Birmingham have dropped out of the chase leaving the deal to Fulham close to completion.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1306171/Carlos-Salcido-set-sign-Fulham-Liverpool-step-bid-Paul-Konchesky.html#ixzz0xfatGTh9

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/08/25/fulham-crush-port-vale-in-six-goal-triumph-82029-27139667/

Fulham crush Port Vale in six goal triumph


Aug 25 2010 By Alex Smith

Fulham 6-0 Port Vale Carling Cup, Round Two

It was raining goals at Craven Cottage as Fulham eased their way into the third round of the Carling Cup with a massive 6-0 win over Port Vale.

Goals from Moussa Dembele, Clint Dempsey and two each from Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera left Fulham fans singing in the rain on a wet night in SW6.

Fulham manager Mark Hughes, wary of an embarrassing slip up to lower league opposition, named a strong side featuring eight of the team who drew with Manchester United on Sunday. First starts were handed to new signing Moussa Dembele and 19 year-old defender Matthew Briggs with Zoltan Gera coming into midfield.

Ex-Fulham boss Micky Adams, now in charge of Port Vale, was given a warm reception from the home crowd, but if he was expecting any favours from his old club on the pitch, he was given a rude awakening after just ten minutes.

The floodgates were opened by Gera as he bravely leapt to meet Briggs’ cross with a powerful header.

Dembele put the tie further from Vale’s grasp on 26 minutes when opened his Fulham account with a left-footed shot from just outside the box.

10 minutes later Bobby Zamora brilliantly fired in a third from a tight angle, and an excellent half for Fulham was completed just before the break with Gera pirouetting in the Vale box before smashing in from 12 yards.

After the break, Vale tired to edge their way back into the game but shots from Justin Richards and Louis Dodds failed to trouble Fulham keeper David Stockdale.

At the other end of the pitch, the goals kept on coming with Zamora neatly finishing a free-kick from the edge of the box to collect his second in the 66th minute, and substitute Clint Dempsey fired a powerful shot from 20 yards to make it six just minutes later.

Fulham now march on to round three and with his first win as Fulham boss under his belt, Hughes will be hopeful for a successful run in the competition.

Fulham: Stokdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs (Kelly 55), Gera, Murphy, Duff, Ethuhu (Greening 55), Zamora, Dembele (Dempsey 46)

Port Vale: Tomlinson, Yates (Taylor 13), Griffith (Bell-Baggie 46), McCombe, Owen, Dodds, M Richards, J Richards, Collins, Rigg, Roberts (Fraser 46)

Attendance: 9,031

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/six-of-the-best-as-fulham-sweep-past-vale/

Six of the best as Fulham sweep past Vale

by Dan on August 25, 2010

In recent years, the early rounds of the League Cup have been a time for nerves and worry at Craven Cottage. Half-strength sides have succumbed to lower league ambition and the usual platitudes about concentrating on the league were trotted out afterwards by a succession of managers. Mark Hughes resisted the temptation to mess about with the side that showed such fortitude against Manchester United on Sunday, reckoning that the confidence gained from that draw would be best maintained by the safe negotiation of what might have been a tricky banana skin and a strong Fulham side rewarded him with a comfortable 6-0 win.

The three alterations to the side that matched Manchester United saw Matthew Briggs step in for Liverpool-bound Paul Konchesky at left back, Moussa Dembele make his first start in place of Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera replace Simon Davies. Both relative newcomers fully justified their selections. Briggs, highly thought of at Motspur Park since stepping off the bench with such calmness as sixteen year-old at Middlesbrough back in 2007, displayed such assurance during his hour on the pitch that it isn’t too much of a stretch to see him as a long-term successor to Konchesky. The England under-19 international displayed a real appetite to attack from the off and delivered a teasing cross for Zoltan Gera to head the home side into a tenth minute lead. Dembele, impressive in a brief cameo on Sunday, had already extended Stuart Tomlinson in the Vale goal prior to doubling Fulham’s lead with an angled drive from 20 yards that clipped the far post on the way in.

Former Fulham manager Micky Adams, afforded a rapturous reception on only his fourth return to Craven Cottage since being sacked at the start of Mohamed Al-Fayed’s riverside reign didn’t send his League Two side out to man the barracades. Having embarassed big-spending QPR in the first round, Vale had ambitions of causing another shock and had they had a little more luck in front of goal they might have capatilised on a lively start. David Stockdale failed to collect a Sean Rigg cross and Adam Yates’ header was deflected wide. Only a desperate defensive scramble cleared the danger as Justin Richards bore down on goal, but once Fulham got their noses in front, Vale couldn’t live with the Premier League side’s sharper passing and swift tempo.

Dembele might have doubled his tally when Briggs floated over another inviting cross and Tomlinson did well to fist away a Zamora volley, but Fulham’s third wasn’t long in coming. Bobby Zamora, who was plucked from Bristol Rovers’ reserves when Adams was in charge at Brighton & Hove Albion, cleverly dummied a Briggs pass before lashing a Gera ball into the far corner from an almost insanely tight angle at the near post. Gera added a fourth as half-time approached, taking full advantage of the amble space a hesistant Vale defence afforded him inside the box to chip Tomlinson with a little help from the underside of the crossbar.

Adams did manage to tighten things up in the second half which was played at a slower pace partly due to the torrential rain that swept across the ground. Tomlinson spread himself well to deny substitute Clint Dempsey and the American reprised his memorable chip against Juventus only for the Vale keeper to prove himself equal to the task of stopping it. The visitors had chances of their own but both Marc and Justin Richards failed to find enough room in which to fashion a shot.

Two late goals added made the scoreline more convincing for Fulham. First, Zamora expertly curled a free-kick around the wall into the far corner of the net from 23 yards and then Dempsey drilled a long-distance drive past Tomlinson to make it six. Vale, backed by a boisterous support of around 1,000 fans, kept playing until the end and deserved a goal that almost came their way after a defensive mix-up that saw Stockdale parry a Marc Richards’ shot and Stephen Kelly hook the rebound to safety.

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Stockdale; Pantsil, Briggs (Kelly 57), Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu (Greening 57), Murphy, Gera, Duff; Dembele (Dempsey 45); Zamora. Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Baird, Riise, E. Johnson.

GOALS: Gera (1o, 45), Dembele (26), Zamora (36, 66), Dempsey (70).

PORT VALE (4-4-2): Tomlinson; Yates (R. Taylor 13), McCombe, Owen, Collins; Griffith (Bell-Baggie 45), Rigg, Roberts (Frazer 45), Dodds; J. Richards, M. Richards. Subs (not used): Martin, T. Taylor, Morsy, Malbon.

BOOKED: Rigg.

REFEREE: Andy Penn (West Midlands).

ATTENDANCE: 9,031

[White Noise]

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor furious as Toon put him up for sale without telling him

 
By David Kent Last updated at 12:52 AM on 26th August 2010

Newcastle United have put Steven Taylor up for sale after contract talks with the central defender collapsed.

Taylor's deal ends at the end of the season and he had asked for a new contract worth about £45,000-a-week to stay with the club he joined as a schoolboy.

But Newcastle want to insert a clause which would see the defender's wages fall by £20,000 if they are relegated to the Championship.

Talks between the two sides have broken down, prompting the club to place him officially on the transfer list yesterday morning.

Taylor last night insisted he wants to stay but hit out at Newcastle for informing him of their decision 'through a third party'.

A statement released by his agents, Triple S, said: 'Figures released to the media today by Newcastle United do not accurately reflect the position of Steven and his agent. However, both are happy to continue negotiations over a new and extended contract at Newcastle.

'Steven's disappointed to learn he was placed on the transfer list through a third party. He has always given 100 per cent at Newcastle and will continue to do so given the opportunity.'

And last night manager Chris Hughton said he was hopeful Taylor would stay.

 In Toon: Carroll netted a hat-trick as Newcastle beat Villa 6-0 on Sunday
After seeing his team beat Accrington Stanley 3-2 in the Carling Cup Hughton said: 'Talks have broken down but that is something we hope can be resolved. 'He is a player that we would like to keep and I think he would like to stay.

'These things are sent to test us but we are hoping an arrangement can be reached.'

The 24-year-old has been plotting his comeback from the shoulder injury which has kept him out of Newcastle's opening two Premier League fixtures and hopes to be ready for first-team action by the end of October.

Unless negotiations can be revived, Newcastle will look to off-load him either before Tuesday's transfer deadline or in the January transfer window.

When the club were relegated two years ago, several players did not have relegation clauses of the type which are now standard in contracts at Premier League clubs who are in danger of going down.

Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton and Liverpool have all previously expressed interest in Taylor and, with less than a year to run of his contract, Newcastle will ask for a fee of about £5million.

He has enjoyed a special bond with the Toon Army because he came through the club's youth ranks to establish himself as one of the leading young English defenders.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1306041/Newcastle-defender-Steven-Taylor-transfer-list.html#ixzz0xfbukLqY

[White Noise]

Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill admits he may be forced to sell in-demand captain Marc Wilson

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 4:08 PM on 25th August 2010


Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill admits Marc Wilson could be sold by the time he prepares his side for the visit of Cardiff City in the Championship on Saturday with Stoke the favourites for the Irishman's signature.

Pompey have already turned down two bids of £2.5m and £3m from West Bromwich Albion for the midfielder having previously insisted their captain was not for sale.
West Bromwich have came back on Tuesday and offered striker Luke Moore on top of their failed £3m offer but that again is not understood to be satisfactory to the south coast club.
Stoke, however, have entered the race and have offered striker Dave Kitson as part of a deal worth around £3.5m.

Fulham remain outsiders the club's chief scout Kit Symons  watched Wilson during Pompey's Carling Cup win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

When asked if he expected Wilson to be available for selection on Saturday, Cotterill said: 'What's the chances of Marc being around for the weekend? It depends on what I get.

'There are a couple of clubs who are interested in Marc. 'There are good players at Stoke, but there are good players all around the Premier League.

'It's difficult but what do you do if someone comes in and gives you money and/or players? What do you do? I don't know the answer.

'Marc Wilson is a quality player, but maybe this football club is not in a position to say no.'

The Pompey boss also suggested he would be in the dark about if  Wilson was to go as the cash-strapped club is still in the hands of administrator Andrew Andronikou.

He added: 'There are a lot of things which go on at this club that I don't know about. Sometimes I find out later and that bugs me a bit.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1306074/Portsmouth-boss-Steve-Cotterill-admits-forced-sell-demand-captain-Marc-Wilson.html#ixzz0xfcA04XC

[White Noise]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/paul-parker/article/28071/


Paul Parker blog

 
Fulham point against United no surprise



Mon Aug 23 01:27PM

 
Fulham's point against another of my former clubs Manchester United did not come as any surprise at the weekend.

Craven Cottage is becoming a bit of a bogey ground for United, Fulham having won the pair's previous two league encounters there before the weekend's stalemate.

It can be a difficult place to go to. When it's sold out, it can be quite a good atmosphere and other big clubs may struggle there this season.

Mark Hughes's arrival at the Cottage will have helped too and the players will have wanted to give their all on his first game in charge at home.

I predicted a draw before the game, but after the first 25 minutes of play, I thought Fulham were heading for a mauling, with United looking so good.

But it didn't quite turn out like that, and Fulham got themselves back into the game before Hughes changed things around at half-time.

Sparky tightened things up at the break and the second half was a different story. They minimised the size of the areas United were playing in, thereby stopping Paul Scholes from playing his game and reducing his influence.

Without any space for United to play in, Fulham got a great deal of joy in the end.

Not least through Bobby Zamora, who put in a good performance, although I still don't think that, at the age of 29, he is the future of England's strike force, despite the increasing clamour for him to become so.

Zamora imposed himself on United's centre-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans, both of whom had their hands full in dealing with his power.

The form of Vidic in particular will have caused some concern for Alex Ferguson. To be honest, he has struggled to recover from that disastrous performance against Liverpool at Old Trafford two years ago.

He's lost his edge and he is definitely not the same commanding centre-half who first arrived at Old Trafford - and that was all too easily highlighted by Zamora at the weekend.

The absence of Rio Ferdinand is not helping United and Vidic's cause at the moment, but Evans deserves a decent run in the side, even if he looked a little shaky at Craven Cottage.

Already United find themselves a couple of points behind in the title race, with Chelsea's incredible scoring form looking very ominous.

The champions have been brilliant so far - forget about the quality of the sides they've played. West Brom and Wigan may not be the greatest teams ever, but while Chelsea were expected to take all six points from the two games, it has been the manner of victory that has so impressed.

They may well have been 'easy' games on paper, but Chelsea have gone out and beaten them well. Battered them.

To go and score six in each match, off the back of a storming finish to last season, gives Chelsea a certain sense of invincibility at the moment.

For sure, they'll be tested more against the bigger boys but so far they've done all that can be expected of them - and probably a little bit more.

It will be interesting to see how they cope at the back when faced with a team that can actually get through their incredibly strong midfield.

There are still big question marks over John Terry and time will tell just how much they will miss Ricardo Carvalho - for me their best central defender.

But for the time being, once again Chelsea are setting the standard in the Premier League.

[White Noise]

http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/08/25/fulham-6-port-vale-0-micky-adams-hit-for-six-on-return-to-crave/


Fulham 6 Port Vale 0: Two Goals for Zoltan Gera in Carling Cup Stroll


25/8/2010 5:02 PM GMT

By Ben Hunt



Fulham cruised into the third round of the Carling Cup with an emphatic win over Port Vale.

This competition could be Fulham's best chance of winning silverware this season and manager Mark Hughes signalled their intent with his line-up to face the League Two side.

Aside from injured duo Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky, it was a strong Fulham side that saw debuts for striker Moussa Dembele and 19-year-old defender Matthew Briggs.

And it was Briggs, who has been with the club since he was just eight-years-old, who crafted Fulham's opening goal in the 11th minute.

The left back surged down the wing and crossed for last season's Europa League hero Zoltan Gera who headed home past Stuart Tomlinson.

Fulham continued to press forward as Vale were forced back into their own half for long periods of the opening 45 minutes. And the pressure eventually told in the 26th minute when Belgium international Dembele made it 2-0 with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Bobby Zamora added a third in the 36th minute with a cute finish from a tight angle as Vale started sinking without a trace. And on the stroke of half-time Gera scored his second of the night with a shot on the turn that went in off the crossbar.

Things got even worse for Port Vale, managed by former Fulham manager Micky Adams when Zamora curled home a free-kick from 25-yards in the 66th minute.

Substitute Clint Dempsey rifled home a sixth goal four minutes later as Fulham showed no sign of easing up on their opponents. And Stephen Kelly came close to adding a seventh but his long-range effort was only narrowly off target.

REACTION:
Fulham manager Hughes was delighted with the win:
"It's important on nights like this that you make the headlines for the right reasons the next morning. We approached it in the right manner and I was really pleased with what we produced. Outstanding goals and progressive play - that all bodes well for the future."

On Briggs's debut:
"It was an opportunity for Briggs. It's early in the season and there are plenty of games to play, so it's not the time of the year to rest players, but it was an opportunity to look at the young boy to see what quality we have in the squad. He acquitted himself really well and I was pleased with him. He had a blow to his ankle, but he did himself no harm tonight."

On possibly signing left back Carlos Salcido from PSV:
"We've made enquiries. I don't know how far down the line we are. Alistair Mackintosh [Fulham CEO] is pursuing that, but he's a player who we're interested in. I hope something will happen with that."

On Konchesky leaving:
"Not necessarily. We're looking for quality in all positions. And we're a little light at left back. But it's not a foregone conclusion that Konchesky goes just because we're looking to bring someone else in."

Port Vale manager Adams knew his side were in for a hard match:
"As soon as we saw the team sheet we knew we were in trouble. Fulham, for their own reasons, decided to pick their first team so it was always going to be difficult. We played all right for 10 minutes but the people who know us also know we're better than we showed tonight, individually and collectively. We couldn't get near Fulham. Their pace and movement was too much for us. They're real athletes. That's why they're at this level."

On his return to Craven Cottage:
"I just look round the place and I'm in awe really. I haven't been back too often, other than with Brentford and Leicester.
The place is unrecognisable from the one where I first managed. There are even tiles in the bathroom now. And hot water. It's great. And a spoon, the famous spoon when Yuri Geller came. We only had one spoon and he broke it in half. We were struggling at the time."

WHAT IT MEANS:
Hughes has his first win as Fulham manager and they made it look easy, albeit against a team from League Two. The Cottagers are also into the Carling Cup third round - yet they have lost at that stage of the competition for the past three seasons. With no place for Konchesky and Schwarzer you have to wonder whether Fulham need them after this.For Port Vale it means they have to wait for the FA Cup to stand a chance of pulling off a giant killing. Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook iPhone App - Get It Now
FULHAM 6 (Gera 11, 45, Dembele 26, Zamora 36, 66, Dempsey 70) PORT VALE 0

PLAYER MARKING:
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale 8; Pantsil 7, Hangeland 8, Hughes 8, Briggs 8 (Kelly 56, 7); Gera 9, Etuhu 7 (Greening 57, 7), Murphy 7, Duff 7; Zamora 8, Dembele 7 (Dempsey 46, 7).
Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Baird, Riise, Johnson.

Port Vale (5-3-2): Tomlinson 4; Yates 6 (Taylor 13, 5), McCombe 4, Collins 5, Owen 4, Dodds 5; Griffith 6 (Bell-Baggie 46, 6), Roberts 5 (Fraser 46, 6), Rigg 5; M. Richards 6, J. Richards 7.
Subs (not used): Martin, Taylor, Morsy, Malbon.

ATTENDANCE: 9,031

REFEREE: Andy Penn

NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Blackpool (away), Premier League, 28/08, 1500 BST
- Port Vale v Torquay (home), League Two, 28/08, 1500 BST

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Zoltan Gera (Fulham): The Hungarian striker was a real threat to Port Vale with his quick thinking and sharp shooting. He took his goals well, including a brave header in the first half that left him with a bloodied mouth. Manager Hughes would have been impressed.

[White Noise]

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/carling-cup-fulham-fire-six-past-port-vale-14923668.html

Carling Cup: Fulham fire six past Port Vale



Thursday, 26 August 2010


Fulham 6 Port Vale 0: Fulham enjoyed their own 6-0 victory as Mark Hughes' men cruised past Port Vale and into the third round of the Carling Cup.

Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal all hit six in the Barclays Premier League at the weekend and Fulham took advantage of a gulf in class to get in on the act tonight.

Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora scored twice each under torrential rain at Craven Cottage and Fulham's new £5million striker Moussa Dembele scored on his full debut for the club.

Clint Dempsey replaced Dembele at half-time and slammed home the sixth as Fulham boldly signalled their intent to the attack the Carling Cup.

While many top flight sides name weakened teams at this early stage of the competition, Hughes made just three changes from Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Dembele came into the side along with Gera and left-back Matthew Briggs, who enjoyed an eye-catching full debut before being substituted to a standing ovation after an hour.

Briggs had clearly been given a licence to attack and it was his tenacity which created the opening goal for Gera after 10 minutes.

The 19-year-old tore down the left wing before floating a deep cross into the box, where Gera stole in front of the defender to head Fulham into the lead.

Gera took a boot to the face for his troubles but the goal settled Fulham, who had made an uncertain start at the back.

Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, who saved Nani's penalty at the weekend, was beaten to Sean Rigg's cross but Adam Yates' header deflected out for a corner.

Gary Roberts picked out Port Vale striker Justin Richards with a lofted pass into the box but Fulham eventually scrambled the ball clear - and almost immediately took a 2-0 lead.

Dembele worked space for himself on the edge of the Port Vale box before unleashing a fierce strike, which goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson did well to block.

But that was just a range-finder from the Belgian. Dembele then cut in from the right flank and unleashed a low left-footed drive which beat Tomlinson and went in off the far post.

Fulham were cruising now. Briggs was a constant thorn in Port Vale's side and he almost picked out Dembele with a driven cross to the far post.

Damian Duff turned the ball back into the box for Zamora who volleyed goalwards from six yards but straight at Tomlinson.

It was not long, though, until the England striker got his goal as Fulham passed their way slickly through the visitors' defence.

Zamora let Briggs' pass run for Gera and then darted into the box to take the return ball and rifle his shot from an acute angle into the roof of the net.

Vale could not live with the pace or the intensity of Fulham's constant raids and they stood off Gera, allowing the Hungarian to turn in the box and beat Tomlinson with a rising shot.

Fulham sent on Dempsey for Dembele at half-time and Port Vale's defence barely had any respite. Zamora escaped down the right and then squared the ball for Dempsey, whose powerful drive was well stopped by Tomlinson.

Visiting captain Marc Richards was guilty of an air shot as the ball fell to him in the box. Port Vale substitute Abdulai Bell-Baggie then linked neatly with Justin Richards but neither could get a shot away.

Fulham kept pouring forward. Dempsey forced a near-post save from Tomlinson before attempting a repeat of his wonder strike against Juventus but the goalkeeper was alert to the chip.

Duff flashed a shot across goal that went just wide but Zamora's radar was more finely tuned.

After being bundled to the ground 22 yards out, Zamora picked himself off the sodden turf to curl the free-kick round the wall and past Tomlinson's despairing dive.

Dempsey then rammed home Fulham's sixth from the same distance after being teed up by Gera, a strike greeted by chants of "easy, easy" from the home end.

Vale's travelling supporters responded with "we only want one goal" but their side were denied by Stockdale, who blocked Richards' shot at point-blank range.



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/carling-cup-fulham-fire-six-past-port-vale-14923668.html#ixzz0xfdkJmDB

[White Noise]

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/195566/Fulham-flourish-in-the-rain/

FULHAM FLOURISH IN THE RAIN  


Thursday August 26,2010


By Gideon Brooks 


FULHAM 6 PORT VALE 0

TORRENTIAL rain may have lashed Craven Cottage throughout this Carling Cup tie but Fulham could not have looked more comfortable easing past Port Vale last night had their League Two opposition been wearing Wellington boots.


Former Fulham favourite Micky Adams, who as manager in 1996 had started the club’s rise from obscurity with promotion from the lowest division, was given a generous round of applause on his return to the club with his Port Vale team. However, such warmth ended with the opening whistle. Two goals each for Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora and one for new signing Moussa Dembele, who again looked bright after a cameo role against United last weekend, ensured their passage to the third round.

For Fulham’s new manager Mark Hughes, this capped a promising start in the job which includes draws with Bolton and Manchester United in the Premier League and now a facile victory in his first cup. Hughes is clearly taking this competition seriously, he made just three changes from the side that drew with United on Sunday.

Gera opened the scoring when he got on to the end of a Matthew Briggs cross from the left after 10 minutes, with both players having a point to prove after missing out against United.

Dembele, a £5million signing from AZ Alkmaar last week, doubled the lead after 15 minutes after cutting across the edge of the box from the right flank and hitting a left-foot shot inside the far post. The Briggs-Gera combination was involved again in the move that brought Fulham’s third for Zamora, while Gera further extended the lead before the half-time whistle with a rising shot that went in off the bar.

The hosts’ first-half dominance allowed Hughes to rotate his team, but it did not release the pressure for Vale, who could offer no further resistance. They watched on helplessly as Zamora curled a free-kick from the edge of the box just after the hour, while substitute Clint Dempsey completed the scoring from similar range five minutes later.

[White Noise]

Fulham 6 Port Vale 0


From VIKKI ORVICE at Craven Cottage

Published: 25 Aug 2010

 
FULHAM became the latest Premier League team to experience the joy of six.
Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal have already put six goals past opponents since the start of the season just over two weeks ago.

This time it was Fulham who ripped Port Vale apart with a similar scoreline to book their place in the third round of the Carling Cup, Bobby Zamora netting two of the goals to pile the misery on former mentor Micky Adams.

Vale boss Adams first signed a young Zamora while manager of Brighton and is widely credited with developing him as a player.

And it was Adams who kick-started the Fulham revolution, winning promotion from League Two after taking over as manager at Craven Cottage in February, 1996.

But last night Adams learned at first hand just how far Fulham have come on since those days, even if he did get a standing ovation from all sides of Craven Cottage.

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes made just three changes from the team that drew with Manchester United, giving starts to teenager Matthew Briggs and £5million signing Moussa Dembele as well as drafting in Zoltan Gera.

It was a sign he intended to take the competition seriously - and all three were instrumental in the demolition, Gera also scoring two goals.

Adams admitted: "As soon as we saw the teamsheet we knew we were in trouble. A lot of Premier League teams made wholesale changes this week but Fulham decided to pick their first team.

"We're disappointed because we are better than this. We couldn't get near Fulham with their pace.

"When I look at the place now I'm in awe. It is unrecognisable from my days here, there are even tiles in the bathroom now and hot water. That shows how much it's moved on!"

Briggs, from South London, became the youngest player in the Premier League when he came off the bench against Middlesbrough in May 2007 at the age of 16 years and 65 days.


Advertisement
 
After being handed his first senior start at left-back last night he set up the opening goal for Gera, who headed the ball in past Vale keeper Stuart Tomlinson. Fulham were up and running, slicing through the League Two side's defence with ease. In the 26th minute Belgian striker Dembele found Gera's pass, netting with a low left-foot shot.

Ten minutes later Briggs linked up with Gera to supply Zamora whose left-foot effort flew past Tomlinson.

Vale's best chance came just after the half-hour only for Sean Rigg's left-foot shot to go wide of goalkeeper David Stockdale, again standing in for the wantaway Mark Schwarzer.

But Zamora was soon in action again, crossing to Gera who turned past two defenders to score seconds before half-time.

Zamora then netted his second from a free-kick which Lee Collins was unable to clear off the line.

And Clint Dempsey then came off the bench to score Fulham's sixth from the edge of the box.

Hughes said: "I thought it was a great performance, outstanding goals, great finishes and progressive play.

"Six goals just seems to be the common thing at the moment. I don't know why. But in fairness to Port Vale they tried to play. We just had too much quality for them so it was always going to be difficult.

"I didn't want to make too many changes - it's not the time of the year to rest players."

DREAM TEAM RATINGS

STAR MAN - Bobby Zamora

Fulham: Stockdale 6, Pantsil 6, Hangeland 6, Hughes 6, Briggs 7 (Kelly 6), Gera 8, Murphy 7, Etuhu 6 (Greening 6), Duff 6, Zamora 8*, Dembele 7 (Dempsey 7). Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Baird, Riise, Eddie Johnson.

[TheDaddy]

DIRK KUYT has stunned Liverpool by admitting: I want out.
The Dutch star is desperate to join his old Kop boss Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan in a £13million move.

But new Anfield manager Roy Hodgson rapped Benitez for reneging on an agreement not to poach his old favourites. Kuyt's agent Rob Jansen said: "The clubs continue to talk but Dirk has told Liverpool he no longer wants to be involved as this is something that regards his career and life.

"It doesn't mean he wants to leave at all costs but when a club like Inter comes along it's normal to look into it further."

Hodgson is already facing a losing battle to hang on to Javier Mascherano, with Inter faxing a £20million offer yesterday and Barcelona also in the hunt.

And the new Anfield boss blasted: "When Benitez left the club he signed an agreement that he would not poach players from Liverpool and I think that still applies.

"As far as I'm concerned, the agreement with Inter president Massimo Moratti still stands.

"We have not received an offer from any club for Dirk Kuyt, this is obviously something going on behind the scenes with the agent talking to possibly the manager of Inter.

"Two things. One, we don't welcome an offer and two, we haven't received an offer.

"At this late stage in the transfer window it would be remarkably unusual for us to accept an offer for a player we don't want to leave for money we don't need.

"I need the player, not the money. We have not received an offer and Dirk hasn't told me he'd want to leave if one came in."

Hodgson left Mascherano out of the defeat at Manchester City and he is not involved against Trabzonspor tonight.

Hodgson conceded Barcelona are favourites to land the Argentine. He added: "I don't want to force him on to the field that might make his transfer difficult. On Sunday I'll know one way or another if he's going to be here or at Barcelona."

[White Noise]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26082010/58/premier-league-match-facts-blackpool-v-fulham.html

Premier League - Match facts: Blackpool v Fulham

Opta - Thu, 26 Aug 02:30:00 2010

 
All the key facts and stats ahead of Blackpool's Premier League clash with Fulham at Bloomfield Road.

 
Fulham have won six of the last seven league meetings with Blackpool.

Blackpool are unbeaten in their last nine home games.

Fulham have won none of their last 19 Premier League away matches.

The Londoners have only scored one goal in their last 10 Premier League games on the road.

Since the start of 2008/09, Fulham have lost more games (five) to newly-promoted sides in the Premier League than they have won (four).

Newly-promoted teams have won six of their last eight opening home games in the Premier League.

Bobby Zamora has created the joint most shooting chances in the Premier League this season (nine).

Blackpool have won only one of their last six home games against Fulham, losing four.

11% of the goals Fulham conceded last season were own goals, the highest proportion in the top flight.

Blackpool’s three games this season in all competitions have seen 17 goals scored.

Opta

[White Noise]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/er-no-port-vale-wont-be-semifinalists.html

Er, No, Port Vale won’t be semifinalists

By: timmyg | August 25th, 2010

Not after tonight’s 6-0 thrashing they won’t. But that still doesn’t mean our next opponent (announced Saturday) can’t though!

Nonetheless, not too much to say about tonight’s game other than it was completely dominated by Fulham throughout. Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora each scored twice, Clint Dempsey registered a goal, and newboy Demebele also got on the scoresheet. Honestly, I think the rain may have been more of a nuisance. But hey, at least it was wet t-shirt night at the Cottage!

Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph put it best:

Fulham might only have dispatched League Two opposition in Port Vale, but it still felt like a statement of intent.

It did feel so with a basically full strength starting line up. Then, when victory became quite evident, even Eddie Johnson didn’t see any playing time. As I tweeted earlier (yes, I’m on twitter): I wouldn’t read too much into EJ’s exclusion as Sparky really wanted to win this. Let’s compare today’s starting line up with the ones seen in the past three seasons at our opening stage:

Today: Stockdale; JP, Briggs (Kelly 57), Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu (Greening 57), Murphy, Gera, Duff; Dembele (Dempsey 45); Zamora. Subs not subs: Zuberbuhler, Baird, Riise, E. Johnson.

Last season at City: Stockdale; Stoor, Kelly, Smalling, Baird; Riise, Greening, Davies (Dikgacoi 71), Gera (Anderson 120); Seol Ki-Hyeon; E. Johnson (Elm 90). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Watts, Smith, Saunders.

Leicester in 2008: Schwarzer; Stoor, Hangeland, Hughes, Kallio; Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera; Zamora, Ki-Hyeon (Nevland 59). Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Pantsil, Andranik, Dempsey, Andreasen, Baird

At Shrewsbury in 2007: Warner; Volz (Omozusi 79), Pearce, Bocanegra, Konchesky; Davies, Smertin, Davis, Dempsey; Healy (John 75), Kamara. Subs Not Used: Ricardo Batista, Diop, Watts.

Some fairly weakened lineups, excluding 2008. Yet, for what it’s worth, in the next round of that season Roy named a lineup that featured Zuberbuhler (his only Fulham appearance), Andranik (his last), and Milsom (his first) in that 1-0 loss at Burnley.

Tonight sure wasn’t the homecoming Micky Adams was looking for, but the great did receive a warm reception and rightfully so.

[whitejc]

http://standupifyoustillbelieve.wordpress.com/
Fulham 6 Port Vale 0

Bobby Zamora goal Fulham v Port Vale 25/08/10

On a miserable night in South West London, the decision to peel myself off my couch and trudge to Craven Cottage was rewarded with an accomplished performance and a flood of goals from the Whites.

Port Vale won the toss and elected to defend the Hammersmith end in the first half and forced the sides to swap ends before kick off to a smattering of boos. Maybe this is a small team’s tactic to unsettle their hosts. I remember Notts County doing a similar thing in the FA Cup tie at the cottage last season.

I eventually took my seat after being gruffly urged to move by a bloke who claimed I was in his season seat. I didn’t doubt that I was, but season ticket seats were only held until the week before kick off. I’d bought this spot in the Johnny Haynes stand online fair and square only because my season ticket in the Hammy End was sold from under my nose. As the game had kicked off I wasn’t about to explain Fulham’s ticketing policy to this bloke, I let him have “his” seat and was able to take my pick from one of the many empty seats on the night.

After the controversy surrounding Fulham’s new sweat retaining kit, this time the player’s received a soaking of another kind under the floodlights in our first cup game of the season. Many wondered how Mark Hughes could realistically expect to improve on Roy Hodgson’s reign at Fulham, and his team selection tonight suggest he sees the domestic cups as a real opportunity for glory this season. Dembele was given a start, although only saw 45 minutes, presumably as he has yet to get his match fitness up to scratch.

In the time he was on the pitch though, he impressed. Always looking to turn towards goal upon receiving the ball, he is clearly a talented and confident performer. It’s true that he will face tougher opponents that Port Vale but his two cameos for Fulham thus far have been encouraging. However, with an unabashed fondness for his left foot, one hopes he isn’t overly one footed, as in time he would make himself easier to defend against. It also struick me watching Dembele how he resembled a slim Mido. Not a particularly interesting tid bit, but seeing as Martin Jol (inexplicably) recently signed the big boned Egyptian for Ajax, the appearance of Dembele crystallised that maybe Jol wasn’t the answer at all, and that in Hughes, with encouraging results and the arrival of some interesting signings, we have done very well for ourselves.

Dembele crowned an impressive first half performance, a half that also saw two goal from Gera, and one from Zamora from a tight angle. The fourth goal came just before half time, and by then it was game over.

After a slow enough start to the second half, Fulham started to turn the screw again which was encouraging, as there is always a danger that, at 4-0 up a side might just decide to play out time. We were treated to another Zamora goal, this time direct from a free kick, and Dempsey, having tried a repeat of his chip against Juventus, got himself on the scoresheet also.

It’s not often we see a glut of goals from Fulham, but the attitude under Hughes is admirable. There is a willingess to win, to show the extent of superiority, rahter than just keeping it tight and waiting for our class to show. We forced the issue from the off. I’ll probably regret saying this, but I can see a win at Blackpool on Saturday…

[whitejc]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6339047,00.html?
Salcido flies in for talks
Fulham close in on Mexican defender

Skysports.com understands Mexican defender Carlos Salcido is flying into England for talks with Fulham over a possible move.

As revealed by skysports.com on Wednesday, Fulham have lined up a deal for PSV Eindhoven stopper Salcido as a possible replacement for Liverpool target Paul Konchesky.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes confirmed after Wednesday's Carling Cup win over Port Valethat they were interested in signing Salcidio.

The Cottagers are now thought have to agreed a fee with PSV for the 30-year-old, who has also been linked with the Reds.

Salcido has now been given permission to travel to London to hold talks with Fulham and have a look around the club's training ground.

The full-back would be Hughes's third signing of the summer if he ties up a move to West London following the arrivals of Rafik Halliche and Moussa Dembele.

[whitejc]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/auxerre-eyeing-fulham-attacker-gera-1072021?
Auxerre eyeing Fulham attacker Gera

Auxerre are interested in Fulham attacker Zoltan Gera.

The Daily Mail says the Hungary international has held talks about his future with Fulham amid concerns he will become a bit-part player under Mark Hughes.

Gera enjoyed a decent season last campaign and was hoping to continue this term but Hughes has brought in Moussa Dembele to work alongside Bobby Zamora and that will limit Gera's options.

Hughes is believed to be still looking at strengthening his attacking options and may try and do a loan deal which could push Gera further down the pecking order unless Hughes utilises him in a different role.

[whitejc]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/GeraPortValeReaction.aspx?
Hit For Six

Zoltan Gera was amongst the star performers on Wednesday night, scoring twice as Fulham put six past League Two Port Vale without reply.

“It was a good start to our cup run,” assessed the Hungarian playmaker. “We started very well tonight and I think we did a very good job. The players were professional against a team that weren’t bad, so I’m really happy to have played 90 minutes, to have won comfortably, and with some nice goals too.

“It was a good result and very good preparation for our next game. When you score goals it’s always good for your confidence, and we scored six tonight, so we’re very happy.”

Gera set the Whites on their way to a runaway victory when he headed in Matthew Briggs’ deep centre from the left after 10 minutes.

The cross was a telling first contribution from the 19-year-old Academy graduate making his full Fulham debut, and was followed later by a well-taken strike from recent signing Moussa Dembélé, another man making his first Whites start, and Zoltan had words of praise for them both.

“Matthew is a very talented young player, the Manager gave him the opportunity and he did very well, so it was a good start for him. And Moussa played very well too, coming deep to pick up the ball, and he took his goal well. I think he’s a good player and a great signing for us.”

The two new faces and Gera were the only changes from the Fulham line-up that faced Manchester United on Sunday, Mark Hughes naming a very strong team which signalled his intent to succeed in the League Cup this term. However, Zoltan was quick to point out that it takes more than good intentions to progress in cup competitions.

“First of all I think the Manager wanted to use this as another opportunity to see the players in his system, and tonight was a good chance to do that. But, obviously, he fielded a strong team because we would also like to win this cup if possible. We’ve got through the first game now, so hopefully we’ll get another good draw in the next round and go forward from there.

“The League Cup is a good opportunity for us, but you always need luck with the draw. If you get drawn away from home against the big teams it becomes difficult, so the draw is very important. Also, though, it’s up to us to maintain the same level of performance, because lots of teams slip up against lower league teams, but we did the job very well tonight and hopefully we’ll do the same in the next round, whoever it may be against.”

However, before the Carling Cup Third Round, thoughts now turn to Saturday and the potentially tricky trip to Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road. And despite Wednesday night's emphatic scoreline, Gera explained that the team won’t be getting carried away and will now prepare meticulously for this weekend's test.

“It will be a very tough game against Blackpool,” he considered. “Because they’ll be playing their first game at home in the Premier League. It will be a noisy stadium and they’ll be playing with high confidence, so it’s a very dangerous fixture for us and we need to prepare very carefully.

“But this result will certainly give us good confidence to take into Saturday.”



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/August/GeraPortValeReaction.aspx?#ixzz0xhvl5Ua9

[whitejc]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/fulham-were-too-good-says-adams/?
Fulham were too good, says Adams
by DAN on AUGUST 26, 2010

A honest Micky Adams admitted Fulham were too good for his Port Vale side, who failed to repeat their earlier Carling Cup heroics at Craven Cottage last night.

The former Fulham manager couldn’t script a fairytale return to the place where his managerial career began and was candid enough to disclose that Vale’s chances of causing another giantkilling after felling QPR in the first round receeded once he saw that Mark Hughes had selected a strong team.

As soon as we saw the team sheet we knew we would be in trouble. A lot of the Premier League clubs last night made wholesale changes. Fulham for their own reasons picked their first team and it was always going to difficult.

But we are disappointed. I think we are better than we showed tonight but we couldn’t get near Fulham. They had pace and movement and it was too much for us.

They are real athletes which is why they play at this level. We will lick our wounds and get on with it.

I came back here with Brentford and Leicester. I think this is my first defeat since coming back. The place is unrecognisable from the one I first managed. There are even tiles in the bathroom and hot water.

[whitejc]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/42745/Given_offered_exciting_move_opportunity.aspx?
Given offered exciting move opportunity

AS Roma manager Claudio Ranieri is ready to offer Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given a chance to ply his trade in Serie A, according to a report in the Italian press.

It is believed that Roberto Mancini would be far more open to Given quitting England altogether, rather than have to do business with suggested suitors Arsenal and Fulham.

Tuttomercatoweb suggest that the former Chelsea and Juventus boss has been keeping tabs on the Ireland international’s status at Eastlands and could pounce for the 34-year-old after the player expressed dismay at being confined to the substitutes bench for the opening matches of the season. 

Roma, who finished second in last season’s exciting Serie A campaign, are thought to be eager to push through a £3 million move for Given.

The Giallorossi recently signed Romanian stopper Bogdan Lobont from Dinamo Bucharest as back-up to Brazilian pair Sergio and Alexander Doni, although with the latter set to move to Benfica the number one position is still very much up for grabs at the Stadio Olimpico.

[White Noise]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3110211/Fulham-want-Dickson-Etuhu-to-sign-a-new-deal-before-Liverpool-attempt-to-sign-him.html


Etuhu could be real deal for Roy

By GEOFF SWEET

Published: 25 Aug 2010

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FULHAM want Dickson Etuhu to sign a new four-year deal - fearing Roy Hodgson will come in for his old player.
Several clubs have shown an interest in a player whose contract runs out next summer.

Liverpool boss Hodgson is watching carefully, fully aware the 28-year-old midfielder could walk for free if the Cottagers fail to tie him down.

Etuhu is keen to play abroad and a Fulham insider said: "Unfortunately everything has been left to the last minute.

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

Nigerian international Etuhu became a firm favourite with the Fulham fans under Hodgson, who admired his ball-winning tenacity.

He cost the club £1.5million from Sunderland in 2008, having honed his skills with Norwich and Preston.