Wednesday Fulham Stuff (06/10/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=215913
Fulham - MOTM v West Ham!
Six draws in seven games, with the other being a victory, has seen Mark Hughes navigate the early stages of the season quite successfully.

The latest of those six draws saw Fulham leave with a point thanks to some good goalkeeping from Robert Green. On another day, our reward could well have been three points.

But, and we`re getting to the crux of the matter, who did you, the Vital Fulham fraternity, vote for as your man-of-the-match?

We`d like to infer that it was a close run thing but in fact it wasn`t. We had a clear winner with Clint Dempsey romping home with 61% of the vote after what we believe to be his best performance in a Fulham shirt this season!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=215913#ixzz11YhOFsrh

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=215912
Fulham - What Would You Do?
With the latest media speculation, backed up with a few quotes from Mark Schwarzer, implying that Mark Hughes may well be forced into the market for a goalkeeper, one name has already re-entered the equation.

The Daily Express infers that the Schwarzer situation may well see Mark Hughes trying to lure Shay Given to Craven Cottage, to replace Schwarzer.

Now this is, we believe, still all speculation but with something almost bound to happen, in January, we`d like to canvass your opinion.

We`d like to know whether you`d mourn the loss of Schwarzer, or whether you`d welcome Shay Given with open arms or would you prefer David Stockdale to be given the chance to continue to impress and possibly gate-crash the England squad again?

Vote now in our latest poll!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=215912#ixzz11YhgPhFE

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=215911
Fulham - Schwarzer Latest!
The future of Mark Schwarzer, now thirty-seven years of age, continues to bemuse us.

One minute we`re happily led to believe that the Australian veteran might be on the verge of signing a new contract at Fulham and the next we`re faced with the distinct possibility that, come, January, Schwarzer will be off.

This morning (Tuesday), both of the nations leading tabloids carry quotes from Mark that would seem to infer that he`d prefer to move away from Craven Cottage come January.

Obviously, a move to Arsenal is still in his thoughts with the Australian remarking,

"A lot can happen between now and January. What will be will be."

"If there`s a chance in January then we`ll explore it."

"This is the only time I`ve tried to force an issue. I don`t have time on my side and want to fulfill a dream."

At this moment in time I don`t know who is madder!

Is it Schwarzer who believes that Wenger still harbours ambitions of taking him to Arsenal or is it Wenger or, possibly, still believes that a thirty-seven year old keeper is the long term answer to his goalkeeping problems?

Anyone like to make a point on this topic?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=215911#ixzz11YhvRbZG

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/10/5/1731954/cottagers-daily-rumor-mill-could-fulham-be-interested-in-a-german?
Cottagers Daily Rumor Mill: Could Fulham Be Interested In A German Striker?

It has been awhile since I have seen some good rumors. We are still a few months away from the January transfer window, but some speculation has begun regarding Fulham. According to talksport.co.uk, Fulham are getting ready for a January transfer offer for Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling. The article also mentions that Roma could be interested as well.

Kiessling is 6 foot 4 inches tall and 26 year old. He was a part of Germany's World Cup team in South Africa. So far this season he has scored 3 goals in all competitions.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that Fulham would be linked to striker. I will continue to follow the speculation surrounding Stefan Kiessling and Fulham.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/Islington/gazette/Arsenal/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=ArsenalNews&tBrand=ISLGOnline&tCategory=defaultArsenal&itemid=WeED04+Oct+2010+16%3A21%3A34%3A077
Gunners target to 'force move' in January

Mark Schwarzer has hinted he will try to "force" Fulham to sell him in January after being denied a summer move to Arsenal.

Australia goalkeeper Schwarzer saw a written transfer request snubbed by the Cottagers during a close season in which the Gunners bid £2million for his services. But the 37-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, looks set to make a fresh bid for freedom when the window reopens.

"A lot can happen between now and January. What will be will be," Schwarzer said. "If there's an opportunity in January then we'll explore it."

Speaking after arriving in his native Australia for their upcoming friendly against Paraguay, Schwarzer added: "This is the only time in my career I have ever tried to force an issue.

"I don't have time on my side. If you were a 30-year-old, you would walk away and say, 'Fair enough, I understand'.

"But I'm almost 38 and I want to fulfil an ambition. The sheer opportunity that was there - that was very flattering.

"But sometimes you've just got to grin and bear it and just get on with normal life again as much as possible.

"You just have to get your head down and work as hard as possible.

"It can affect your day-to-day life, and ultimately I am judged on how I perform week in, week out.

"If that performance drops, then no club is going to be interested in me. The bottom line is I've got to play well, wherever I am.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/FulhamonTV.aspx?
Fulham on TV

Fulham's Barclays Premier League away match against Liverpool and the two home fixtures against West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion have been selected for live broadcast coverage.

Details of the new times and dates are below:

Liverpool v Fulham
Saturday 18th December, 2010, 5.30pm
No change to date / Kick-off was 3pm
Live on ESPN

Fulham v West Ham United
Sunday 26th December, 2010, 12.00pm
No change to date / Kick-off was 1pm
Live on Sky Sports

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Tuesday 4th January, 2011, 8.00pm
Date was Wednesday 5th Jan / Kick-off 8pm
Live on Sky Sports

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/FulhamonTV.aspx?#ixzz11YifjLrD

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6428473,00.html?
Zamora eyes England return
Fulham striker hails Capello's selection policy

Bobby Zamora is confident he will still be in Fabio Capello's thoughts when he recovers from injury.

The Fulham striker is currently on the sidelines as he works his way back to full fitness after suffering a broken leg and ankle ligament damage against Wolves on 11th September.

Zamora is not expected to be back in action until February but believes further international recognition will come his way provided he finds his form again in front of goal for the Cottagers.

Capello handed the 29-year-old his England debut in the August friendly victory over Hungary and the former West Ham and Spurs striker feels he demonstrated that he warrants another chance.

"I think if I can go out and do well for Fulham then I don't see any reason why not," Zamora said.

"I definitely gave Fabio Capello a good picture of me when I was there and with the performance in the game I like to think I did enough to certainly be considered in the future."

Encouraging

With Zamora and Jermain Defoe injured and Emile Heskey having retired from international football, Capello has handed Kevin Davies his first England call-up for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday.

And Zamora feels that the decision to include the 33-year-old Bolton striker shows that the Italian is open-minded when it comes to selecting his squad.

"I think it proves that he (Capello) is willing to try," Zamora added.

"He's looking at everybody as opposed to just going to Manchester United games, whoever they are playing, and watching Wayne Rooney.

"You can see he's going all over the country and that's good to know. It's encouraging for everybody."

[WhiteJC]

http://football.uk.reuters.com/leagues/uk/news/2010/10/05/LDE6941TL.php?rpc=401
Injured Zamora bullish about England chances

LONDON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Injured Fulham striker Bobby Zamora believes his cameo debut appearance against Hungary will keep him in England manager Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 plans even though he will not play again until March.
UK FOOTBALL

The former Tottenham Hotspur forward is recovering from a broken leg and ankle ligament damage picked up in just his fifth appearance this season.

After grabbing 19 goals for Fulham last season, Zamora was widely tipped to make Capello's World Cup squad before an Achilles tendon injury ended his chances of going to South Africa.

England will be around halfway through their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign by the time Zamora is fit but he is confident of getting into the side having made a promising debut as a substitute in the 2-1 friendly win over Hungary.

"I think if I can go out and do well for Fulham then I don't see any reason why not," Zamora, still on crutches, told Reuters on Tuesday.

"I definitely gave Fabio Capello a good picture of me when I was there and with the performance in the game I like to think I did enough to certainly be considered in the future."

England face Montenegro at Wembley on Oct. 12 having won their first two Euro 2012 qualifiers and Capello has shown willingness to give new faces a chance.

Arsenal's talented 18-year-old midfielder Jack Wilshere and the experienced head of Bolton Wanderers target man Kevin Davies have been called into the squad.

"I think it proves that he (Capello) is willing to try," the 29-year-old Zamora said at an event with his sponsor Under Armour.

"He's looking at everybody as opposed to just going to Manchester United games, whoever they are playing, and watching Wayne Rooney. You can see he's going all over the country and that's good to know. It's encouraging for everybody."

Zamora, under former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, enjoyed arguably the best form of his career last season when his goals fired his team to a 12th place league finish and the Europa League final.

With Hodgson enduring tough times at his new club Liverpool, Zamora is quick to back his former boss.

"There's a lot going on at Liverpool. I think people need to take that into account... I'm confident, I know Roy, I know he can do a tremendous job and it's a case of time," Zamora said.

[WhiteJC]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=830254&sec=england&cc=5739
Zamora backs Hodgson to turn things around at Liverpool

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora believes former boss Roy Hodgson will help turn Liverpool's foundering season around and insists there is "no way on earth" the Reds will still be at the wrong end of the Premier League in May.


Hodgson guided Zamora and his team-mates to a shock Europa League final berth last season, but the former Inter Milan manager has found himself under increasing pressure in recent weeks as a series of shambolic results have tainted the start of his Anfield tenure.

Three defeats in the opening seven league games, including an embarassing home reversal to Blackpool last weekend, have seen the Reds slip to 17th in the table, leading many to question whether Hodgson has what it takes to manage a big club.

But Zamora, who enjoyed his best ever season under Hodgson's watchful eye in 2009-10, has no doubt that his former boss has the credentials to steer Liverpool away from the Premier League relegation zone and admits that he was "gutted" to see Hodgson leave Craven Cottage in the summer.

"I was majorly disappointed," Zamora told ESPNsoccernet. "He was tremendous for Fulham and tremendous for myself and I was gutted that he chose to leave. But it is Liverpool and they gave him the opportunity to manage; I obviously understand where he is coming from."

Asked whether Hodgson is the right man to reverse Liverpool's fortunes, Zamora said: "Definitely. It's early days and there's no way on earth Liverpool or Everton should be anywhere near there and I'm sure both teams will be well up the league come the end [of the season].

"His organisational skills are what he's about, making players play as a team. He's mastered that and you've seen that with us in the last couple of years. He's good at his man-management and getting the best out of players and I am sure he will do well there."

Zamora himself was linked with a move to Liverpool over the summer but the striker, who earned his first England cap as a Fulham player in August, insists there was no approach for him to join his former boss.

Asked if there was any interest from Liverpool, Zamora said: "Not that I know of. Fulham made it clear that they didn't want to sell me to anyone for any sort of money - they made that statement in offering me a new contract and I was happy to sign and stay there."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1318008/Sir-Trevor-Brooking-tells-clubs--kids-chance.html?
England's future: Sir Trevor Brooking tells top clubs... give our kids a chance!

Last month Fabio Capello attended a World Cup workshop in Madrid with Sir Trevor Brooking when members of a UEFA coaching committee made a point of complimenting them on the football being played by the England team. Only it was Brooking they addressed and England's Under 17 side that they were so excited by.

Unbeaten in 22 matches and victorious in the European Championship in the summer after beating Spain in the final in Liechtenstein, England's kids certainly do seem to be a bit of all right. So much so that many of John Peacock's young players have now been promoted to the Under 19 side Brooking went to see train earlier this week.

The Under 19s are an impressive bunch, even in the absence of the two Jacks, Rodwell and Wilshere, who were missing at West Bromwich Albion's training ground in Walsall for very different reasons. Rodwell is injured, but Wilshere will represent the Under 21s at Carrow Road on Friday before joining England's senior players for next week's European Championship qualifier against Montenegro.

But Brooking watched the players who have stepped up from the Under 17s and could not help but look ahead with a mixture of worry and excitement. He could not help but wonder if the potential they have all shown as teenagers will be realised.

For a moment Brooking dares to dream of what might be, should England win the 2018 World Cup bid in December.

With 17-year-old Josh McEachran starting to break into the first team at the dark side and Ross Barkley (Everton), Connor Wickham (Ipswich) and Andre Wisdom (Liverpool) also progressing nicely, there is reason to be optimistic.

But then the Football Association's director of football development voices his concern that the progress of these lads could be hindered by a lack of first-team football in the Barclays Premier League.

Brooking said: 'When I first came into the job it was a shame that everyone thought of us as a country that played a physical style of game. There was this idea that an English coach couldn't go abroad and adapt.

'But I got really complimented by people last month on the way this group of players passed the ball. It is unusual for people at UEFA to come up to us and say that. "Where have you got this group from?" they were asking.

'I would be very excited with this group if we won the 2018 bid. But it would put a lot more emphasis on how on earth we get these lads playing first-team football. If we win the bid in December then you would have to really give it some thought; on how to channel this group through because they can be a really good group.

'A tournament at home in 2018 could be big for us. Much of the disappointment with South Africa is because we realise South America in 2014 is going to be tough for the European teams.

'But by 2018 this little group and one or two in the 17s and 16s could be really interesting. They are coming from the same clubs that have developed our players in the past but, technically, this group is as good as any we have had.

'It's also important they get as much tournament experience as they can, because it is different. But the main challenge is to establish where these players are going to play their first-team football in the next three or four years.'

Brooking says there are other challenges, too, and with the establishment of a centre of excellence at Burton by 2012 he hopes to see more full-time coaches for the younger age groups.

'The fact is you won't get the number and depth of quality young players unless we invest in full-time specialist coaches in the younger age groups,' he said. 'It is something other countries have already addressed.'

But the system has produced a group of kids capable, seemingly, of making an impact in 2018 and the man entrusted with their development at international level is quietly optimistic.

As a player, Noel Blake was an uncompromising centre half.

'People referred to me as the destroyer,' he said. 'Managers would say to me, "you're there to destroy. If you pass one good ball in 90 minutes it's a bonus".'

ut Blake is now the coach of England's Under 19s and trying to educate them in a more cultured, continental football style.

'The better club academies are now doing that anyway, which makes the job easier,' said Blake. 'But the one thing we emphasise is that as a nation we can't look after the ball and we don't know how to retain it. We put in a lot of work on that. We are very demanding.

'We say to them it's a challenge to look after the ball. We tell them if it's not on, don't force the pass. At international level you have to be more patient.

'Within this group there are some very good players. Take the boy McEachran from the dark side. He's talented. And there are others who can open the door with a pass.

'You have to probe. Just because you see a pass straight away, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the one you should play. We'll bide our time and then go for the jugular. It takes time to develop that mentality, to want to be patient in possession rather than look for the killer ball straight away.

'A lot of international football is played on the counter-attack. So we try to impart that as well.'

Blake considers Wilshere one of the best he has ever worked with.

'Jack's a man,' he said. 'And he understands the game. And when I look at this group of players, we've got boys being elevated to the senior ranks. But we need more qualified coaches and we need to see these players getting opportunities.'

The FA do not seem to think they need Lewis Holtby, though. The captain of Germany's Under 21s has made it pretty clear that, despite his English father, he wants to represent Germany. Brooking has no problem with that.

'We knew about Lewis and the feeling was that he wants to play for Germany,' he said. 'It would have also been unfair to people who are committed here. And remember, Germany's Under 21s haven't made the play-offs.'
Unlike England's.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1318008/Sir-Trevor-Brooking-tells-clubs--kids-chance.html?#ixzz11YkYOG73

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-crock-zamora-confident-england-place-1162231?
Fulham crock Zamora confident of England place

Bobby Zamora is confident Fabio Capello still has him in his England plans.

The Fulham striker is currently on the sidelines as he works his way back to full fitness after suffering a broken leg and ankle ligament damage against Wolves on 11th September.

Zamora is not expected to be back in action until February but believes further international recognition will come his way provided he finds his form again in front of goal for the Cottagers.

Capello handed the 29-year-old his England debut in the August friendly victory over Hungary and the former West Ham and Spurs striker feels he demonstrated that he warrants another chance.

"I think if I can go out and do well for Fulham then I don't see any reason why not," Zamora said. "I definitely gave Fabio Capello a good picture of me when I was there and with the performance in the game I like to think I did enough to certainly be considered in the future."

With Zamora and Jermain Defoe injured and Emile Heskey having retired from international football, Capello has handed Kevin Davies his first England call-up for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday.

And Zamora feels that the decision to include the 33-year-old Bolton striker shows that the Italian is open-minded when it comes to selecting his squad.

"I think it proves that he (Capello) is willing to try," Zamora added. "He's looking at everybody as opposed to just going to Manchester United games, whoever they are playing, and watching Wayne Rooney.

"You can see he's going all over the country and that's good to know. It's encouraging for everybody."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/

[mrska]

There's a nice picture of Bobby zamora on crutches in The Sun's Gordon Smiths Showbiz column today..

he was attending some basketball game in London with some other premiership stars...... ... and james Corden..

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1313416.html?cid=rssfeed&att=
Zamora confident on England recall

Bobby Zamora has no fears about forfeiting his place in the England squad while he recovers from a broken leg. The 29-year-old's horror injury in last month's Premier League win over Wolves could not have come at a worse time for the striker, who earned his first cap in August's friendly against Hungary.

Zamora impressed on his debut and looked set to play a part in England's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign. He faces another four months on the sidelines but is confident of forcing his way back into Fabio Capello's plans next year.

"I think if I can go out and do well for Fulham then I don't see any reason why not," Zamora said. "I definitely gave Fabio Capello a good picture of me when I was there and with the performance in the game I like to think I did enough to certainly be considered in the future."

Zamora's absence has seen veteran Bolton striker Kevin Davies handed his maiden England call-up for Tuesday's EURO 2012 clash with Montenegro. Despite the extra competition, Zamora welcomed Davies' inclusion, insisting it proved Capello was not afraid to pick players from less fashionable clubs.

"He is looking at everybody as opposed to just going to Manchester United games, whoever they are playing, and watching Wayne Rooney," Zamora said. "You can see he's going all over the country and that's good to know. It's encouraging for everybody."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/hughes_bemoans_key_decision_566265/index.shtml
Hughes Bemoans Key Decision

Mark Hughes criticised referee Andre Marriner for failing to award his side a first half penalty which he believes would have given Fulham victory over West Ham in the London derby at Upton Park.

Fulham put themselves on course to break their 13-month winless away streak just after the half hour when Clint Dempsey came back to haunt Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green with the Cottagers' opener. Moments earlier, Hughes was livid that Marriner did not award the away side a penalty after Eddie Johnson went down in the box under pressure from Lars Jacobsen.

"I am disappointed we didn't get the awarding of the penalty because at 2-0 going into half-time it would have been difficult for them to come back," said Hughes, who saw his side denied victory thanks to Frederic Piquionne's second half header.

"Eddie got in behind the defence and if there is any contact whatsoever then more often than not it is a penalty.

"Unfortunately for us for whatever reason it wasn't given. From our point of view it was clear, there was a coming together, a tangle of legs and a goalscoring opportunity was denied, so it should have been a penalty."

The result meant West Ham stretched their unbeaten run to four matches but wins for Everton and Wigan meant the Hammers sank to the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.

West Ham manager Avram Grant was determined to take the positives from the result despite his side's current predicament.

He said: "They dominated the first half but after half-time we changed the shape, we scored and could have scored more.

"I think the most important thing today was first to take points and second to show that we are improving.

"The position in the league now is not important because one win can take you up four or five places. Fulham are having a good season and are playing with confidence and we are only four points away from them."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/striker-linked-to-fulham-1105008.html?
Striker linked to Fulham

Fulham are being linked with a £7m January swoop on Bayer Leverkusen for their striker Stefan Kiessling.

Mark Hughes has been hit by a succession of injuries on the striker front with Bobby Zamora, Mousa Dembele and Andy Johnson all on the sidelines.

He is now linked with a move for the 26-year-old international who has found first team opportunities limited this season, scoring once in four games.

Hughes would have to come up with £7m to land the player and he would also have to fight off interest from Roma but, according to reports in the German media, Fulham have had scouts watching him for a while with a view to a January bid.

[WhiteJC]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=830301&sec=england&root=england&cc=5739&cc=5739
Zamora: Injury boredom drives my desire to return

It has been a year of mixed emotions for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora. A rollercoaster 12 months saw him take in the highs of a shock Europa League final appearance against Atletico Madrid and a debut for England at Wembley in August. But tempering those memorable moments has been a pair of devastating injuries: first the Achilles problem that prevented the most in-form English frontman at the time from booking a place on the plane to South Africa for the World Cup, and the recent broken leg suffered at the hands of Wolves' Karl Henry.

Zamora will undoubtedly look back at 2010 as his most successful year in football, but the timing of his latest injury was cruel. The 29-year-old had just opened his account for the season, having netted three goals in his previous two games against Port Vale and Blackpool, and Henry's mistimed challenge came exactly a month after his impressive Three Lions bow against Hungary.

Still facing at least another four months on the sidelines, Zamora's frustration is currently at its zenith as he deals with the exasperating experience of a forced rest period before a full schedule of rehab begins in earnest. Stranded in a no-man's-land of sorts, the former Brighton and West Ham forward cannot wait to feel like he is actually moving towards a recovery.

"It's getting there but it's going to be a long process," Zamora tells ESPNsoccernet. "It's starting to get to me now as the boredom is setting in. It's going to be a long slog but what doesn't kill me will make me stronger. That's the way I'm seeing it and I will use the time wisely. It's the lot [that I miss], going out seeing the boys out kicking the ball and enjoying training. It's the day to day stuff, missing all that. I'm going to use my time wisely, get back into the gym and coming back stronger and make it even harder for those defenders.

"It needs to be catalogued and people need to know what it [returning from injury] is all about. It is hard and it is boring and it is depressing. But you set your goals and you're slowly getting closer to them which pushes you on and when you get back you can really express yourself. I'm already looking forward to getting into the gym and battering that for a while! I don't have a specific game in mind but I've targeted February/March time to get back playing - it's a long old time away but that's the goal. I'm going to work hard and do everything I can to make sure I come back fighting."

Last season represented Zamora's most prolific campaign in professional football since he left Brighton in 2002-03, when his 14 goals failed to prevent the Seagulls relegation to League One. On the final day of that campaign, Zamora scored in a 2-2 draw away at Grimsby, but seven years on he experienced a significantly more impressive season climax in Hamburg. Diego Forlan ended Fulham's remarkable continental journey with an extra-time winner in the Europa League final, but while the football world may have been shocked that Roy Hodgson's side were even competing that night, Zamora insists there was no astonishment in the Cottagers' dressing-room.

"I don't think we were surprised," Zamora says. "I think, certainly at home, we are not scared of anybody, I think we can give anyone a good game and you can see that in the last two seasons. We were pleased with the way it went and we are looking to push on. This season, we haven't got the European distraction and we're out of the Carling Cup - we've got two competitions to go for and we are looking to crack on and do well in them."

Hodgson's departure to Liverpool over the summer was a big blow for Zamora and his team-mates, who were always quick to credit their boss for both the improved performances of the team and themselves as individuals. But Hodgson's successor Mark Hughes has been welcomed with open arms at Craven Cottage according to Zamora, who reveals that after a quiet start to life in London, the Welshman has settled in at the club and even banters with Fulham's strikers about the goals he scored during a glittering playing career.

"I was majorly disappointed [that Hodgson left],'' he said. ''He was tremendous for Fulham and tremendous for myself and I was gutted that he chose to leave but it is Liverpool and they gave him the opportunity to manage. I obviously understand where he is coming from. His organisational skills are what he's about, making players play as a team. He's mastered that and you've seen that with us in the last couple of years. He's good at his man-management and getting the best out of players and I am sure he will do well there.

"[But] Mark's been spot on since he arrived, really good. He was quiet for the first couple of weeks, I think he was just taking it all in and assessing everybody. He's been impressed with the players and we have been impressed with him and his staff - we're all looking forward to what's ahead. He hasn't mentioned anything about his time at Manchester City, he's the Fulham manager now and he's focused on that - he's a professional man, he wants us to do well and we're fully focused on doing just that. He's already spoken about the amount of volleys he smashed in, he loves that one and he's dropped that in a few times. He's a very good manager and, as I say, he's come out of his shell now and become a bit more lively, we're all pleased to have him at the club."

A return to club action under Hughes is Zamora's primary concern but after experiencing life as an England international in August, he has developed an insatiable appetite for another crack at representing his country, with the prospect of playing for Fabio Capello's side again providing him with excellent motivation ahead of his rehab.

"I was disappointed not to have gone to the World Cup, but that's football and I just missed out,'' he said. ''I was quietly confident that I'd get a call-up if I carried on how I had done and thankfully it came and I thought I did okay. I got the famous text from Michelle [Farrer, director of Club England team operations] and the rest is history.

"It was unbelievable - meeting up with the squad and training alongside the likes of Rooney and Gerrard was brilliant. It was enjoyable and I thought I did well in training and in the game, and afterwards I was chomping at the bit to do it again. I may be out for a while now but I've had a taste of it which has made me even more determined to get back."

A difficult few months await Zamora; there will likely be setbacks along the way and as an injured player, an even greater level of discipline and intensity will be required for him to work his way back to match fitness. But his will-power and determination should see him return to haunt Premier League - and possibly international - defenders on a regular basis again.

Bobby Zamora wears Under Armour boots; for more on Under Armour's different products visit www.underarmour.com

[fulhamwannabe]

it seems that 2010 is the year of injuries!yesterday,rafik halliche took a serious knock to his tibia and is defenitely out of sunday's game for algeria!and there's him hoping of gaining a few minutes of football,poor lad.this leaves us with a serious problem,because bougherra is used to play next to him,,,,,,,,,ah well,things happen  :041:

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/44795/Okaka_desperate_for_a_fresh_start.aspx?
Okaka desperate for a fresh start

Roma striker Stefano Okaka is desperate to move away from the Stadio Olimpico in a bid to get his career back on track.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Fulham, before heading back to the Italian capital, but this season he has been restricted to just one appearance as a substitute.

Okaka told Ansa: "I cannot see my future at Roma. If I have the chance to leave then I will. I will not stay here for another two seasons.

"It's not easy for a young player to find space and do well in pre-season, only for other players to come in."

Italy Under-21 international Okaka, who has also featured on loan at Modena and Brescia, still has another two years left to run on his Roma contract, having spent the whole of his career to date in the Eternal City.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/OneGameOneCommunity.aspx?
Game Ambassador

Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu has shown his personal support for Kick It Out's 'One Game, One Community' campaign by signing up to be an Official Ambassador.

Etuhu pledged his support on Wednesday as he discussed the role football plays in promoting equality and diversity.

"A lot of good work has been carried out through the Kick-It-Out campaign," Etuhu told fulhamfc.com. "It's a fantastic initiative and shows what can be achieved through football.

"This game is a world sport and everywhere you go people play football. Whatever race, you can get involved and have fun through football. You can see the difference the campaign has made because gradually the problem of racism has been limited. It's still out there, but it's nowhere near as bad as it once was and that's because of initiatives like this.

"For the first time people have thought: it's okay to be black and play football, it's okay to be Asian and play football and it's okay to be white and play football. I'm a big supporter of the Kick-It-Out campaign and I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can."

From the 14th-26th October, professional football clubs will join up with the grassroots game and schools and community groups across the country to celebrate equality and inclusion, both within football and the wider society.

Players across all four divisions will be taking to the field in the iconic One Game One Community t-shirts over the next few weeks to show support for the campaign and the work that football is doing to promote equality and diversity. This support will also be replicated by the England men's and women's teams.

Kick It Out also has a number of t-shirts which are available for fans to purchase to help them show support for this important message. Sweatbands, beanie hats, badges, pennants, lanyards and flags, are available for individuals or groups wishing to organise an event during the period.

Football fans everywhere can stamp their own mark on the campaign by getting their hands on a range of resources at www.kickitout.org. To find out how you can show your support for the One Game One Community message visit www.kickitout.org or call 020 7684 4884.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/OneGameOneCommunity.aspx?#ixzz11alACnOe