Friday Fulham Stuff (22.10.10)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/45618/Pulis_will_never_change_says_ex-Potter.aspx?

Pulis will never change, says ex-Potter

Former Stoke City defender Dominic Matteo believes that Tony Pulis will always stick by the principles which have so far worked to consolidate the Potters as a Premier League force.

Pulis' methods recently came in for criticism from Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy, whose comments Matteo feels are unfair on the Britannia Stadium club.

Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk, Matteo pointed to recent signings as an indication that Pulis is trying to create a more expansive Stoke City side but that he will not abandon the direct style of football that has served the Potters so well over the last few seasons.

He said: "Tony's said himself in recent press interviews that you can see by the type of player he's bringing in now that he's trying to get better footballers to the club – people like Gudjohnsen and Kenwyne Jones, players that are proven in the Premier League.

"He is maybe trying to change the team a little bit but I don't think Tony will ever get away from his strengths which are competing, Rory's throw-ins, set pieces – he'll always work at stuff like that but if he can bring a better player to the club then he will.

"I think it was all about consolidation for a few years for Stoke."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=320905

PREVIEW: WEST BROM V FULHAM

West Bromwich Albion will be looking to enhance their top-six placing in the Premier League with a home victory over Fulham.

Wins over Sunderland and Birmingham City and draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers have left the Baggies undefeated in their four home games to date.

With striker Peter Odemwingie finding early form following his transfer window switch to The Hawthorns, Roberto di Matteo's side are causing an early season surprise.

They go into this game in confident mood after coming from behind to grab a fantastic 2-2 stalemate at Manchester United last weekend.

But Fulham, now managed by former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, are proving to be a tough nut to crack.

Despite falling to their first defeat of the campaign last time out against Spurs, the Cottagers have secured draws on all four of their away-day outings so far this season.

Bolton, Blackpool, Blackburn and West Ham United have tried and failed to cut them down to size, but this contest in the Midlands could certainly test their resolve.

On the team news front, the hosts will be without winger Jerome Thomas (calf) and Marek Cech (ankle).

Hughes has a number of injury problems himself with long-term Achilles victim Philippe Senderos out until the new year and Bobby Zamora (broken ankle) unavailable.

Danny Murphy (groin), Moussa Dembele (ankle), Stephen Kelly (calf) and back-up keeper David Stockdale (foot) are all unlikely to be considered.

The teams last met in the Premier League during the 2008-09 campaign at The Hawthorns and it was the Baggies that collected the points on a chilly October day.

A single strike from Czech Republic striker Roman Bednar helped Albion win 1-0 and they will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/AJBack.aspx?

Ready To Play

Before setting off for the Midlands on Friday, Mark Hughes revealed to fulhamfc.com that Andrew Johnson is in contention for Saturday's game against West Brom after completing 90 minutes in a midweek friendly.

"Andy should be okay," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "He came through 90 minutes in mid-week so we're pleased with that. He had a good run out and enjoyed the game. He took a few good challenges that he needed just to clear his mind. He's available for selection."

Whilst Johnson strengthens Hughes' attacking options, Fulham will be missing four First Team regulars on Saturday as Hughes' midfield quartet all sit out through injury.

"Injury wise, Simon Davies is struggling with his ankle so he'll miss out. Danny Murphy has an abductor strain and Dickson Etuhu will be out for a couple of weeks. Damien Duff is going to start training next week. We're down on four midfield players so we're light this weekend."

Fulham will be backed at the Hawthorns by over a 1,000 travelling supporters and Hughes is hoping another positive away performance will earn his Team all three points against an in-form West Brom side on Saturday afternoon.

"They've [West Brom] done exceptionally well when you consider the opposition they've faced so far this season. They'll be pleased with the start they've made and it's a big test for us because they're an accomplished side. Their confidence has grown with the results they've had.

"We set about to improve our away record this season and we're reasonably pleased with our performances away from home. We've picked up points this year but ideally we want to get three points on the board on our travels. It's important from a confidence point of view. We show a few of the scars from the fact we haven't won on the road for such a long time.

"We've got to overcome that and be positive and the win will come because we're playing well enough."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/AJBack.aspx?#ixzz1351qVbDq

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http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/MidfieldOptions.aspx

Midfield Men

With Fulham's regular midfield quartet of Davies, Etuhu, Murphy and Duff all absent through injury on Saturday, Mark Hughes will present an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark this weekend.

One player who is more than happy to move into the heart of Fulham's midfield is Chris Baird and Hughes was full of praise for the Northern Ireland international when discussing his options for Saturday's game.

"He [Baird] probably enjoys the midfield holding role more than the other positions," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "You know with Chris that irrespective of where you play him he will always give everything he's got.

"It's difficult to say which his best position is. He's a very accomplished passer of the football so that lends itself to a number of positions. He can do a decent job in many positions and he will make a positive impact."

One player who has yet to feature for the First Team this season is Kagisho Dikgacoi. The South African international has now recovered from a thigh injury and will be hoping to make an impact in light of current injuries in the middle of the park.

"It's been frustrating for KG [Dikgacoi] in fairness because as soon as I walked through the door he was injured and I didn't see him for quite some time," Hughes explained. "He had some problems with a significant muscle tear in his thigh so it's taken him time to get back into the group and get some games under his belt.

"He played in a mid-week friendly and did really well and he's an option for us. It's important from this point onwards that he's able to steer clear of injuries and with all the players we'll give him a chance to stake a claim."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/MidfieldOptions.aspx#ixzz135IpqeKA

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1322777/WEST-BROM-v-Fulham-Marc-Antoine-Fortune-stand-injured-Peter-Odemwingie.html?

WEST BROM v Fulham: Marc-Antoine Fortune to stand in for injured Peter Odemwingie

West Brom's leading scorer Peter Odemwingie is a major doubt for the home Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

The four-goal Nigeria international is still struggling to overcome the knee injury suffered against Bolton at the Hawthorns three weeks ago.

If he is ruled out, then Marc-Antoine Fortune is again set to deputise after helping Albion to a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

Winger Jerome Thomas is in contention for a recall to the starting line-up after fully recovering from a calf problem.

Team (from): Carson, Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Shorey, Scharner, Mulumbu, Tchoyi, Morrison, Brunt, Fortune, Thomas, Bednar, Dorrans, Myhill, Cox, Ibanez, Reid, Odemwingie.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1322777/WEST-BROM-v-Fulham-Marc-Antoine-Fortune-stand-injured-Peter-Odemwingie.html?#ixzz135JI8Irt

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8079852/Johnson-prepares-for-comeback.html?

Johnson prepares for comeback
Fulham striker Andy Johnson will make his comeback in the Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom.

Johnson will make his first appearance since January after recovering from a combination of shoulder, knee and hip injuries.

The 29-year-old played in a development match against Southampton in midweek and manager Mark Hughes has revealed he is ready for the trip to The Hawthorns.

"Andy should be OK. He came through 90 minutes and we're pleased with that," said Hughes.

"It was the good challenge he needed to clear his mind. He's available for selection.

"We'll look at the option of starting Andy. It would be more advisable to introduce him slowly and see how he goes."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6460579,00.html?

Johnson returns for Cottagers
Hughes has key striker back at his disposal

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has revealed that Andy Johnson will return to the squad this weekend against West Brom.

Johnson, who has struggled with shoulder, knee and hip injuries in recent times, has been sidelined since January.

Hughes has confirmed the striker's availability following a solid 90 minutes in a development match against Southampton, however he remains unsure of whether to play him from the start.

"Andy should be OK. He came through 90 minutes and we're pleased with that," said Hughes.

"It was the good challenge that he needed to clear his mind. He's available for selection.

"We'll look at the option of starting Andy. It would be more advisable to introduce him slowly and see how he goes."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/45639/Sams_just_got_a_way_of_playing_and_hell_never_change_it.aspx?

"Sam's just got a way of playing and he'll never change it"


Former Blackburn Rovers defender Dominic Matteo believes that Sam Allardyce's trademark approach to football should not necessarily rule him out of one day landing the England job.

Allardyce was among the managers recently criticised by Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy, whose comments Matteo feels were unfair on the Ewood Park club.

Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk, Matteo said that Allardyce's track record of results in the Premier League speaks for itself and should rightly put him in the running for one of football's top jobs in the future.

He said: "At Blackburn, Sam's just got a way of playing and he'll never change it.

"He likes to get it forward early and mix it up and it's been effective over the years so you can never knock Sam Allardyce for what he does either.

"He has got a good track record in the Premier League  - he's done well wherever he's been and he's always got results against the top four sides, so I wouldn't say it would be a hindrance to him getting the England job.

"He probably wouldn't be the right man for the job in my opinion but only time will tell."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6460644,00.html?

Hughes warning for Rooney
Former United ace calls on wantaway striker to reconsider his stance

Former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes has warned Wayne Rooney that the 'grass isn't always greener'.

The Fulham boss knows what it is like to part with the Red Devils, having taken in two spells at Old Trafford during his playing days.

He believes Rooney would be well advised to stay put, with his ongoing development likely to be better served under Sir Alex Ferguson'sguidance than it would elsewhere.

Hughes does, however, accept that the wantaway striker has probably been badly advised, with agents holding more sway in the modern game than they did in his day.

"Maybe Wayne's representatives have taken a position to negotiate a new contract but maybe they've miscalculated," he said.

"The position they're in makes it very difficult for Wayne to come back from.

"Whether or not that was the intention initially, they have overplayed their position.

Influence

"I hope Wayne stays at Manchester United.He's at the right club at this moment in time - he's got good people around him.

"Sometimes the grass isn't always greener.

"Sometimes agents can be a really positive influence, but sometimes they can make your job harder.

"We all have to deal with player power. The nearer a player gets to the end of his contract, the more the power shifts to him and his representatives."

Hughes has also hailed Ferguson's handling of the distracting episode, with the professional manner in which he has gone about his business underlining what a class act he is.

"Sir Alex understands that football changes very quickly and he's been able to change with it," added the Welshman.

"His approach to similar situations in the past would have been different. That shows what a good manager he is."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/1022/westbrom_fulham.html?

West Brom v Fulham

West Brom's leading scorer Peter Odemwingie is a major doubt for Saturday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

The four-goal Nigeria international is still struggling to overcome the knee injury suffered against Bolton at the Hawthorns three weeks ago.

If he is ruled out, then Marc-Antoine Fortune is again set to deputise after helping Albion to a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

Winger Jerome Thomas is in contention for a recall to the starting line-up after fully recovering from a calf problem.

Fulham striker Andy Johnson is available again for Fulham. The 29-year-old looks set to make his first appearance since January after recovering from shoulder, knee and hip injuries.

The Cottagers are suffering an injury crisis in midfield, though, with Simon Davies (ankle), Danny Murphy (abductor strain), Dickson Etuhu (ankle) and Damien Duff (calf) out.

Jonathan Greening, Chris Baird, Zoltan Gera and Clint Dempsey are likely to form the midfield in their absence.

West Brom squad: Carson, Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Shorey, Scharner, Mulumbu, Tchoyi, Morrison, Brunt, Fortune, Thomas, Bednar, Dorrans, Myhill, Cox, Ibanez, Reid, Odemwingie.

Fulham squad: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Kelly, Pantsil, Salcido, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Halliche, Gera, Riise, E Johnson, A Johnson, Greening, Dikgacoi, Kamara, Dembele.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1322784/Andy-Johnson-return-Fulham-time-10-months-West-Brom.html?

Andy Johnson to return to Fulham side for the first time in 10 months against West Brom

Fulham striker Andy Johnson will make his comeback in tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom.

Johnson will make his first appearance since January after recovering from a combination of shoulder, knee and hip injuries.

The 29-year-old played in a development match against Southampton in midweek and manager Mark Hughes has revealed he is ready for the trip to the Hawthorns.


Fit and raring to go: Fulham striker Andy Johnson hasn't played since January

'Andy should be OK. He came through 90 minutes and we're pleased with that,' said Hughes.

'It was the good challenge that he needed to clear his mind. He's available for selection.

'We'll look at the option of starting Andy. It would be more advisable to introduce him slowly and see how he goes.'

However, Fulham are suffering an injury crisis in midfield with Simon Davies (ankle), Danny Murphy (abductor strain), Dickson Etuhu (ankle) and Damien Duff (calf) out.

'We have four guys down in midfield so we're a little bit light in that department,' added Hughes.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1322784/Andy-Johnson-return-Fulham-time-10-months-West-Brom.html?#ixzz135LJ9rdM

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http://wba.theoffside.com/team-news/match-previewwest-bromwich-albion-v-fulham.html?

Match Preview:West Bromwich Albion v Fulham
By: Rob

Fulham at home, can we continue our unbeatean run?

A few ex Albion players to return to the Hawthons on saturday, Greening, Zoltan and Kamara so let's hope they don't play as they will probably score. I can see us winning this game as easily as I can see us losing, again like the bolton match this was a game we would have targeted as a must win.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,8697_6460437,00.html

ODEMWINGIE STILL DOUBTFUL

West Brom's leading scorer Peter Odemwingie is a major doubt for Saturday's home Premier League clash with Fulham.

The four-goal Nigeria international is still struggling to overcome the knee injury suffered against Bolton at the Hawthorns three weeks ago.

If he is ruled out, then Marc-Antoine Fortune is again set to deputise after helping Albion to a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

Winger Jerome Thomas is in contention for a recall to the starting line-up after fully recovering from a calf problem.

Fulham striker Andy Johnson is available after recovering from shoulder, knee and hip injuries.

The Cottagers are suffering an injury crisis in midfield, though, with Simon Davies (ankle), Danny Murphy (abductor strain), Dickson Etuhu (ankle) and Damien Duff (calf) out.

Jonathan Greening, Chris Baird, Zoltan Gera and Clint Dempsey are likely to form the midfield in their absence.

Teams:

West Brom (from): Carson, Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Shorey, Scharner, Mulumbu, Tchoyi, Morrison, Brunt, Fortune, Thomas, Bednar, Dorrans, Myhill, Cox, Ibanez, Reid, Odemwingie.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Stockdale, Kelly, Pantsil, Salcido, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Halliche, Gera, Riise, E Johnson, A Johnson, Greening, Dikgacoi, Kamara, Dembele.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2010/10/22/fulham-a-role-model-for-albion-boss/?

Fulham a role model for Albion boss

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has hailed next opponents Fulham as role models for the Baggies' big chance to nail down their Premier League place.

The team take on Mark Hughes' men at the Hawthorns tomorrow with the Cottagers in their 10th straight season of top-flight football.

And, while admitting chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed's investment has helped the West Londoners prosper, Di Matteo believes they are still an example for Albion.

He said: "Generally as a squad and a team, Fulham have been generally competitive and very good in the Premier League in the last two seasons.

"They made the Europa League final last season, they have been very solid and they are probably a club that you aspire to copy, because they have been in the Premier League now for many years.

"They have slowly built on their success in the past and it is probably a similar size of club to ours. Al Fayed was a big influence when he first took over and he invested heavily in the club and the playing squad.

"But, away from the financial aspect, I am talking about the technical side of the team."

Albion will begin tomorrow's match sixth in the table and unbeaten in five Premier League matches.

But Di Matteo believes his team must still improve defensively while maintaining their attacking form.

He said: "We have improved defensively. We look more solid but we can still do better."

Striker Peter Odemwingie is not expected to shake off a knee injury in time to play tomorrow, but Jerome Thomas could be recalled to the starting line-up after injury.



Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2010/10/22/fulham-a-role-model-for-albion-boss/?#ixzz135PfkfWW