Wednesday Fulham Stuff (03/11/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/2/1789069/fulhams-dickson-etuhu-could-be-ready-for-next-weeks-chelsea-match?

Fulham's Dickson Etuhu Could Be Ready for Next Week's Chelsea Match

This season, Dickson Etuhu had been in great form before his injury. He has been out of action for Fulham since the West Ham game at Upton Park. Fulham might have some good news on his possible return date. According to the Fulham Chronicle, Etuhu could be ready in time to play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

The article mentions Etuhu has been recovering from an ankle injury. Filling in for Etuhu in the midfield has been Jonathan Greening who has been doing an admirable job.

This season Etuhu I think had taken his game to the next level. Under Mark Hughes, he has been far more adventurous up front. He scored a wonderful goal against Blackpool. His play this season is another encouraging sign for Fulham this season. I wouldn't be shocked to see Etuhu score several goals during the year. However, just his presence pushing up front gives Fulham a huge boost with another offensive threat.   

Stamford Bridge is an extremely difficult place to play. Fulham will need an incredible effort to upset Chelsea next week. It can only help their chances if Etuhu is ready to return in time for the game.   

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/ReservesvWatford.aspx?

Reserves 1-1 Watford

Andrew Johnson continued his return to full match fitness on Tuesday afternoon at Motspur Park, getting his name on the score sheet once more for the Reserves.

AJ led the line alongside Eddie Johnson, with David Elm and Lauri Dalla Valle providing support from the flanks.

The Whites started in positive fashion with Fredrik Stoor seeing plenty of the ball early on. In fact the Whites went close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute when Stoor delivered a teasing cross into the area.

Fulham continued looking dangerous down the right flank and moments later Andrew Johnson floated a cross in for Dalla Valle, who put his header just over from six yards.

Watford came within a whisker of taking the lead on 16 minutes when Matt Whichelow diverted a cross towards goal which struck the far post before rebounding back towards Neil Etheridge. At the other end, Aaron Pierre forced a routine save after heading Rob Milsom's corner on target.

Andrew Johnson opened the scoring for Fulham on 21 minutes following a good spell of Fulham possession. The Whites took their time in looking for an opening before the ball was fed to Dalla Valle who flicked a pass into the path of Johnson. The striker placed a precise finish past Rene Gilmartin from seven yards.

AJ came close to doubling his tally on 30 minutes when he was allowed to turn in the area and fire a left-footed shot just wide of the far post.

Freddie Stoor and Kagisho Dikgacoi were replaced at half-time, having both put in good performances before the interval.

Watford started the second-half well and pushed the Whites on to the back foot for long periods. David Elm, Andrew Johnson and Eddie Johnson were all replaced on the hour mark. Christian Marquez-Sanchez, Alex Kacaniklic and Marcello Trotta were the players to come on.

Marcello Trotta almost doubled Fulham's lead on 70 minutes when good work from Kacaniklic down the left flank set up the Italian striker with a good opportunity; unfortunately Trotta was unable to find the target.

Watford struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities in the second-half but they found a way through late on from an 89th minute from a set-piece. Troy Deeney managed to get his head to a probing diagonal delivery into the area and divert the ball past Neil Etheridge.

Fulham Starting XI: Etheridge; Stoor, Pierre, Toure, Briggs; Dikgacoi, Milsom, Dalla Valle, Elm; A Johnson, E Johnson



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/ReservesvWatford.aspx?#ixzz14CIvyI00

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/FUNdamentalsProgram.aspx

FUNdamentals Program

Fulham FC Foundation's Sports Development Team recently up-skilled over 40 sessional staff through internal workshops. The workshops were designed to enable coaches to deliver high quality sessions for key stage one pupils on a new extra-curricular schools program called Fulham Football FUNdamentals.

This program is designed to combine the multi-skill approach with a football focus to make multi-skill clubs more appealing to youngsters. The program approaches the key areas of a young person's physical literacy by developing their static, dynamic and counter balance, agility in motion, reactions, large motor skill and fine motor skill co-ordination.

After piloting the program in six primary schools in the summer term, and completing two internal workshops, there is now a strong team of coaches who are out delivering this program. Although still in its early stages, this extra-curricular club is currently being delivered in 24 schools across local areas including Lambeth, Fulham and Reigate, resulting in over 380 reception, year 1 and year 2 school children developing their fundamental movements.

If your school would like to join or gain more information about this program please contact Fulham FC Foundation on 0870 442 5432.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/FUNdamentalsProgram.aspx#ixzz14CJCos2D

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/KickzSuccess.aspx

Kickz Success

Kickz is a nationwide initiative in which projects are placed into areas in the country where high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour take place. Currently Fulham FC Foundation deliver 7 projects, these are run in the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham which has 1 project, and Merton, Lambeth and Kingston upon Thames which each have 2.

In the period running from 1st December 2009 to 1st September 2010 the Kickz programmes have engaged with 1027 different young people with a total of 27,878 contact hours with Fulham FC coaches. A total of 807 sessions have been delivered with the split of male attendees at 755 and female at 272.

Workshops are also delivered as part of the programme and have ranged in topic from employability skills to sexual health awareness, with 678 young people attending in the last 10 months. 16 different accredited courses have also been delivered, including FA level 1's and BTEC courses.

Of the 16 courses, 404 young people achieved a qualification. This represents 65% of young people who have attended Kickz have taken part in an outcome based workshop, and 40% of all Kickz participants have received an accredited outcome.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/KickzSuccess.aspx#ixzz14CJQsdiz

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DisabilityCentreofExcellence.aspx

Disability Centre of Excellence

The Disability Centre of Excellence season kicked off recently with the trials event at the clubs training ground in Motspur Park. This year Fulham FC Foundation is delighted to be operating both an U14 and U18 squad in partnership with the Surrey FA and the FA.

Both teams are formed from the best local league talent in the region and operate on a pan-disability model, which means young people with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments train and compete together as part of the same squad.

The Centre forms an important part of the players pathway, taking the best talent in the area and ensuring they receive both a quality coaching experience - the Centre contains four UEFA B coaching licence holders this season – and the chance to compete against players of similar standards elsewhere in the country.  From all at Fulham FC we wish both teams a successful season.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/DisabilityCentreofExcellence.aspx#ixzz14CJd7xjI

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219576

Fulham - Smalling Watch!
For those of you interested in seeing our former players performing on a bigger stage, you might like to tune into Sky Sports tonight to watch the Bursaspor v Manchester United game.

We`re reliably informed that Chris Smalling will once again be partnering Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the United defence.

Smalling, signed by United after making only a handful of appearances for Fulham is continuing to impress Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scottish boss, who has created something of a dynasty at Old Trafford has remarked about Smalling,

"With young players you always have to give them time."

"But fortunately for the lad he`s come in and taken to it very quickly."

He may not have stayed that long at Craven Cottage but it was obvious there was something about Smalling that indicated he had a brighter future than many that have passed through our ranks!

"He`s adapted well and taken to training because he already has the physical side."


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219576#ixzz14CJnmEcW

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219575

Fulham - Villa Clear-Out Link!
Midweek, even as early as Tuesday, we find that news is very scarce.

In fact I had to look long and hard to uncover this little snippet a sit was buried deep within the bowels of a story related to some fading club from Birmingham who play in claret and blue!

Apparently the interest we showed in Steve Sidwell could be resurrected, Aston Villa, now under the stewardship of Gerrard Houllier, are looking to improve their squad in January with the Frenchman, as the tabloids say, looking to make at least two signings.

But, and here it comes folks, it looks as if Houllier will have to sell before he can buy, hence the possible resurrection of a deal for Sidwell, although I have to say it is purely very weak speculation at this stage.

Personally, I`m not sure that Mark Hughes will be interested. Sidwell has flattered to deceive at his last two ports of call and I reckon the days have passed whereby we should be associated with buying anybodies cast-offs, especially from a club we`re looking to pass on our climb up the table!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219575#ixzz14CK1RSfT

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219574

Hodgson - Stinging Attack!
It`s widely accepted that Roy Hodgson took the Liverpool job because he wanted one last crack at managing a big club!

Perhaps deep down Roy knew that having taken Fulham to the Europa League Final there were always going to be offers on the table whilst also acknowledging that repeating such a success was always going to be nigh on impossible.

But having joined Liverpool, I have my suspicions that Roy might not be quite so enthusiastic about his new career opportunity now that circumstances have contrived to put him under the cosh.

As well as the poor start the club made to the season and the fact that a change of owner was also going to be a catalyst for a managerial upheaval scenario, Roy know appear to have become embroiled in a war of words with the former Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez.

With Roy having criticised the standard of player that he`s inherited and his belief that Benitez didn`t use the likes of Kenny Dalglish as he has done, Benitez has launched a savage attack on Roy, remarking, whilst in London with his Inter Milan side for a Champions League tie with Spurs,

"I feel Mr Hodgson doesn`t understand. Every single press conference is worse than the last one. He`s talking about things he doesn`t know."

"Some people can`t see a priest on a mountain of sugar. He doesn`t understand, maybe he`s been in the job for not so long."

"When I was in charge we gave fans pride. We fought for the fans, we fought for the club and we fought for our players. Maybe he can`t understand this."

Priest on a mountain of sugar?

I bet Roy never had anything so sticky to deal with whilst at Craven Cottage!

Anyone else reckon that deep own the old-boy misses the place?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219574#ixzz14CKGVUKT

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/retaining-possession/?

Retaining Possession
Filed under: General — Colin
Lots of excellent points brought up in Timmy's post (and the comments that followed) this past Sunday regarding possession. Our front six at West Brom looked like this:

          Dembélé - Kamara
Dempsey - Greening - Baird - Gera

Then, at home v Wigan:

          Dembélé - Dempsey
Davies - Greening - Murphy - Gera

That's Murphy for Baird, Dempsey for Kamara, and Davies for Dempsey. L and Chopper pointed out in the comments that our forward combination of Dembélé and Dempsey helped improve our ball retention. I put together a table showing each player's total touches on the season, total "negative possessions" (where the ball is given away – misplaced passes, shots off target, balls gone out for opposing corners, etc), and possession success rate (percentage of touches that weren't given away):

Player	Min	App	Touches	Neg Poss	Poss Success%
Greening	292	7	280	23	91.79%
Murphy	1268	15	1239	180	85.47%
Duff	959	11	510	77	84.90%
Salicido	720	8	583	90	84.56%
Konchesky	180	2	146	24	83.56%
Baird	555	8	542	92	83.03%
Davies	1300	15	877	149	83.01%
Hangeland	1440	16	1151	197	82.88%
Etuhu	1170	13	705	128	81.84%
Hughes	1440	16	947	180	80.99%
Dikgacoi	4	1	5	1	80.00%
Kelly	906	12	650	131	79.85%
Gera	620	16	531	110	79.28%
Dembele	853	11	580	124	78.62%
Pantsil	630	8	542	126	76.75%
Dempsey	1076	16	612	172	71.90%
Riise	17	1	14	4	71.43%
Johnson E	191	8	125	40	68.00%
Kamara	200	5	115	42	63.48%
Zamora	538	8	322	120	62.73%
Johnson A	40	2	20	8	60.00%

Much of this is going to be dictated by a player's style and tactical usage, so I don't want to read too much into it, but it does explain some things. Clint Dempsey is a significant improvement over Diomansy Kamara. Further, Simon Davies has controlled the ball more effectively than Dempsey, making the impact even greater. It would appear that the observations were right on.

Of course, this isn't to take anything away from those at the bottom of the list (we expect attacking players to lose the ball more often), but that's another discussion.

[WhiteJC]

http://blog.sport.co.uk/Football/898/Top_Ten_Anglo-Italian_tussles.aspx

Top Ten: Anglo-Italian tussles


As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to take on reigning Champions League holders Inter Milan in a potentially pivotal group stage clash tonight, Sport.co.uk offers Harry Redknapp's men a spot of encouragement by looking back over ten significant instances of English sides triumphing over their Italian counterparts in European competition...

Fulham 4-1 Juventus, Europa League round of 16 second leg, 2010

Probably Craven Cottage's finest hour (and a half). The Grand Old Lady raced into an early 3-0 lead in the first leg in Turin before Dickson Etuhu pulled one back for the Cottagers in what seemed likely to be a mere consolation goal. Juve then took a 2nd minute lead in West London, before Roy Hodgson's side came storming back with a barnstorming display in which Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera (2) and Clint Dempsey – the latter with a sublime lob – kept Fulham on track for an eventual appearance in the final.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/2280/7/hughes-fulham-know-how-key-top-ten-finish?

Hughes: Fulham know-how key to top ten finish



Fulham boss Mark Hughes reckons his side's Premier League experience will see them make the top ten.

Hughes' starting 11 against Wigan on the weekend boasted over 2,500 appearances in English league football between them.

And with the likes of Mark Schwarzer, Danny Murphy and Simon Davies in his team, the Craven Cottage chief is convinced his side's know-how will give them the edge over their Premier League rivals.

"There is an understanding and experience of the Premier League here," said Hughes.

"That is very important. I remember being at Manchester City and we played against Fulham - we compared the amount of games that my team had played against the Fulham players, and they came out 50 per cent higher.

"There is a lot of experience in our group, and we will try and tap into that and use it."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219589

Fulham - Etuhu To Return for Chelsea Trip!
Fulham could be welcoming back one of their unsung heroes very shortly!

According to the local media, in West London, Dickson Etuhu could be set to return from injury in time for our visit to Stamford Bridge.

Dickson has been out, injured, since the drawn fixture against West Ham and has been utilising all sorts of medical aids to quicken the repair of the ankle ligament damage.

Welcome back Dickson!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=219589#ixzz14CVXmcj4

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/aj-fulham-scoresheet-reserves-draw-1222201?

AJ on Fulham scoresheet in reserves draw

Andy Johnson was on the Fulham scoresheet in their 1-1 draw with Watford reserves.

Johnson continued his return to full match fitness on Tuesday afternoon at Motspur Park, getting his name on the score sheet once more for the Reserves.

AJ's goal was created by Finnish youngster Lauri Dalla Valle.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/johnson-thanks-fulham-fans-after-14-months-out-1222191?

Johnson thanks Fulham fans after 14 months out

Andy Johnson has thanked Fulham fans after making his comeback in victory over Wigan Athletic.

The striker who has endured a lengthy period out on the sidelines continued his return to full match fitness with an energetic showing in the closing stages of the game.

"It's been such a long time, I'm just delighted to get some game time," Johnson told fulhamfc.com. "I had 30 minutes last week and another 15 minutes this week but it wasn't really about me, it was about the team. We got a great result and it was an important three points for us.

"I'd like to say thank you so much to the fans. I thought they were absolutely fantastic; to come back to a set of fans like that is amazing. It sent a shiver down my spine and I just need to get match fit now and give them back what they gave me.

"The fans have been fantastic, I've had some great letters sent to me. It's been a tough time, I'm not going to lie, I was down for a long time but you see the rewards when you come back out and see the fans."

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/11/lets-talk-tactics-14-season-review-villa-preview/?

Let's Talk Tactics: 1/4 Season Review, Villa Preview
by CODY WORSHAM on NOVEMBER 3, 2010

Welp, folks, it's been a while.

Whether it's because my head's been buried in textbooks, or I just simply wasn't able to catch the first few matches until replay, I've been out of the loop.

My dearest apologies.

Now back to business.

The first 10 games of the season, roughly a quarter of the Premier League campaign, have passed, and we are sitting in a solid 10th, with 12 points to show for.

With all the injuries we've endured (Zamora, Duff, Dembele for a bit, Murphy for a bit, Etuhu, etc), I'd say we're doing alright.

Mark Hughes hasn't really done anything surprising tactically. Just about every side he's put out has been of the 4-4-2 variety, usually a 4-4-1-1-ish looking side. And really, injuries considered, it's amazing he's put out such a consistent formation weak in and out.

The key loss tactically was Zamora. His hold up play can't be replaced by anyone in the side, so we've had to mix and match a bit. We've had rough patches (West Bromwich comes to mind) and sweet spots (Saturday's trouncing of Wigan is still fresh in my mind), but our style of play has been very interesting.

Some key points:

4-4-2, or some variation, is the formation that works best for our boys, for several reasons. First, without Duff, we lack a true winger, and even he is a step off the pace and not really an out-and-out winger. Gera, Davies, and Dempsey are all wide midfielders — crafty on the ball, good defenders, and good down the byline or in the center — but none are true wingers in the mold of an Antonio Valenica or Florent Malouda who look to cut inside and take on defenders. Dempsey is closest but doesn't qualify. As our central midfield is slower and older and can't cover wide areas all too well, our wide players can't really press high up the pitch, which means flat four is the best option.

Right now, Hughes needs to stick to his guns and continue the 4-4-2 used against Wigan. Our depth in wide players is our greatest asset, and right now Dempsey, Gera, and Davies seem to be on the same page. All three were fantastic Saturday, with Gera unlucky not to score (again), Davies dominating the left side of the field with Salcido, and Dempsey netting two excellent goals. If anyone comes off for Andy Johnson, it should be Dembele, who still seems to be hampered by that earlier injury.

Granted they are different players, but in the same position, notice how much higher up the field and how much more of the ball Murphy (top) had against Wigan than Greening (bottom) had against West Brom. Different games and different players, but it's one visual that shows how vital Murphy is to the Fulham attack

If there was ever any doubt about Danny Murphy's value to this team, it's been eradicated. Just place the West Brom and Wigan games side by side to see his impact on this team. No? Allow me. The graphic on the left shows all you need to see in terms of Murphy's importance. The question now is who to put beside him. Dickson Etuhu will get his spot back when he returns from injury, but for now I think Baird is our best option. Greening is too slow of a partner for the equally velocity-challenged Murphy, and Baird is a super passer, a great aerial defender, and a pest on the turf.

This also opens up space for John Pantsil to return to the lineup. While his form earlier in the season was shocking, I think he's ready for another run out. He offers a more attacking option than Baird, and with Ashley Young waiting this weekend, I think we'll need his speed in defense.

As an American, this is difficult to say, but I'll be damned if Carlos Salcido isn't the most impressive summer signing in all of London (van der Vaart excluded). The Mexican international is forming a very nice left-sided attack with Davies. They seem to be connecting telepathically, as their cover for each other and attack has been quite impressive. The return of Etuhu will only free up that left side even more, as Dickson provides physical intimidation and cover from midfield that no one else in the side really offers.

I'll end with a final formation for Villa on Saturday.


You could see Davies on the right to help out with the threat of Ashley Young, but I wouldn't make the change, personally. I think Baird will stay at right back and Greening in the midfield, but I'd lean toward Pantsil. Villa are a talented side and will be a tough outfit, but if Murphy can dictate the tempo of the game and Gera, Demebele, and Dempsey can continue to link up, I think we'll pull out the full three points.

On some personal news, I hope to be getting a video blog started on some of these games, barring I get my software working properly and find some time between classes. Until next time.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/11/03/gera-ready-for-fulham-fight-64767-27586786/?

Gera ready for Fulham fight

ZOLTAN Gera has warned Damien Duff he faces a fight for his right-wing spot.

The Hungarian has made just four league starts all season, but played 90 minutes as Fulham cruised past Wigan last weekend.

However, Irishman Duff returned to training this week, and is set to be back in contention for Saturday's clash with Aston Villa.

"I just want to play well when I get the chance," said Gera.

"I'm happy to play 90 minutes and hopefully I can stay in the team.

"I'm happy where I'm playing in the team. I enjoy myself on the right side but I can play in the middle.

"We have a good squad and there's competition for every single place."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Stoke-City-Murphy-comments-affecting-says-Whitehead/article-2830785-detail/article.html?

Stoke City: Danny Murphy comments affecting us, says Dean Whitehead

DEAN Whitehead fears the fall-out from the Danny Murphy affair could be contributing towards the refereeing blunders influencing Stoke's three successive league defeats, writes Martin Spinks.

And in a separate development, Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson has sprung to the defence of Tony Pulis and labelled today's players "babies" after the Stoke boss was implicated by Murphy's outspoken attack.

Murphy provoked a storm last month when suggesting the managers of Stoke, Blackburn and Wolves were hyping up their players too much before matches.

Stoke have since suffered from refereeing gaffes in losses against Bolton, Manchester United and Everton.

"I think the comments Danny Murphy made have highlighted us as a club," said Whitehead.

"It's put us in the spotlight and you get labelled. It's plain to see we aren't getting the decisions. You just hope these things even out."

And Ferguson, who has recently fielded teams against Wolves and Stoke, said: "It is an insult to the managers of the teams because you couldn't get two more honest guys than Tony Pulis and Mick McCarthy.

"Their job is to get their players committed and motivated. There is nothing wrong with that.

"I know more about Tony Pulis's team because they have been in the league longer. They have always been honest."

And in a fierce swipe at today's players, the one-time Rangers striker added: "The players are babies now. In my day you had to hit someone with a hatchet before a referee booked you. It's different now."

Meanwhile, Whitehead is adamant morale and confidence remains solid in the City dressing-room.

"We are capable of putting a good run together," says midfielder, "and a couple of wins in this league takes you right up there. In none of the games we've lost have we been outplayed. A decision here or there and you could be talking about a different outcome."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/EtuhuQA.aspx?

On The Spot

Dickson, what is the oddest thing you have witnessed on a football pitch?

(Ammar Dungarwalla)

A fox! It was a fox at the Cottage against Wolves. You never see that – a fox around where so many people are. You never really see them in public but it came on the pitch!

Who's the best midfielder you have played with in your career? (Ryhs Lightning)

Eyal Berkovic. I've played with some midfielders that people will say are better than him but for me he was definitely the best.

I was at the Blackpool game when you scored a terrific goal in the last minute. You wheeled away to celebrate and gestured to the home fans. Were you getting some stick because you were an ex- Preston player? (fulhamsnumber12)

Yes, I was! It was a tough game and they played well against us. I wanted to quieten them down a bit!

What city did you enjoy staying at the most on our European adventure? (North London White)

Rome was the best city. Hamburg was also good but Wolfsburg wasn't!

What did you do to entertain yourself on that long coach journey to Hamburg? (North London White)

Movies, movies and more movies! Everyone was just bantering at the back and talking about everything really. We stopped off for a bit too and stretched our legs in the traffic. The traffic actually helped us because we've got a few big lads and it was good to stretch for a bit.

Dickson, who was your Super Eagle hero when you were a kid? (Addison on October)

Jay-Jay Okocha.

How do you keep your hair looking so fresh during games? (David Yip)

Does my hair look fresh? I do my hair quite a bit and I cut it a lot because I don't like it getting too long. I get it done every couple of weeks but you're supposed to only do it every couple of months. I'm not growing it longer and it'll be like this the whole time now.

It's a few years away but when you retire from professional football, what does the future hold for you? (fulhamfc.com)

I'm not sure where I want to live yet. I definitely want to have a place in England but I'm not sure that's where I want to live. What I do depends on where I will live.

I definitely want to have a house in Ghana. It's beautiful and one of the best countries in Africa as it has a great infrastructure. It's done properly with the roads, buildings, police and laws. I also want to have a place in the States. I want to be moving about but I'm not too sure yet.

What are your five favourite songs of all time? (Stridey 15)

You can't ask me that. Make that one up for me, it's too tough. Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and....I really don't know because I'm bad with songs.

Okay then, who were your three favourite artists when you were a kid? (fulhamfc.com)

Michael Jackson, Bob Marley...and you can make the other one up.

Kylie. (fulhamfc.com)

Kylie? What? Not Kylie though! No one will believe you anyway!

Did you know dogs can't look up? Tell us something you know about dogs. (Reply by You!)

Dogs can't look up? I didn't know that. I've got three dogs and they're all the same breed.
I don't know anything like that about dogs...apart from don't try climbing over my gate!

Dickson, I would like to know, why do you wear your jeans so low and don't you ever feel the need to pull them up? (Denise @ Motspur Park Reception)

Never! I'm always going to wear my jeans low. A lot of people wear them low – Clint and a few others. Mine are low and will always be low – they're comfortable there and I'm not Simon Cowell!

You're in terrific physical condition. Do you ever allow yourself a cheeky pie or something after games? (James Alexander Tizzard)

I eat rubbish all the time!

Apparently you bought a fan some fish and chips after a game? (fulhamfc.com)

Yeah I did! I stopped off at the place near the stadium [chippy on Fulham High Street] after a game and there was a fan in there. I stopped and got some food and I liked it! I'm lucky though because I don't carry the weight.

What's your favourite snack then? (fulhamfc.com)

Fox's biscuits. Mmm, I love Fox's biscuits!

How often does your name get spelt 'Dixon' on invoices, speculative car insurance and junk mail?

All the time, but not on car insurance. It happens quite a lot actually.

Who would win in a fight between a bear and a tiger? (You!)

A bear 100%. As soon as the bear grabs hold of the Tiger it's finished. A bear is just too strong.

But not too slow? (fulhamfc.com)

It doesn't matter. You've got to remember...I'm telling you now...if a bear grabs onto that Tiger it's finished. Have you seen those claws?!

Achilles heel...(fulhamfc.com)

Achilles heel! Do you think a bear cares what an Achilles heel is?!

Dickson, I know you are a father – how hard is it to combine family life with being a professional footballer? (carrickflora)

It's easy. When you have a baby you love your baby so much you just do it. It puts everything into perspective. I get up every morning at six and I have to have him from six until quarter past eight. I love that time – just him and me. I love that father and son moment.

It was horrible during World Cup as he was doing new things and that was a difficult moment for me. Thank God for Skype as I got to see him every morning. That helped every day and he was only seven or eight months old then. Those moments kept me going and I've got a job that demands a lot from me and it is hard.

Playing in a World Cup Finals – did the reality of competing on such a stage live up to your expectations despite Nigeria falling short? (PhilR)

The whole World Cup thing for me...it was a dream to play at a World Cup but the stuff that went on put a downer on it. It spoilt it for me but I was very grateful to have that chance to play in a World Cup.

Hi Dickson, what do you think about racism in modern football – do you still 'feel' it or do you think the situation has improved? (Simon Abitante)

It's changed and it had to change. Nowadays most of the best players in the Premier League are from all over the world and all the initiatives have helped. I've been through racism in the lower leagues and I've played in England for over ten years so I've seen the transition.

I've not experienced it for a long time now and I hope that other players don't and it keeps going the same way. It used to happen at certain stadiums and you could feel it but you don't experience that anymore. You feel part of it and part of the team and the true love from the fans.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/EtuhuQA.aspx?#ixzz14E2uGvAx

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/HughesonSalcido.aspx?

Flying Start

Last Saturday's victory over Wigan Athletic at the Cottage saw many players put their name up for the Man of the Match accolade.

With his pinpoint crossing and attacking intent down the left flank, Carlos Salcido was certainly one of the leading contenders.

The Mexico international set up the opening goal of the game when he curled a teasing delivery into the box, creating the goal scoring opportunity for Clint Dempsey.

Looking back on the acquisition of Salcido, Manager Mark Hughes was clearly pleased that his signing has so evidently added to the quality of the squad.

"We had a situation with Paul Konchesky which presented itself when I walked through the door," Hughes explained. "We tried to resist the attention of Liverpool at the time and we did it for a reasonable amount of time, a few weeks, but then we realised 'let's have a look at the options and see if we can get someone we feel will enhance us'.

"If I felt that by allowing Paul Konchesky to leave it would weaken us, I wouldn't have allowed it to happen.

"But I felt that with Carlos, having seen him play and the level that he's played at, I didn't think it was a risk to allow Paul Konchesky to go. I think now you're starting to see his enjoyment of the Premier League.

"What I like about him is that he's very humble and enjoys his work. I think he's found an environment that he likes; he likes the type of football we play because that's what he's been used to in the teams he's played with before. All in all it's a good fit for us and for him. We're delighted with what he's producing."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/HughesonSalcido.aspx?#ixzz14E3IzkTw

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1326226/Dean-Whitehead-Danny-Murphys-comments-plagued-Stokes-season.html?

Murphy's comments have plagued our season, says Stoke midfielder Whitehead

Stoke midfielder Dean Whitehead is concerned the controversy over comments made by Fulham captain Danny Murphy about the Potters' playing style may be impacting on their season.

Murphy last month waded into the debate about over-physical sides in the Barclays Premier League by naming Stoke, Blackburn and Wolves as the main protagonists.

Since then Tony Pulis' side have slipped to three successive league defeats, which have all featured perceived refereeing errors.

Whitehead suggested that could partly be as a result of officials' perception of them being tainted by their public flogging by Murphy.

'I think the comments Danny Murphy made have highlighted us as a club,' Whitehead told The Sentinel.

'It's put us in the spotlight and you get labelled. It's plain to see we aren't getting the decisions. 'You just hope these things even out.

'We are capable of putting a good run together and a couple of wins in this league takes you right up there. 'In none of the games we've lost have we been out-played.

'A decision here or there and you could be talking about a different outcome.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1326226/Dean-Whitehead-Danny-Murphys-comments-plagued-Stokes-season.html?#ixzz14E3gMXyx