Saturday Fulham Stuff (13/11/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221141

Fulham - Hughes on MOTD Comments!
The red card offence, committed by Michael Essien, on Wednesday night continues to irk Mark Hughes.

In response to the pundits on Match of the Day inferring the red card decision was harsh, Hughes has hit back with a few hard-hitting words of his own, remarking,

"You`re not allowed to jump in with two feet and leave the floor because you put other players at risk. And Essien did catch Clint so had to suffer the consequences."

"I`d suggest the Match of the Day panel hasn`t watched the game in its entirety, because they rarely do. There were a couple of other challenges - I think Essien got booked earlier on for a challenge on Clint, which was dangerous as well. Maybe it was an accumulation of that."

We`re not sure they ever watch the game in its entirety and we`re convinced that the majority of those pundits are only there to enhance there so-called celebrity status!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221141#ixzz1595xFgzU

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221143

Fulham - Full Back Tracked!
A strange one this one!

Especially when you consider that Carlos Salcido has the left back berth sorted and Chris Baird is enjoying a new lease of life on the other flank!

But never the less, we feel obliged to report what we uncover doing the rounds of the football gossip columns.

So here goes!

Apparently Mark Hughes has shown more than a passing interest in the Basel full back, Bahrang Safari.

There, we`ve told you, so make what you want of it!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221143#ixzz1596AejmK

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221142

Fulham - More Hangeland Transfer Talk!
Having signed a new contract recently we had hoped that there would be no more gossip relating to our Norwegian centre back, Brede Hangeland, leaving Craven Cottage.

We were wrong!

This morning one news source is running with an article that suggests Brede might be heading for foreign climes with Seria A a possible destination.

Apparently, Juventus are considering making a £6 million offer for his services!

Us stalwarts at Vital Fulham would hope that such a paltry offer would be dismissed out of hand and with a stern indication that he`s not for sale!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221142#ixzz1596R0F50

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221144

Fulham - Aaron Hughes Talks!
There`s every possibility, with the injury situation as it is, that Matthew Briggs will make a second consecutive Premier League appearance.

After being picked for the Chelsea game, Aaron Hughes was one of the players who offered a few thoughts on how the youngster had performed,

'We see him [Briggs] everyday in training so we know he's got a lot of potential."

'He's a big, strong player who's really comfortable on the ball and that's why the manager had no problem putting him in a game like this."

'He showed everybody exactly why the manager showed faith in him against Chelsea."

"He's got a good head on his shoulders, he works hard and over time he's only going to get better and that's good for us.'

As for Wednesday night and the forthcoming trip to Newcastle, a former club of his, Hughes had this to say,

'We stuck to our task against Chelsea and we feel a little bit unlucky not to be leaving without anything to show for it."

"It would be nice to win on Saturday against Newcastle but we know they're on a high after winning three on the bounce. They've been doing really well and causing teams a lot of problems whilst working very hard and grinding out good results.'

Never forget though that lesser teams than us have won at St James Park this season!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=221144#ixzz1596gKeha

[WhiteJC]

http://www.nufcblog.org/2010/11/newcastle-v-fulham-match-preview/?

Newcastle v Fulham – Match preview.

Newcastle will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Fulham to St James' Park.
I would like to say that Newcastle will be looking for some more home comforts, but that hasn't been the case this season and we appear to be, oddly for Newcastle, an away side.

That away form can't go on forever though and Newcastle need to start picking up points at home, starting against Fulham, who haven't won an away fixture in the Premier League for 24 matches now. That is an alarming stat, as whenever one of those kind of stats pops up it nearly always means that Newcastle will duly oblige and end that disappointing run for the opposition.

Joey 'the one punch machine gun' Barton starts his three-match ban and will miss the match. Shola Ameobi will face a late fitness test on a hamstring injury that he picked up against Blackburn, although given his past injury history I would be tempted to leave him out altogether, whilst James Perch and Leon Best are rated as doubtful for the match. Steve Harper, Dan Gosling and Hatem Ben Arfa are all still out with long-term injuries.

As I wrote earlier, there will have to be some chagnes in store. So on the basis of what I wrote in that article, I woiuld like to see a team of;
Newcastle – Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Checi Tiote, Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Nile Ranger, Andy Carroll.

Fulham are missing a fair few first-team players for the match tomorrow. Philippe Senderos, Carlos Salcido, Bobby Zamora and Chris Baird will all miss the match tomorrow through various injuries. Aaron Hughes will be returning to Tyneside and will surely get a warm reception. The same can't be said for Damien Duff though who returns to Newcastle for the first time since he left for Fulham back in August 2009.

Their last match was a spirited 1-0 defeat away to Chelsea where they played with a team of;
Fulham – Mark Schwarzer, Stephen Kelly, Brade Hangeland, Aaron Hughes, Matt Briggs, Simon Davies, Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu, Damien Duff, Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele.

Fulham have the upper hand over Newcastle with regard to the head-to-head record. Of the 61 meetings between the two sides, The Cottagers (tee hee hee) have won 25 matches compared to Newcastle's 24 with the other 12 meeting resulting in draws.

Mark Hughes, current Fulham boss, has only won four out his last 23 Premier League matches – A run which stretches back to his Manchester City days.

Yet again it will be a tough game, and Fulham are another side that will no doubt cause us problems. Newcastle need to get this home form sorted, and I expect that they will endeavour to do that tomorrow.

My prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham.

Howay the lads!

Date – Saturday, 13th November, 2010.
Kick-off – 3:00pm.
Venue – St James' Park, Newcastle.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/newcastle-united/6503035/Hangeland-set-to-subdue-Carroll?

Hangeland set to subdue Carroll

Mark Hughes has backed the ultra-competitive Brede Hangeland to put the brakes on Andy Carroll in Fulham's clash at Newcastle on Saturday.

Carroll has taken the top flight by storm since the Magpies' promotion and his seven goals in 12 games look set to earn him a maiden call-up to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with France.

The 21-year-old has netted in his last two outings and his final chance to impress Fabio Capello and his staff comes at St James' Park.

But Hangeland will be no pushover, having just managed to keep Didier Drogba quiet in Fulham's 1-0 west London derby defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.

And manager Hughes has revealed just how much the 29-year-old hates to lose.

"He is very disappointed when he loses games, as we all are, even if he loses challenges or five-a-sides on training fields," Hughes said.

"There is the same intensity to his work.

"He wants to work hard for the team and that inner drive is what you want to see in players."

However, Hughes knows Hangeland cannot keep Carroll quiet for 90 minutes unaided.

"Obviously, we are aware of the areas that Andy Carroll likes to attack, so hopefully we can actually stop the source to him," he said.

"I think that's probably the best plan of action.

"But that is not easy to do on every occasion so, when the ball is played into our box, we want the likes of Brede to challenge and show his strength in the air as well."

Despite his on-field exploits, it is Carroll's off-field activities that have seen the striker hit the headlines for the wrong reasons this season.

Hughes is therefore ambivalent about the prospect of an England call-up for the Newcastle number nine.

He said: "You have to say issues around his life may cloud the clearness of that decision but, in football terms, he deserves a call-up."

In stark contrast, Hughes was unequivocal about the job done by opposite number Chris Hughton, who has still to be offered a new contract to replace the one that expires in the summer.

"I think everyone in football is surprised he has not been offered a new contract," Hughes said of the man who has led Newcastle to fifth place after 12 games of their first season back in the top flight.

"He's done a great job. He's stabilised the club after relegation and brought them back up and now they are riding high."

Fulham, no the other hand, have won only twice in the league since Hughes took charge this summer and have dropped to 15th - though still only four points behind tomorrow's opponents.

The Cottagers have not recorded an away win since the opening day of last season, a statistic which Hughes is all too familiar with.

"It is not something that sits comfortably with any of us," he said.

"Certain areas of our play when we play away need to improve to give us a chance to win.

"It is something that possibly is there before we go out on the field so we need to get those thoughts out of our minds."

It may help Hughes' players to know Fulham have won on three of their last five visits to St James' Park, while Newcastle have also lost three of their six home games this term.

He said: "That gives us some encouragement because teams have gone there and played well and got positive results and that is what we need to do."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/12/squad-sheets-newcastle-united-fulham?

Squad sheets: Newcastle United v Fulham

Joey Barton's midweek misdemeanour against Blackburn Rovers was the latest needless distraction from a largely excellent start to the season for Newcastle. The midfielder has been a key component of Chris Hughton's side and will be sorely missed. Fulham's away record – no Premier League win in 15 months – remains an embarrassment but they will hope to take advantage of Newcastle's frailties at home. This is the one ground where the Cottagers have flourished in recent years, winning on three of their last five visits. John Stanton

Venue St James' Park, Saturday 3pm

Tickets £25-36 (0844 372 1892) Last season n/a

Referee L Probert

This season's matches 8 Y22, R4, 3.25 cards per game

Odds Newcastle 10-11 Fulham 10-3 Draw 5-2


Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Newcastle

Subs from Soderberg, Ameobi, Xisco, Campbell, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Simpson, R Taylor, Ranger, S Taylor

Doubtful Ameobi (hamstring), Best (ankle), Perch (ankle), R Taylor (foot)

Injured Harper (shoulder, Dec), Ben Arfa (broken leg, Jan), Gosling (knee, Jan)

Suspended Barton (first of three)

Form guide LWWWDL

Disciplinary record Y27 R0

Leading scorers Carroll, Nolan 7

Fulham

Subs from Stockdale, A Johnson, Gera, Kamara, Riise, E Johnson, Dikgacoi, Greening, Halliche, Elm, Pantsil

Doubtful None

Injured Baird (hip, 21 Nov), Salcido (knee, Dec), Senderos (calf, Feb), Zamora (broken leg, Feb), Stoor (groin, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide LDWLLD

Disciplinary record Y14 R0

Leading scorer Dempsey 4

Match pointers

• Newcastle have won one of their last five top-flight home meetings with Fulham

• Fulham are without a win in their last 24 Premier League away matches

• Newcastle have not kept a clean sheet at St James' Park in seven attempts since beating Aston Villa 6-0 in their first home match of the season

• Brede Hangeland scored the latest goal of the season so far (94min 41sec) against Aston Villa

• All four of Joey Barton's assists in the league this season have been to set up a headed goal for Andy Carroll

[WhiteJC]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=293009&cc=5739

Hughton hoping to find some home comfort

Chris Hughton admits Newcastle's home form is keeping him awake at night.
The promoted Magpies currently sit in fifth place in the Barclays Premier League table having made a hugely encouraging start to life back in the top flight.

However, they have already lost three times at St James' Park in six outings, and to Blackpool, Stoke and Blackburn, all sides they would have targeted before the campaign got under way.

Indeed, their lofty position is due in large part to a remarkable record on the road, where they have already beaten Everton, West Ham and, to the surprise of many last Sunday, Arsenal.

Their difficulties at St James' Park are all the more confusing as they trounced Aston Villa 6-0 first time out and after slipping up against Blackpool and Stoke and only avoiding a repeat against Wigan at the death, routed arch-rivals Sunderland 5-1.

Hughton knows that is a situation which has to be remedied quickly if the early momentum is to be maintained, and he will hope to head for his bed on Saturday night with three more points safely banked.

He said: "All managers lose sleep, it's part and parcel of the job and part and parcel of the contract, I think.

"But the important thing is you try not to ponder too much on what is the past and rather how you can affect the future.

"We have an issue we have to address at home and that's what you need to concentrate on.

"Amongst all of that, there have probably been more positives than negatives and what we have to do is keep as many positives as possible and learn from the negatives.''

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will start his three-match ban.

The 28-year-old accepted his suspension after admitting a Football Association charge of violent conduct.

Manager Chris Hughton has been dealt a further blow by the absence of Ryan Taylor, who would have been one of the candidates to replace Barton, with an ankle injury.

Shola Ameobi will undergo a late fitness test of the hamstring he damaged during the midweek defeat by Blackburn, while James Perch will hope to shake off an ankle problem and Leon Best (also ankle) is back in training.

Steve Harper (shoulder), Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture) and Dan Gosling (knee) remain on the casualty list.

Fulham have no fresh injury concerns for the clash

Mexican defender Carlos Salcido remains sidelined for more than a fortnight with ankle ligament damage.

The Cottagers will also be missing defender Chris Baird (thigh) but he could return for next weekend's match against Manchester City.

Manager Mark Hughes has backed the ultra-competitive Brede Hangeland to put the brakes on Andy Carroll at St James` Park.

Carroll has taken the top flight by storm since the Magpies' promotion and his seven goals in 12 games look set to earn him a maiden call-up to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with France.

The 21-year-old has netted in his last two outings and his final chance to impress Fabio Capello and his staff comes on Saturday.

But Hangeland will be no pushover, having just managed to keep Didier Drogba quiet in Fulham's 1-0 west London derby defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.

And manager Hughes has revealed just how much the 29-year-old hates to lose.

"He is very disappointed when he loses games, as we all are, even if he loses challenges or five-a-sides on training fields,'' Hughes said.

"There is the same intensity to his work.

"He wants to work hard for the team and that inner drive is what you want to see in players.''

However, Hughes knows Hangeland cannot keep Carroll quiet for 90 minutes unaided.

"Obviously, we are aware of the areas that Andy Carroll likes to attack, so hopefully we can actually stop the source to him,'' he said.

"But that is not easy to do on every occasion so, when the ball is played into our box, we want the likes of Brede to challenge and show his strength in the air as well.''

Despite his on-field exploits, it is Carroll's off-field activities that have seen the striker hit the headlines for the wrong reasons this season.

Hughes is therefore ambivalent about the prospect of an England call-up for the Newcastle number nine.

He said: "You have to say issues around his life may cloud the clearness of that decision but, in football terms, he deserves a call-up.''

In stark contrast, Hughes was unequivocal about the job done by opposite number Hughton, who has still to be offered a new contract to replace the one that expires in the summer.

"I think everyone in football is surprised he has not been offered a new contract,'' he said.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10110931.php?

NEWCASTLE v FULHAM
EARLY TEAM NEWS

Newcastle's Joey Barton misses out as he begins his three-match ban for the well publicised punch in the Blackburn game on Wednesday.

Chris Hughton has been dealt a further blow with Ryan Taylor's ankle injury. Taylor would have been one of the candidates to replace Barton.

Shola Ameobi will take a late fitness test of the hamstring he damaged in the Blackburn game while James Perch is hoping to shake off an ankle problem.

Leon Best is back in training but Steve Harper, Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling remain on the injured list.

Fulham have no fresh injury concerns but Mexican defender Carlos Salcido will be sidelined for more than a fortnight with ankle ligament damage.

The Cottagers will also be missing defender Chris Baird but he could return for next weekend's match against Manchester City.

Newcastle Squad: Krul, Soderberg, Simpson, Perch, Ferguson, Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, S. Taylor, Campbell, Kadar, Smith, Tiote, Routledge, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Vuckic, Tavernier, Donaldson, Nolan, Carroll, Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Ranger, Xisco.

Fulham Squad: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Duff, Davies, Greening, A Johnson, Murphy, Gera, Dembele, Dempsey, Stockdale, Pantsil, Etuhu, E Johnson, Briggs, Dikgacoi.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6503155,00.html?

Brede set to combat Carroll
Cottagers boss backs stopper to put brakes on striking ace



Mark Hughes is confident the highly-competitive Brede Hangeland will prove more than a match for Andy Carroll when Fulham visit Newcastle.

Carroll has excelled for the promoted Magpies since their arrival in the Premier League this term, with his seven goals in 12 games likely to earn him a maiden call-up to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against France.

The 21-year-old has found the back of the net in his last two outings and has a final chance to impress Fabio Capello and his staff when the Italian makes the trip to St James' Park on Saturday.

Centre-back Hangeland, however, could put the brakes on the rising Toon star having managed to keep Didier Drogba at bay in Fulham's 1-0 west London derby defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.

And Cottagers manager Hughes has revealed just how much the 29-year-old hates to lose.

Intensity

"He is very disappointed when he loses games, as we all are, even if he loses challenges or five-a-sides on training fields," said Hughes.

"There is the same intensity to his work.

"He wants to work hard for the team and that inner drive is what you want to see in players."

Hughes knows Hangeland will need the support of his team-mates to keep Carroll quiet for the full 90 minutes.

"Obviously, we are aware of the areas that Andy Carroll likes to attack, so hopefully we can actually stop the source to him," he said.

"I think that's probably the best plan of action.

"But that is not easy to do on every occasion so, when the ball is played into our box, we want the likes of Brede to challenge and show his strength in the air as well."

Despite Carroll's on-field exploits, Hughes feels the striker's headline-making off-field activities could hinder his chance of an England call-up.

He said: "You have to say issues around his life may cloud the clearness of that decision but, in football terms, he deserves a call-up."

Praise
Hughes has nothing but praise for opposite number Chris Hughton and admitted his surprise that the Toon boss is yet to be offered a new contract to replace the one which expires in the summer.

"I think everyone in football is surprised he has not been offered a new contract," said Hughes of the man who has led Newcastle to fifth place after 12 games of their first season back in the top flight.

"He's done a great job. He's stabilised the club after relegation and brought them back up and now they are riding high."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10110943.php?

NEWCASTLE v FULHAM
BIG MATCH STATS AND FACTS

Newcastle have won one and lost three of their last five matches against Fulham at St James Park.

• Fulham have not won any of their last 24 Premier League away matches.

• Fulham have kept a clean sheet on their last three trips to the North East in the Premier League.


• Fulham did the double over Newcastle in the 2008/09 season when these teams last faced each other.

• Fulham lead the overall head-to-head by 25 wins to 24, with 12 draws.

• However the Whites have only scored one goal in total in their last six league games in this part of the country.

• Newcastle have only kept a clean sheet in one of their last eight league matches at St James Park.

• Newcastle have picked up 27 yellow cards, more than any other side in the top division.

• 62% of the goals Fulham have conceded have come in the first half, the highest proportion in the top flight.

• Newcastle have scored 15 goals at home - only Chelsea boast more.

• Despite this, Newcastle have won more points away from home (10) than at St James' Park (7) this season.

• The Magpies have failed to keep a clean sheet at St James' Park since beating Aston Villa 6-0 in their opening home fixture.

• Fulham have failed to win any of their last 24 away league games. Their last league victory on the road was at Portsmouth on the opening day of last season.

• Mark Hughes has won only four of his last 23 Premier League matches as manager of Manchester City and Fulham.

• Fulham have lost just three matches this season - the same number as Arsenal and Manchester City, who are currently in the top four.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/11/12/1810577/know-your-opponent-newcastle?

Know Your Opponent: Newcastle

I had the pleasure of asking Robert Bishop and Reno Wilson of Coming Home Newcastle "Five Questions" about the upcoming match between Fulham and Newcastle. I think it is great to get the opposition's perspective from  writers who follow that team.

Here are my five questions below with the writers of Coming Home Newcastle.

1. Chris Hughton has done a great job as manager of Newcastle bringing the team back up from relegation. Do you feel he is the right man to move Newcastle up the table in the future?

We've been some of the most vocal supporters of Hughton for the whole season. I like his demeanor and I like his head for the game. He gets the best out of his squad on a day in day out basis, and at the end of the day that's what will separate an manager from the pack. When we've suffered losses here early in the season there have been lots of folks calling for Hughton's head, saying that he wasn't ready for the Prem. His recent work has quieted the detractors and we're hoping that a new contract is in the near future.


2.  Andy Carroll is an exciting young talent. Do you fear losing him at some point to another club if the transfer offer is significant? Also, would you keep him under any circumstances?

I don't fear it. The lad is Geordie born and bread and all he's ever wanted to do was play Newcastle United football. It is frustrating as I'm sure you're aware that when a "small" club grows some good talent up, the big 4 act like they have a right to it. If Andy ever leaves NUFC it will be because owner Mike Ashley was looking to make a quick buck.

I assume that the second part of your question has to do with his off-field antics. The lad has got some maturing to do in several areas, and I'll be honest if he doesn't straighten himself out I'd be one of the ones calling to ship him on despite his talent.


3. What is the major weakness of Newcastle going into the match with Fulham?

A emerging strength of NUFC has been it's midfield. The problem this week is that we'll be half of the equation in the middle. Joey Barton and Cheik Tiote are out, which puts Allen Smith and Wayne Routledge on first team. Routledge is basically a trade off with Barton, we trade Barton's poise and vision, for Routledge's pace. BUT, missing out on Tiote is going to be HUGE in this game. Smith will really have to step up in a way that we haven't seen from him at all this year.


4. What is the major strength of Newcastle going into the match with Fulham?

We score about 3/4's of our goals off set pieces, and Fullham have a known weakness defending them. If we can force the issue and earn a lot of them then it will be a hard game to win for FFC.


5. What is the key match-up of the game in your opinion?


Given what I've just said about set pieces I think the biggest match up will be Andy Carroll vs. whomever Fullham decides to assign him to. I think given the pace we'll have on the field it will be tough for FFC to avoid the set pieces so it will come down to whether they can keep Andy's head off the ball.


Could you also give me a prediction and why?

I see this being a race to 3, with the slight edge in favor of Newcastle. Neither side will dominate, and both sides will be scoring. NUFC 3-2 FFC.


I want to thank Robert Bishop and Reno Wilson of Coming Home Newcastle for their thoughts on Newcastle and this match-up.

[WhiteJC]

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

Unforgettable

In this, Fulham's 10th season in the Premier League, former Whites defender and current Academy U18s coach Kit Symons, shares his recollections from a record-breaking season that secured our return to the elite in the latest issue of Fultime Magazine.

To celebrate Fulham's decade at the top, Fultime is catching up with a range of Fulham favourites from the past - starting with Symons who certainly played his part in a very memorable promotion.

With a definite air of optimism around Craven Cottage, Fulham approached the 2000/01 campaign in confident mood, with the arrival of Jean Tigana as Manager and a number of exciting summer signings boosting morale further.

Talking exclusively to Fultime, Symons told us: "We all knew that a successful season could lie ahead, but I don't think any of us knew exactly to what extent. But from the start the aim was promotion and nothing else would have been good enough.

"It was an exciting time, and you could tell from the money the Chairman spent that he meant business. A lot of good players had come in and everything was gearing up towards top-flight football.

"Players like Chris Coleman, Lee Clark, John Collins, Luis Boa Morte and Louis Saha were too good to be playing in the Championship and there was a sense that that this group of players were capable of something very special."

A record-breaking 11 wins from the first 11 games set the tone in what would become an incredible campaign. As a rivalry with promotion candidates Blackburn Rovers built up, the Whites played some of the best football ever witnessed at Craven Cottage.

Records were set for the most wins, fewest defeats, the highest points total, best goal difference and the highest individual scorer (Louis Saha), with Fulham's swashbuckling, free-flowing style a joy to behold.

But a season of positivity and achievement also featured the loss through injury of one of our favourite Fulham players – defensive lynchpin and Captain Chris Coleman whose career was cut short as a result of a broken leg sustained in a car accident.

"He was my best mate, and someone that I looked up to," recalled Kit. "So I found it an extremely difficult time – it was devastating. He was such a big personality and a born leader.

"However, in a weird way it kind of galvanised the team, and there was a strong sense of unity from what happened. It was the sour note of what was otherwise an unforgettable campaign."

Ten seasons later, as a result of that memorable Championship-winning season, Fulham remain in the Premier League, established as one of the most respected clubs around.

"Ten seasons in the Premier League is a massive achievement and what the Club has done since that promotion has been fantastic," confirmed Symons.

To read how Kit assessed the impact of Louis Saha, the rivalry with Graeme Souness' Blackburn, the standout games including the narrow FA Cup defeat to Manchester United and his current role within the Club, and to read a wide range of other exclusive Fulham-focused features, be sure to pick up your copy of Issue 33 of Fultime, available in the Club shops or buy your edition online.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/KitSymonsFultimePreview.aspx?#ixzz159AvwikQ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.footballeconomy.com/content/what-future-fulham?

What future for Fulham?

Football economist Stefan Szymanski has written an interesting article posing the question, what future for Fulham?   Mohamed Fayed has now been in charge for a decade and has pumped £200m into the club.  But what will happen when he is no longer with us?


The Premiership model is based on television money, but gate money is also important as the example of Manchester United shows.  Fulham lacks gate income, indeed leaving aside clubs like Wigan it probably earns less through the gate than the vast majority of Barclays Premier League clubs.   Ticket prices are low and the club cannot sell out what is a small stadium by Premiership standards.   (I think that Szymanski is a bit harsh in calling it 'tiny' and it does have a superb location).


Szymanski points out that Fulham has not been able to tap its wealthy south-west London hinterland.  It's not for want of trying: when I was last there, Fulham even had a section of the ground for 'neutrals'.  And I have not heard posher accents at any other London football ground.  However, probably many of the potential supporters favour egg chasing.