Monday Fulham Stuff (29/11/10)...

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

FA Cup Third Round Draw

The draw for the Third Round of The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON took place on Sunday evening. Fulham were drawn at home to Peterborough United.

Draw in full

Burnley v Port Vale
Coventry City v Crystal Palace
Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
Fulham v Peterborough United
Doncaster Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Brighton & Hove Albion or FC United of Manchester v Portsmouth
Huddersfield Town v Dover Athletic
Crawley Town or Swindon Town v Derby County
West Ham United v Barnsley
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal v Leeds United
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Leicester City v Manchester City
Bolton Wanderers v York City
Blackburn Rovers v Queens Park Rangers
Swansea City v Colchester United
Wycombe Wanderers v Hereford United or Lincoln City
Stevenage v Newcastle United
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
Millwall v Birmingham City
Southampton v Blackpool
Watford v Hartlepool United or Yeovil Town
Chelsea v Ipswich Town
Sunderland v Notts County or AFC Bournemouth
Scunthorpe United v Everton
Manchester United v Liverpool
Hull City v Wigan Athletic
Stoke City v Cardiff City
Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic or Luton Town
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Norwich City v Droylsden or Leyton Orient
Torquay United v Carlisle United
Fixtures to be played over the weekend of 8th-9th January 2011.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/FACupThirdRoundDraw.aspx?#ixzz16e6L8kH6

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http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223021

Fulham Get Posh!
With the draw for the third round of the FA Cup having taken place less that an hour ago, Fulham were awarded a home tie.

I guess if you wish for one thing it is that the draw is kind and at least gives you a home draw, well today it did just that when we were paired with League One side, Peterborough United.

Posh were relegated from the Championship last season and have been shipping goals left, right and centre this season.

Craven Cottage should witness a classic cup tie with the minnows from London Road hoping to come to London to do a job on Premier League opposition!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223021#ixzz16e6hasAs

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http://www.theposh.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10427~2232609,00.html?

Johnson's Dream Draw

Peterborough United manager Gary Johnson spoke of his delight after the FA Cup Third Round draw paired his side with Premier League outfit Fulham.

Johnson was born a stone's throw away from Craven Cottage and supported the Cottagers during his early years. 'Personally, this is a great draw for me. I was born in Fulham and the ground was literally across the road from me so I supported the club and I'm looking forward to taking Peterborough United there in the New Year.

'It is obviously pleasing to get a Premier League club after negotiating two tricky first and second round ties. When you get to this stage of the competition every club outside the top two divisions wants to play a Premier League side and we are delighted that we have that opportunity.

'I'm sure that we'll take a large following of supporters, it is not too far to travel and the stadium can create a very good atmosphere.

'Obviously, we have a lot of league games between now and then to concentrate on, but it is a tie we can certainly look forward to,' Johnson concluded.

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/11/the_greatest_show_on_earth.php?

The Greatest Show on Earth

By Thursday the football federations of Holland & Belgium, Spain, Portugal, England and Russia will find out if all the air miles, banquets, schmoozing, political manouvering and gifts have paid dividends. Only FIFA is guaranteed to come out smiling.
Can there possibly be a more obscene ritual of hubris and empty rhetoric than FIFA's inflated circus for deciding future World Cup hosts? It may well be the 'biggest show on earth' guaranteed to send professional politicians, lobbyists, PR men, tourist boards and corporate fat cats into juvenile delirium, but where do the fans come into the debate? As usual, their views are way down the list of priorities.

It was logical and correct to send the 19th World Cup to South Africa, the first and long overdue World Cup on that continent. Despite the fears and massive social deprivation, there were no mass stampedes at stadia or waves of muggers streaming from the townships to relieve well-heeled tourists of their expensive trinkets. Power didn't fail, transport and hotels coped, fans from around the world came, watched some fairly ordinary football and went, with a vuvuzuela or two for the kids.

The real scandal took place back in 2000 when New Zealand octagenerian Charles Dempsey ignored the Oceania delegates mandate to vote for South Africa and abstained. Yes, after all that global consumption of gifts, hotels and gluttony the old buffer couldn't make his mind up! This politically motivated manouevre handed the 2006 event 12-11 to Germany - as Blatter wanted - leaving huge African crowds watching the big screens back home stunned into disbelief.

Morocco is another nation to fall foul of the geo-political machinations and profit motive that steers FIFA policy under Blatter. With a mature tourist infrastructure, great beaches, a fascinating history and tolerant administration, the Arab kingdom on Europe's doorstep put together two solid bids in the 90's. In 94 they lost out to the USA by just 3 votes. Fifa fell at the feet of Rothenberg and his corporate cronies, caving in to the promise of Coke and Bud fuelled revenues from a nation with not so much as an organised league.

Morocco tried again for 98. I met their bid leader. Could Morocco really deliver? Indeed yes. Saudi petro-dollars would provide a showpiece event by proxy for the Arabic world he explained. Plans for the necessary stadia new build were advanced and underwritten by the Sheiks. TV schedules sat perfectly within the bulk of the European time zone and the state was 2-3 hours flying tme from every major European capital. And Africa's first organised league had formed in Morocco in 1921, why should this most Westernized of Arab countries not host a World Cup?

Well...because it didn't suit the suits of Zurich. Their moment had come and gone. The thorny issue of when and how to integrate the Arab world into the world's greatest game could be shelved for now. Precedence had moved to meeting the expectations of Asia first, a far bigger market for Fifa to drool over.

So who will grasp the glitteing prize for 2018? Whoever gets the nod, there's no escaping both the process and the final result are irrevocably tarnished with the strong whiff of bribery and corruption. Indeed, the selection committee has only recently shrunk after two delegates were exposed for being just too blatant in their demands for cash in return for votes.

Do England stand a realistic chance? Would that in fact be a good thing? More on this in part two to follow this week before Thursday's announcement.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1333914/Premier-League-Match-Zone-Everything-need-know-Saturdays-action.html?

Premier League Match Zone: Everything you need to know about Saturday's action

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http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/11/28/clint-dempsey-backs-under-fire-fulham-boss-mark-hughes-82029-27733482/?

Clint Dempsey backs under-fire Fulham boss Mark Hughes

CLINT Dempsey reckoned Fulham have the right players to deal with a relegation battle – because most of them have been in the mire before.

The USA striker was also adamant his team showed 'character' when they came from 1-0 to rescue a point against Birmingham on Saturday – with Dempsey powering a far-post header to level in the second half.

But the American and his club are still only a point ahead of Wigan and the dropzone after collecting just three points from their last five games.

He said: "We were taking the game to them before Birmingham scored.

"But we wanted to show character after last week's game against Man City, although it's frustrating with so many draws.

"Lots of guys have been here when it's been backs-to-the-wall, including me, two out of the four years I've been here."

There was a measure of frustration from Fulham fans as well, with a spattering of 'Hughes out' calls in the first half after manager Mark Hughes was forced into a reshuffle of his back four after a recurrence of an ankle injury to left-back Carlos Salcido.

But Dempsey easily brushed off the premature shouts for the boss's head, although the player had sympathy for supporters.

He added: "We believe in the manager – and we can only keep working for him.

"It's not wrong of fans to expect more. After last season, we've come to expect more of ourselves."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/11/28/clint-dempsey-backs-under-fire-fulham-boss-mark-hughes-82029-27733482/?#ixzz16e8AdHBD

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1333865/Fulham-striker-Clint-Dempsey-backs-Mark-Hughes-silence-boo-boys.html?

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey backs Mark Hughes to silence the boo boys

Clint Dempsey has backed Mark Hughes to silence Fulham's boo boys and deliver a top 10 finish.

A section of fans called for the Fulham manager to stand down during the 1-1 draw with Birmingham on Saturday, a result that left Hughes's side one point above the relegation zone.


American hot: Clint Dempsey scores Fulham's equaliser
But Dempsey, whose fifth league goal of the campaign salvaged the draw, insisted that Hughes has the support of the dressing room.

'All we can do is concentrate on working hard,' he said. 'We believe in the manager and we are going to keep working hard for him. We believe this team can be in the top half.

'We've had some good performances - but we need the results. We have got to start getting some wins. I think it's good the fans expect more of us. We expect more of ourselves.'

Birmingham have not won on the road since March but manager Alex McLeish is not panicking.

'I couldn't care less,' he said. 'If we can keeping winning at home and take four points out of six every two games, I think we will be okay.

'Some day we will win away from home but nobody has discussed that at all.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1333865/Fulham-striker-Clint-Dempsey-backs-Mark-Hughes-silence-boo-boys.html#ixzz16e8WSZnt

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/11/28/early-substitutions/?

Early Substitutions
Filed under: Analysis — timmyg 
Ask any manager what the two things they'd prefer to avoid during a match are (beyond conceding goals) and they'd probably respond with (1) having a player sent off and (2) making forced substitutions because of injuries.

Although Fulham have managed to avoid the first pitfall — zero reds; we lead the fairplay table! — we're definitely falling head over heels into the second.

I may have missed a match or two (if so please help in the comments), but by my tally we've had to make a substitution because of injury in 5 matches: Wolves (Zamora '49); Everton (Kelly '29); Spurs (Murphy '52); Villa (Baird '58, Salcido '70); Brum (Salcido '24). That is one third of our season.

Add our overall lack of depth (today 'Arry lost Van Der Vaart and Kaboul early through injury. But oh well, there's just Defoe and Bassong ready to replace them...) with the plethora of ongoing injuries, and these forced substitutions are amplified. After all we've had, what, nine different starting back fours?

This facet isn't at a elephant-in-the-room stage, but it's both frustrating and worrisome for us fans and Mark Hughes. It's also a large indicator of why we are currently where we are in the table.

Oh well. In other news, I've been getting into the Mynabirds lately, and you should too. I just recently picked up their latest album, and it's already in my Top 5 of the year.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fayeds-rallying-cry-puts-spirit-back-into-fulham-2146264.html?

Fayed's rallying cry puts spirit back into Fulham
Fulham 1 Birmingham City 1

By Mike McGrath at Craven Cottage

Clint Dempsey has described a training-ground visit by Mohamed al-Fayed as the wake-up call Fulham needed as they attempt to climb away from the relegation zone. Fayed, the club's owner, made the trip to Motspur Park last week to demand improvement, with the response seen in the second half against Birmingham City.

"He's a chairman who cares about this club," said Dempsey. "He's passionate about it and it was a kick up the backside to say: 'Hey guys what's going on?' He's right.

"We work for him. When he talks you have to listen. He commands respect and we give it to him."

Fayed was angered by the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City the previous weekend and the first half against Birmingham would not have pleased him either. After falling behind to Sebastian Larsson's strike – and getting jeered off at the interval – Fulham fought back and earned a point through Dempsey's header. "To lose 4-1 at home isn't good enough," Dempsey added. "It was embarrassing. We showed character by coming back. But it's still not good enough because we want three points."

Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager, had to endure some fans asking for him to be sacked before his team came back and earned a point. He said: "We are realistic, we understand where we are. We need points on the board and that's been a frustration to us."

Scorers: Fulham Dempsey 53. Birmingham Larsson 20.

Substitutes: Fulham Johnson (Davies, 73). Unused Stockdale (gk), Kelly, Pantsil, Duff, Dikgacoi, Greening. Birmingham Zigic (Hleb, 61), Murphy (Fahey, 85). Unused Doyle (gk), Parnaby, Michel, Beausejour, Phillips.

Booked: Fulham Dempsey.

Man of the match Dempsey. Match rating 6/10.

Possession Fulham 57% Birmingham 43%.

Shots on target Fulham 5 Birmingham 3.

Referee H Webb (S Yorkshire). Att 24,391.

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/11/cup_draw_kind_to_fulham.php?

Cup Draw Kind to Fulham

That great English tradition, the FA Cup 3rd round arrives in early January. A weekend when supporters of the smaller clubs dream of a big scalp. The Whites this season will be in the sights of Peterborough United

In recent years the FA Cup draw has paired us with inferior sides in the early rounds. That's not to say we haven't missed a trick to do our Fulhamish best to lose to opponents from the lower leagues - Accrington, Kettering, Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday, Leyton Orient, Cheltenham all spring to mind over the past decade.

Always seen as a chance to forget league form for a week and fully embrace the 'romance of the Cup' as TV chiefs and the games administrators never fail to remind us. In reality the FA Challenge Cup has lost much of its lustre in recent years. Post Christmas the competition increasingly draws an anomolous comparison between the big guns and the minnows.

Expect discounted ticket prices and swathes of empty seats at Premiership sides (the Old Trafford tie excepted), while the small town clubs who've made it this far will host a carnival atmosphere at tight little grounds, tradesmen hang club bunting in the High Street and grandchildren perch on shoulders and vie with grannies to catch a glimpse of the game.

So we welcome followers of Peterborough United to the Cottage next January. For them it will be a big day out. Regardless of the result they'll travel in numbers the 70 miles south to make a noise and hopefully cheer their side - two leagues below us - to a famous win.

We Fulham fans will just be hoping to avoid the banana skin, any serious injuries, and perhaps a little light relief from this season of struggle to date. It's a draw I watched with a smile. But just to keep your feet on the ground, the result from our programme above, with Fulham playing their Cup Final team from the previous May, shows up in the record books as Football League Cup 3rd round October 1975, Fulham 0 Peterborough United 1.

You have been warned!

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http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-1-1-Birmingham-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-admitted-his-side-deserved-their-kick-up-the-backside-from-owner-Mohammed-Al-Fayed-article639445.html

Fulham 1-1 Birmingham: Daily Mirror match report

Clint Dempsey admitted Fulham deserved their "kick up the backside" from Mohammed Al Fayed last week.

But the training-ground dressing down from the owner did not stop the Cottagers edging closer to the bottom of the table despite a point against Birmingham.

Defeat at Arsenal on Saturday – and falling into the bottom three – would mean real squeaky bum time for last season's Europa League finalists.

Fulham remain in 17th place after their ninth draw of the season. But wins for Wolves and West Ham mean Mark Hughes's side, who are badly missing Bobby Zamora, are now only three points off the bottom of the table.

Al Fayed took action after last week's 4-1 home thrashing by Manchester City.

Clint Dempsey, who salvaged a point for Fulham against City, said: "He's a chairman who cares about this club. He's passionate about it and it was a kick up the backside to say, 'Hey guys, what's going on?' He's right.

"He expects better of us and we expect better of ourselves. He commands respect and we give it to him. We listen to what he has to say.

"We'd already had a meeting before he came between the players, the manager and the staff. We've studied tapes and are doing things to put things right.

"To lose 4-1 at home isn't good enough. It was embarrassing. We had a good week in training and hope to have another good one this week before Arsenal at the Emirates.

"We showed character against Birmingham by coming back. But it's still not good enough because we want three points."

Blues dominated the first half and deserved their lead when the excellent Alexander Hleb set up Sebastian Larsson to score his first goal of the season after 20 minutes.

With the opening-half highlight for home fans the introduction of the popular John Paintsil, the first chants of "Hughes Out" were heard among the Fulham faithful. Dempsey celebrated the birth of his son Jackson Drew with the headed equaliser after 53 minutes.

But the American, part of the team which escaped the drop under Roy Hodgson, knows the club's standards are now higher than survival.

"I think it's good the fans expect more of us, we expect more of ourselves," said Fulham's top scorer.

"It's not wrong of them to think that way. They have seen us play good football and they expect us to do that. We expect that of ourselves and we are going to get there."

Hughes has been hit by injuries to his signings Mousa Dembele and Carlos Salcido, but Zamora proved irreplaceable. Not only did the England squad striker score great goals, his ability to drop and lay off passes from Danny Murphy was central to their attacking play.

After breaking a leg in September, he will not be back until January at the earliest. Without him, Fulham look very ordinary. Hughes admitted it was "a case of keeping going" until the cavalry arrived.

"Bobby was a big part of what we wanted to do this year and he was missing from the third game," Hughes said.

"You have to get through these periods. We'll get people back and then we'll be fine because I know the quality that's in the group.

"Last week was disappointing and upset a lot of people but we've had a really poor 45 minutes and that's not bad in 15 games."

No team has drawn more games than Fulham this season. The record for a 20-team Premier League is 17 by Newcastle in 2003-04 and Aston Villa in 2006-07. City have drawn two of their last three but Alex McLeish, who celebrated three years in charge at St Andrews, was more bullish despite no wins away from home this term.

"We've taken five points of Chelsea, Man City and Fulham with two away games there," he said.

"If we looked a worried team after those three results, then god help us."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-1-1-Birmingham-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-admitted-his-side-deserved-their-kick-up-the-backside-from-owner-Mohammed-Al-Fayed-article639445.html#ixzz16eASuwJW
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/29/fulham-birmingham-city-premier-league?

Fulham's draw with Birmingham City should buy Mark Hughes some peace
• Fear of failure allows Birmingham to dominate first half
• Home team recover after Clint Dempsey set loose

"Tell us what you really think, Mark," would have been an apposite question when the Fulham manager gave a supportive view on Mohamed al Fayed's visit to the training ground last week. Fulham's owner may have been right to browbeat his employees after the 4-1 home defeat by Manchester City, but Hughes, not for the first time in his managerial career, will not relish the feel of a bejewelled hand on his shoulder.

The scolding had an effect of sorts, as the fear of failure inhibited Fulham during a first half dominated by Birmingham City, but a second‑half comeback should be enough to allow Mark Hughes to coach in peace this week.

"When [Fayed] talks you have to listen," said Clint Dempsey, whose goal gave Fulham a ninth draw of the season. "He's passionate about it and it was a kick up the backside to say: 'Hey guys what's going on?' And he was right. We need to get things right because he expects better of us and we expect better of ourselves."

So do the fans, who, after reaping patience's rewards during Roy Hodgson's tenure, appear disinclined to give Hughes the same grace, with a small portion calling for the Welshman's sacking at half-time.

The trouble for Hughes is that he has been hindered by factors beyond his control. Hodgson enjoyed a squad seldom injured, while this season Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembélé have managed only 15 starts between them, and only Dempsey has scored more than twice.

"Bobby was a big part of what we wanted to do this year and we are missing Moussa Dembélé who can be a real attacking threat for us," Hughes said. "When you lose attacking players you lose that little bit of craft and guile. You've got to get through these periods and we'll be fine because I know the quality that's in the group."

Success is, of course, relative. Birmingham have two more points than Fulham and have not won away since March but their manager, Alex McLeish, was breeziness personified at Craven Cottage. "I wouldn't care if we never win an away game," he said. "We have taken five points off Chelsea, Man City and Fulham. If we looked a worried team after those three results, then God help us."

Like Fulham last year Birmingham have their strengths and they use them well. In defence they are formidable – Scott Dann and Roger Johnson are both good enough to play for England, says McLeish – and in midfield they are industrious, relying on Alexander Hleb as a concession to flair. The Belarussian's imperious forward glide and pass set up Sebastian Larsson for the opener, but thereafter Birmingham were an exercise in denial both to Fulham and themselves.

Fulham improved markedly after the break, though, and Hughes deserved credit for giving Dempsey licence to roam, a decision that led to the equalising goal and several chances to win the game. "We believe in the manager and we are going to keep working hard for him," Dempsey said. It will please Hughes to hear it.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8166079/Fulham-bounce-back-following-pre-match-Mohamed-Fayed-dressing-down.html?

Fulham bounce back following pre-match Mohamed Fayed dressing-down
Fulham 1 Birmingham City 1

Fulham owner Mohamed Fayed had delivered a training-ground address, and manager Mark Hughes adopted a Churchillian pose on the front of the match-day programme.

If not exactly a "Save our season" match, the message was clear, and there was little doubting the relief around Craven Cottage after a battling draw with in-form Birmingham City.

It had been an uncomfortable week for the players following an obliteration by Manchester City that left them above the bottom three only on goal difference.

It got worse, when Birmingham nosed in front, but then a whole lot better with a dominating second-half performance.

Fulham goalscorer Clint Dempsey said of the dressing-down by Fayed: "We work for him and when he talks you have to listen.

He commands respect and we need to get things right, because he expects better of us and we expect better of ourselves.

"We showed character today by coming back." Hughes, who heard a small number of fans calling for his head at half-time, said: "We need to get some players back, but I was pleased with the ones that came in. They worked exceptionally hard.

''We understand where we are. We need points on the board, but I know we've got enough to be edging into the mid-table very quickly."

The Welshman believes the absence of strikers Bobby Zamora, Moussa Dembélé and now Andy Johnson has hindered Fulham's progress. "When you lose those sort of players you lose that little bit of craft and guile," Hughes said.

They would have provided an intriguing test for Birmingham's excellent back line, led by Roger Johnson, who, according to manager Alex McLeish, should be considered for England selection.

The visitors' rearguard was caught cold just once, allowing Dempsey to head an equaliser following a corner early in the second half, but were otherwise rarely ruffled by Fulham's increasingly confident attacking play.

Birmingham had taken the lead with the sweetest of moves, engineered by Alexander Hleb and superbly finished by Sebastian Larsson.

[WhiteJC]

http://life.hereisthecity.com/2010/11/29/fulhams-draw-with-birmingham-city-should-buy-mark-hughes-some-pe/?

Fulham - 'When Fayed Talks You Have To Listen'

"Tell us what you really think, Mark," would have been an apposite question when the Fulham manager gave a supportive view on Mohamed al Fayed's visit to the training ground last week. Fulham's owner may have been right to browbeat his employees after the 4-1 home defeat by Manchester City, but Hughes, not for the first time in his managerial career, will not relish the feel of a bejewelled hand on his shoulder.

The scolding had an effect of sorts, as the fear of failure inhibited Fulham during a first half dominated by Birmingham City, but a second‑half comeback should be enough to allow Mark Hughes to coach in peace this week.

"When [Fayed] talks you have to listen," said Clint Dempsey, whose goal gave Fulham a ninth draw of the season. "He's passionate about it and it was a kick up the backside to say: 'Hey guys what's going on?' And he was right. We need to get things right because he expects better of us and we expect better of ourselves."

So do the fans, who, after reaping patience's rewards during Roy Hodgson's tenure, appear disinclined to give Hughes the same grace, with a small portion calling for the Welshman's sacking at half-time.

The trouble for Hughes is that he has been hindered by factors beyond his control. Hodgson enjoyed a squad seldom injured, while this season Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembélé have managed only 15 starts between them, and only Dempsey has scored more than twice.

"Bobby was a big part of what we wanted to do this year and we are missing Moussa Dembélé who can be a real attacking threat for us," Hughes said. "When you lose attacking players you lose that little bit of craft and guile. You've got to get through these periods and we'll be fine because I know the quality that's in the group."

Success is, of course, relative. Birmingham have two more points than Fulham and have not won away since March but their manager, Alex McLeish, was breeziness personified at Craven Cottage. "I wouldn't care if we never win an away game," he said. "We have taken five points off Chelsea, Man City and Fulham. If we looked a worried team after those three results, then God help us."

Like Fulham last year Birmingham have their strengths and they use them well. In defence they are formidable – Scott Dann and Roger Johnson are both good enough to play for England, says McLeish – and in midfield they are industrious, relying on Alexander Hleb as a concession to flair. The Belarussian's imperious forward glide and pass set up Sebastian Larsson for the opener, but thereafter Birmingham were an exercise in denial both to Fulham and themselves.

Fulham improved markedly after the break, though, and Hughes deserved credit for giving Dempsey licence to roam, a decision that led to the equalising goal and several chances to win the game. "We believe in the manager and we are going to keep working hard for him," Dempsey said. It will please Hughes to hear it.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/2010/11/29/fulham-1-birmingham-city-1-colin-tattum-s-big-match-verdict-97319-27734995/?

Fulham 1, Birmingham City 1: Colin Tattum's big match verdict

Last season Blues and Fulham were two of the leading lights among the ranks of the unfashionable.

Blues posted a best finish since 1958-59, Fulham went on a glory run to the Europa Cup final.

This season they are finding it much harder as there appears not only more parity in the Premier League, but both clubs have been facing up to problems they didn't encounter previously.

Alex McLeish wasn't able to tick off the names on his summer wish list and injuries, serious and niggly, have hampered selection and Blues slickness.

A year ago, he was able to pick the same starting side for 12 consecutive Premier League matches and everything clicked into place nicely.

Fulham changed manager, lost their fulcrum Bobby Zamora, and have also had trouble assimilating new players. Plus Moussa Dembele - another Blues target, like Zamora, and key figure - is and has been sidelined.

Throw in the fact that both are not flush for goals, find it tough to win away and have drawn too many games this season - this was the 16 between them, predictably so you might say - then it's very much testing times.

There was plenty of anxiety and disgruntlement around Craven Cottage in the first-half - boos too - when Blues took the lead and looked able and comfortable.

It seems the west London natives by the banks of the Thames are more restless than Blues fans.

They had lost four of their previous seven games and Mohamed al Fayed paid a midweek training ground visit to administer a blast at Mark Hughes troops.

It just shows how quickly things can change in the top-flight and how success, and a natural upward progression, cannot be taken for granted.

What Blues do have in their favour is that indomitable spirit. To counter the draws argument, they have lost just once in the last eight league and cup matches, suggesting it's not as if it's Save Our Season time.

Alex McLeish celebrated his third anniversary in charge on Sunday and back in his first season had nothing but painful memories of Blues trip to Fulham as a 2-0 loss in the penultimate game condemned them to relegation.

That was another insipid away performance, and the malaise on the road has been a gnawing bug. That is, the lack of wins.

It's 13 games since Blues picked up the maximum, and that sequence was highlighted by the inability to see this game out following Sebastian Larsson's 20th minute goal.

But McLeish was bullish when asked afterwards if Blues had a mental block: "I couldn't care less. If we can keep winning at home and take a point away - get four points out of six every two games - I think we will be OK.

"Some day we will win away from home. And it's not easy to win away from home in this league you know. There's no guarantees you can do it.

"We might never win away in the next two years but as long as we're in the Barclays Premier League I will be delighted.

"We've not discussed it, but we're getting criticism from the press 'why aren't you winning away from home?' It's tough and sometimes you don't get strong enough officials."

That was a reference to the decision by a linesman to flag for a Fulham corner when Ben Foster had kept Larsson's header back towards him in play.

Clint Dempsey headed Fulham's equaliser from the resulting corner amid a right to do in the area and the home side were transformed.

Blues are slow starters after half-time and had they kept matters on an even keel for a little longer they most probably would have registered that elusive first away win since Portsmouth in March.

Losing Aleksandr Hleb to a hamstring injury in the 61st minute hurt them too. He was slippery, lively and good on the ball, setting up Larsson's goal with a precision run of speed and skill.

The ball thereafter never stayed up field to relieve some of the pressure Fulham brought to bear, although Blues went close to scoring again when Scott Dann's 75th minute header thudded off the crossbar.

And what of Larsson, who was so busy and effective? He scored with calm assurance and also cleared Aaron Hughes volley off the line early on which, had he not, might have made it an entirely different game.

At the time of writing, it appears he will be leaving St Andrew's at some point because contract negotiations have stalled, at best.

Blues might feel, OK, let's move on and replace him with someone more dynamic and offensive, like a David Bentley or Shaun Wright-Phillips for example.

Yet Larsson is having a good season, his crossing from open play and set-pieces have again been important and his work rate and intelligence to master what's required tactically, and in a team framework, should not be underestimated.

It would cost a lot more to replace him - witness the total package that was going to Charles N'Zogbia - and that is another factor Blues have to consider. He's a good fit for what Blues are at present; if they want to move on up then they will have to bite the financial bullet.



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/2010/11/29/fulham-1-birmingham-city-1-colin-tattum-s-big-match-verdict-97319-27734995/2/#ixzz16erFl9jz

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6538354,00.html?

Dempsey praise for Al Fayed
Fulham ace happy with chairman's visit

Clint Dempsey has praised Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed for his impromptu visit to the club's training ground.

After watching his side lose heavily to Manchester City the week before, Al Fayed was far from happy and he let his players know that their performance was not good enough.

And Dempsey has backed his chairman for reading them the riot act prior to Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Birmingham.

The American said: "He's a chairman who cares about this club. He's passionate about it and his visit was a kick up the backside to say: 'Hey guys, what's going on?'.

"We work for him so when he talks you have to listen. He commands respect and we give it to him. We listened to what he had to say.

"And he's right. We need to get things right because he expects better of us and we expect better of ourselves.

"We had a meeting before he came between the players, the manager and the staff.

"We've studied tapes and we are doing everything to put things right.

"To lose 4-1 at home to Manchester City last weekend isn't good enough. It was embarrassing for us."

[WhiteJC]

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

Pantsil's Return

Fulham favourite John Pantsil made a welcome return to action on Saturday with the Ghanaian right-back's introduction met with a chorus of cheers.

The 29-year-old has been a popular figure on the banks of the Thames ever since his transfer from West Ham in July 2008. However, having made more than 70 appearances in two seasons he has found himself on the sidelines of late.

Pantsil last appeared at Craven Cottage in the 2-1 defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers in early September, and his presence on the field had clearly been missed by the Fulham faithful who greeted his 24th minute introduction with a standing ovation in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham.

Talking to fulhamfc.com Pantsil said: "The fans' reaction meant a lot to me and they gave me the confidence and motivation to do well. It was a special moment for me, because it had been a while since I had played.

"It has been difficult, that I cannot deny. I'm no different to any other professional, you always want to be playing in games and helping your team out on the pitch. But I'm not the type of player to ever complain about the situation – I just get my head down and make sure that I am ready when needed.

"Whoever has played in front of me, has always had my support. This is a team game, and of course, there is always going to be competition for places. That shows that we have a strong squad, but I will keep working hard and hopefully my chance will come again."

Coming on for the injured Carlos Salcido, Pantsil was switched to his familiar spot on the right with Chris Baird moved to the left. And it was a positive personal display, full of customary energy and endeavour.

"I think I did well," said Pantsil. "I tried to get forward as much as possible, while making sure I covered at the back. I felt comfortable on the ball and made some important tackles and clearances. All in all, I was pleased with my performance and I have to say it was good to be involved again.

"As for the result, I think we could have taken more, but it was a good point. After last weekend the important thing was that we didn't lose. We have to look at the positives, especially from the second-half and work on moving forwards."

Fulham remain in 17th place as they enter the Christmas period – a phase of the season the Whites have enjoyed in previous seasons. Following a typically lively performance, Pantsil will have strengthened his case for a starting spot and is looking at the upcoming games to make an impact.

"Having played on Saturday, of course, I would like to be involved further," he said. "But we will have to wait and see. There are a lot of games coming up, and the Christmas period is always a chance to pick up points.

"That's what we need at the moment, and although there is some tough games we do have an opportunity now to move back up the table. In the past couple of seasons we have done well in this period – which is important because you can carry that momentum into the New Year.

"Fulham is like a family, that is something I have always said. The fans mean so much to me, and hopefully we can give them something to celebrate in the coming weeks."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/PantsilBirminghamReaction.aspx?#ixzz16fnNfJgl

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-striker-zamora-continues-rehab-dubai-1286611?

Fulham striker Zamora continues rehab in Dubai

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is continuing his rehab in Dubai.

The People says Zamora has flown to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation from a broken leg he suffered in a tackle by Wolves Karl Henry in September.

The Fulham striker is taking a break from his day-to-day grind to push on with his recovery in the sunshine.

A club physio is with him and Zamora is on track to return to training in January.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/8167620/Clint-Dempsey-backs-under-pressure-Fulham-manager-Mark-Hughes.html?

Clint Dempsey backs under-pressure Fulham manager Mark Hughes
Fulham striker Clint Dempsey insists manager Mark Hughes has the backing of the club's players.

Fulham's 1-1 home draw with Birmingham on Saturday left them only one point above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Hughes has overseen just two victories in 15 league fixtures since succeeding Roy Hodgson, who guided the club to the Europa League final last term before leaving for Liverpool.

Dempsey admits levels of expectation amongst Fulham supporters has grown off the back of Hodgson's success, but the American insists the squad has not lost faith in Hughes.

''We believe in the manager - and we can only keep working for him,'' Dempsey told the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle.
''It's not wrong of fans to expect more. After last season, we've come to expect more of ourselves.''

Dempsey, whose second-half strike against Birmingham salvaged a ninth draw of the campaign for Fulham, feels there is plenty of experience of scrapping at the bottom end of the table within the camp should the London outfit get drawn in to a relegation fight this seas
''We were taking the game to them before Birmingham scored,'' Dempsey said.

''But we wanted to show character after last week's game against Manchester City (a 4-1 defeat), although it's frustrating with so many draws.

''Lots of guys have been here when it's been backs-to-the-wall, including me, two out of the four years I've been here.''

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6538563/Johnson-relishing-Fulham-draw?

Johnson relishing Fulham draw

Peterborough manager Gary Johnson got the FA Cup third-round tie he wished for after being paired with Fulham.

Johnson was born in the south-west area of London and grew up living opposite Craven Cottage, and he will now return to the club he supported as a boy with his Posh side over the weekend of January 8/9.

He told United's official website: "Personally, this is a great draw for me. I was born in Fulham and the ground was literally across the road from me so I supported the club and I'm looking forward to taking Peterborough United there in the new year.

"It is obviously pleasing to get a Premier League club after negotiating two tricky first and second-round ties. I'm sure we'll take a large following of supporters, it is not too far to travel and the stadium can create a very good atmosphere.

"Obviously we have a lot of league games between now and then to concentrate on, but it is a tie we can certainly look forward to."

Peterborough's scheduled League One fixture against Brentford on Saturday January 8 will now be moved, with no new date yet arranged for the London Road fixture.