Wednesday Fulham Stuff (08/12/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/liverpool-to-bid-for-dempsey-in-january/?

Liverpool to Bid for Dempsey in January

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is lining up a January transfer window swoop on his former club Fulham, with the Anfield boss intently eyeing up versatile American Clint Dempsey to bolster his side's attacking menace.

The proposed raid will follow Hodgson's signing of Paul Konchesky from his former club, with the Liverpool manager desperately seeking to install some stability at a club that has had a tumultuous spell in recent years.

The 27-year-old has shone since his arrival at Craven Cottage from the New England Revolution, adapting from a midfield position to often feature as a striking option when required. Hodgson managed to get the best out of the talented Texan during his time at the club, with the player having now managed 26 goals in his 126 appearances at Fulham.

His current club are struggling under the guidance of new boss Mark Hughes, hovering tentatively above the relegation zone in 17th position and grabbing just two wins all season.

Dempsey has scored six so far in this campaign, catching the eye of his former manager who has made no secret about his desire to bring more attacking firepower to Anfield. Hodgson is desperate to acquire a partner to play alongside Fernando Torres and both he and the new American board are keen on Dempsey.

Fulham will undoubtedly be reluctant to sell one of their most desirable assets, though given their position in the table Dempsey may consider a switch to a club that can offer him European football.

It is believed that if Dempsey forced a move, a price tag of £10 million would be enough to secure his services. With the takeover of NESV at Liverpool completed, Hodgson has been handed a generous transfer budget to strengthen his side. Dempsey is believed to be one of the first names in Hodgson's plans for rebuilding Liverpool in the long term.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11679_6560358,00.html?

Etuhu to leave City
Striker to become a free agent

Skysports.com understands Kelvin Etuhu is set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer.

Etuhu, who has come through the youth ranks at City, is thought to be close to agreeing a deal to cancel his contract.

The 22-year-old has found himself well down the pecking order at City and both parties are ready to go their separate ways.

Etuhu enjoyed a season on loan at Cardiff last term and helped the Championship club reach the play-off final where they lost to Blackpool.

The move to cancel his contract will leave Etuhu free to find a new club in January and there are thought to be a number of clubs waiting in the wings to sign the versatile attacker.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BBCCommunityChampions.aspx?

BBC Community Champions

Fulham FC Foundation staff embraced the frosty winter conditions at White City recently and set up shop next to the BBC's famous Television Centre Helios statue to inspire a new wave of Community Champions volunteers from the BBC headquarters.

Being careful not to let our footballs hit the untouchable statue, the FFC Foundation's target cage and gazebo showcased the benefits of employee volunteering and the opportunities available at the Fulham FC Foundation for BBC staff.

The Foundation's partnership with the BBC is in its infancy, and this initial event was designed to showcase how the Club's current successful Community Champions project can diversify to include opportunities for those who are engaged in full time employment.

Foundation staff engaged BBC staff during their lunch breaks with the opportunity to show off their sharp shooting skills and compete against their colleagues at the football target cage. The X Factor's Olly Murs and Gavin and Stacey's James Corden stopped by for a few moments to show off their own football skills.

Also there to support the Foundation project was Fulham Football Club Academy player Stephen Arthurworrey who made a special appearance. He has represented England at U16 level, and has already made some appearances for the Club's Reserve Team.

The staff were then offered the opportunity to put their kicking skills into action by applying to become sports coach volunteers in our BBC employee volunteering pilot.

Volunteers need to commit to 8 hours of their time to assist in the Foundation's sports development, disability or social inclusion coaching session of their choice. Benefits of employee volunteering include: building new skills, meeting new people, getting the chance to make a difference to the community and being challenged by adding variety to the workplace and feeling a sense of pride and achievement.

Randip Panesar from BBC Outreach, the BBC's corporate responsibility team, says of the new partnership:

"BBC Outreach is pleased to be working with the FFC Foundation to give employees the opportunity to get involved with our local community through volunteer coaching. Those who have signed up are looking forward to working with Foundation coaches and participants who share their passion for football".

The BBC volunteers will commence their placements in January 2011 and further reinforce the new flourishing relationship between one of London's oldest professional football clubs and one of world's oldest television institutions.

If you would like more information on how your organisation can get involved in employee volunteering, please contact [email protected] or call 0870 442 5432 today.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/BBCCommunityChampions.aspx?#ixzz17VL1GSQU

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223930

Fulham - Stockdale`s Frustration?
The devil in me suggests that one of our players may not have been too happy when the news broke that Mark Schwarzer would be staying at Craven Cottage.

Now I know goalkeepers are a strange breed and that the goalkeepers union stick together but could David Stockdale have been slightly miffed that Schwarzer was staying?

After all, at the start of the season Stockdale did enough to not only earn rave reviews for his performances in a Fulham shirt but also impressed Fabio Capello to such an extent that he received a call-up for the national squad, only for an ankle injury, sustained at Blackpool, to prevent him from doing so.

Life on the bench, as Schwarzer`s number two, can`t possibly be appealing as playing in the Premier League and edging towards international recognition can it?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223930#ixzz17VLCTDXU

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223931

Fulham - Jol Exits Ajax!
If you cast your mind back to the summer, days when the weather was warm and we were not all wrapped up in layers of clothing, Martin Jol and Fulham were intrinsically linked by the media.

Following the departure of Roy Hodgson, to Liverpool, it was thought that Jol was the odds-on favourite to take over at Craven Cottage. But as the season drew nearer there were doubts that we`d get our man.

In the end it was announced that Jol wouldn`t be allowed to leave Ajax to take over at Craven Cottage and that Ajax would hold him to his contract.

Nice to see then that Jol has now walked out on the Amsterdam club!

So am I right to assume that Jol fancies the Newcastle job far more than he ever really did fancy life by the River Thames?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223931#ixzz17VLOx1o2

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dartfordtimes.com:80/football/mark_schwarzer_set_for_fulham_coaching_job_1_747886?

Mark Schwarzer set for Fulham coaching job

Mark Hughes will consider handing Mark Schwarzer a coaching role at Fulham after the goalkeeper finally ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year contract.

Schwarzer gave up on his dream of joining Arsenal in the January transfer window, choosing instead to be part of Hughes' Craven Cottage revolution. The 38-year-old, whose previous deal expired at the end of the season, had reportedly been offered a player-coach role by the Gunners, who had more than one bid rejected for the Australia star in the summer.

Hughes would also be willing to give Schwarzer his big break in coaching, saying: "If that's something he wants to pursue in the future, I would certainly be receptive to enabling him to possibly start his coaching career and see how it develops. That would be an option for him, I'm sure."

Schwarzer looked certain to leave after expressing a desire to join Arsenal, and his u-turn speaks volumes for new manager Hughes' powers of persuasion.

Revealing the nature of their talks, Hughes said: "I just sat him down and said, for myself and for Fulham to be successful, I need Mark Schwarzer here.

"That's basically it, in black and white terms.

"He's an outstanding keeper and has been for many, many years.

"He understands the Premier League, he understands what it's all about and we're a better team when Mark Schwarzer's playing.

"It was very easy from my point of view to construct an argument because it's there for everybody to see."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223936

Fulham - Hodgson Poised to Strike!
One news source suggests that Roy Hodgson could be about to do the dirty on his old club.

After, reportedly, suggesting that he`d not raid Craven Cottage when he was appointed the manager of Liverpool, he took Paul Konchesky to Anfield.

Now one source suggests that Roy is lining up another raid on his former club this January and will try his hardest to try and lure Clint Dempsey to Anfield.

Let`s hope this solitary source has its wires crossed shall we!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223936#ixzz17VLwwWfm

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/two-peas-in-a-pod-fulham-and-villa/?

Two peas in a pod: Fulham and Villa
Filed under: Analysis — timmyg 
In addition to being buddies at the bottom of the table, there are also similarities between Fulham's dubious position and Aston Villa's. Let me explain:

Roy left Fulham on July 1, and after an unsuccessful drawn out soap opera with Martin Jol the club hired Mark Hughes on July 29.

Martin O'Neill walked out on Aston Villa on August 9, just five days before the season started. Kevin MacDonald was caretaker until September 8, when current manager Gérard Houllier took over after the French Football Federation allowed him to leave.

So whereas Fulham and Hughes had just one month to evaluate the squad and make transactions, Villa and MacDonald/Houllier didn't have any time. We should all be familiar with Fulham's recent transfers, but below are Aston Villa's:

Aston Villa IN:

Stephen Ireland Manchester City £8 million   (traded for James Milner) 18 August
Andy Marshall Aston Villa  Free transfer 3 September
Robert Pirès Villarreal Free transfer 18 November
Aston Villa OUT:

Wilfred Bouma Free PSV 1 July
Marlon Harewood Free Blackpool 1 July
Andy Marshall Released1 July
Stephen O'Halloran Free 1 July 2010
David Bevan Free 13 July 2010
Jack Dyer Free 23 July 2010
Nicky Shorey Undisclosed West Brom 9 August 2010
James Milner £26 million Manchester City (traded for Stephen Ireland) 18 August 2010
Villa didn't really lose any pivotal players — despite becoming a disappointment, Ireland for Milner seemed a fair trade at the time — over the summer,  but for a squad that was already pretty thin and arguably stretched to its limits under Martin O'Neill adding just one player in the ageing Pirès was and is never going to pan out (Marshall is a third-string keeper).

Nor has the amount of injuries — currently tied for second-most in the entire EPL according to PhysioRoom with 7 players on IR — helped. Using the team injury information from PhysioRoom (not the Bible per se, but still a good source) Villa have had a total of 30 injuries since the season started, compared to our 17. I mean, didn't Villa hand debuts to half their line-up when they played us at the Cottage last month?

Also, according to Football-Lineups.com, Aston Villa have used 23 different players overall so far this season (league only). Fulham have used 22. For context purposes, Fulham and Villa used just 18 during the entire 2008-09 season.

Is Villa in a precarious position? Yes, (sure, they may have twice as many wins as Fulham but they also sport a horrid -18 GD and have conceded twice as many goals away from home than we have) but a lot of it stem from things out of their hands. Does anyone think they're going down? Of course not.

Are Fulham in a precarious position? Yes, but a lot of it stem from things out of our hands. Do we think Fulham are going down? Well, you've seemed to answer that.

It may seem time to ring out the warning bells, but patience should be heeded. Both clubs' officials and fans are counting down the days until January and beyond when reinforcements can arrive and (key) players return from injury(-ies).

We all also need to accept that this year is a rebuilding year, and try to enjoy it.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1336626/Middlesbrough-offer-Arsenal-Aston-Villa-target-Jason-Steele-new-year-deal.html?

Middlesbrough will offer Arsenal, Aston Villa and Fulham target Jason Steele new five-year deal

Middlesbrough are to offer goalkeeper Jason Steele a new five year contract in a bid to keep him at the Riverside.

Arsenal have made tentative inquiries about the England U21 international while Aston Villa and Fulham have monitored him recently also.

Boro have insisted that the 20-year-old is not for sale but Arsenal were willing to offer around £4million and could yet put more on the table.

Middlesbrough need funds but realise the importance of giving manager Tony Mowbray a fighting chance of getting out of trouble in the Championship relegation zone and are trying to keep hold of their better players.

Steele only signed a three year contract last year but his rapid progression and Arsenal's interest will see him treble his salary should he sign the new deal.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1336626/Middlesbrough-offer-Arsenal-Aston-Villa-target-Jason-Steele-new-year-deal.html#ixzz17VMdQPa3

[Tom]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223936

Fulham - Hodgson Poised to Strike!
One news source suggests that Roy Hodgson could be about to do the dirty on his old club.

After, reportedly, suggesting that he`d not raid Craven Cottage when he was appointed the manager of Liverpool, he took Paul Konchesky to Anfield.

Now one source suggests that Roy is lining up another raid on his former club this January and will try his hardest to try and lure Clint Dempsey to Anfield.

Let`s hope this solitary source has its wires crossed shall we!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223936#ixzz17VLwwWfm

Someone tell Roy to keep his word and feck off!!!  :tom:

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1336640/Fulham-Wigan-Blackpool-target-Angel-Rangel-opens-contract-talks-Swansea.html?

Fulham, Wigan and Blackpool target Angel Rangel opens contract talks with Swansea

Swansea full-back Angel Rangel, who is in the final year of his contract, has finally begun talks over a new deal.

The Swans turned down a bid from Blackpool for the 28-year-old defender in August. Fulham, Wigan and Celtic are keeping an eye on developments.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1336640/Fulham-Wigan-Blackpool-target-Angel-Rangel-opens-contract-talks-Swansea.html#ixzz17VN0Hwy8

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent8-Seatwave.aspx?

Seatwave Christmas Competition

Win a pair of tickets to see the Kings of Leon at the O2 Arena courtesy of Seatwave, Europe's largest ticket exchange and Fulham's Official Ticket Exchange Partner.



In today's great Christmas offer, we are giving you the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to see the Kings of Leon at the O2 Arena on 21st December.

Seatwave is an online marketplace where fans can buy and sell tickets for concerts, theatre, sports and just about any other live events.

For your chance to win this great prize, enter our free prize draw below



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent8-Seatwave.aspx?#ixzz17VNbqz4e

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Mick-McCarthy-wants-Tottenham-striker-Robbie-Keane-to-make-a-sensational-6m-return-to-Wolves-and-fire-his-first-pro-club-to-safety-article646573.html

Wolves line up Keane 'homecoming'

Mick McCarthy wants Robbie Keane to make a sensational return to Molineux and fire Wolves to safety.

McCarthy has launched a bid to save Keane from his Tottenham nightmare in the New Year.

Keane, 30, will be allowed to leave Spurs in January after running out of patience at a lack of first team opportunities under Harry Redknapp. And McCarthy is ready to bring the Republic of Ireland international back to his first professional club in a £6million deal.

Keane came through Wolves' academy before making his debut as a 17-year-old and still has a soft spot for the club.

Aston Villa and Fulham are also interested in signing him when the transfer window opens, but McCarthy is bidding to pull off a surprise deal.

Wolves attempted to sign Keane on loan last January and were even willing to match his £65,000-a-week wages.

Now Spurs are keen on offloading him permanently for half the £12m they paid Liverpool nearly two years ago.

Current Wolves forward Kevin Doyle could play a key role in any deal, as he is a big pal of Keane's and plays up front with him for Ireland.

Wolves are currently marooned in the relegation zone and their need for Keane could be even more critical by January.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Mick-McCarthy-wants-Tottenham-striker-Robbie-Keane-to-make-a-sensational-6m-return-to-Wolves-and-fire-his-first-pro-club-to-safety-article646573.html#ixzz17VOmn0iF
Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3265044/Sam-Allardyce-on-a-collision-course-with-Blackburns-new-owners.html

Rovers ready for Sam showdown

BLACKBURN manager Sam Allardyce looks on a collision course with Rovers' new owners over January signings.
And there are fears he could leave Ewood Park if he is not allowed to buy Spurs' Robbie Keane and other big-name stars.

Indian firm Venky's, who took over last month, met representatives of sports agency Kentaro this week to discuss targets - with Allardyce not involved.

They are likely to present their own ideas for New Year signings.

And Ewood sources suggest Big Sam has not been over-impressed with the names mentioned so far.

Allardyce will not like being told who to buy in the transfer window.

SunSport revealed last month how ex-Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is also on his list, along with John Carew and Jo.

But if the Indians only dig deep for players given the thumbs-up by Kentaro, Rovers title-winner Jason Wilcox fears Allardyce might walk away.

He said: "As a manager you live by the sword and die by the sword. If it got to a situation where he wasn't picking the players that came in, I don't think he'd be happy. I don't think he'd be around for long."

[Tom]

http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/liverpool-to-bid-for-dempsey-in-january/?

Liverpool to Bid for Dempsey in January

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is lining up a January transfer window swoop on his former club Fulham, with the Anfield boss intently eyeing up versatile American Clint Dempsey to bolster his side's attacking menace.

The proposed raid will follow Hodgson's signing of Paul Konchesky from his former club, with the Liverpool manager desperately seeking to install some stability at a club that has had a tumultuous spell in recent years.

The 27-year-old has shone since his arrival at Craven Cottage from the New England Revolution, adapting from a midfield position to often feature as a striking option when required. Hodgson managed to get the best out of the talented Texan during his time at the club, with the player having now managed 26 goals in his 126 appearances at Fulham.

His current club are struggling under the guidance of new boss Mark Hughes, hovering tentatively above the relegation zone in 17th position and grabbing just two wins all season.

Dempsey has scored six so far in this campaign, catching the eye of his former manager who has made no secret about his desire to bring more attacking firepower to Anfield. Hodgson is desperate to acquire a partner to play alongside Fernando Torres and both he and the new American board are keen on Dempsey.

Fulham will undoubtedly be reluctant to sell one of their most desirable assets, though given their position in the table Dempsey may consider a switch to a club that can offer him European football.

It is believed that if Dempsey forced a move, a price tag of £10 million would be enough to secure his services. With the takeover of NESV at Liverpool completed, Hodgson has been handed a generous transfer budget to strengthen his side. Dempsey is believed to be one of the first names in Hodgson's plans for rebuilding Liverpool in the long term.

Roy, don't make me have to fly over to the UK and come tell you myself to feck off because I will! I will book a ticket into London watch my Fulham boys play a game and then rent a sled and drive up to Liverscum and deal with you myself. You seem to be a good man, so keep your word.  :tom:

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/08/family-life-eases-dickson-etuhu-s-fulham-pain-82029-27786887/?

Family life eases Dickson Etuhu's Fulham pain

DICKSON Etuhu admits becoming a father has put Fulham's poor start to the season in perspective.

The Whites are hovering above the Premier League drop zone on goal difference after just two wins from their opening 16 games.

But the recent arrival of Zaccai Etuhu has given the Nigerian World Cup player a whole new lease of life.

He said: "In the last few weeks I've been coming back from injury, and I've not really hit the form I had before I left off.

"But all that sort of worry is taken away when I come home to my son. I spend as much time as I can with him, especially from 6am in the morning before I have to go to work.

"If you have a bad day or a bad game – then having a son takes it all away."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/08/family-life-eases-dickson-etuhu-s-fulham-pain-82029-27786887/?#ixzz17VPxfzN8

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/boss_picks_out_trio_606015/index.shtml

Boss Picks Out Trio

Mark Hughes singled out excellent displays from Simon Davies, Dickson Etuhu and Diomansy Kamara in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Kamara was on the scoresheet in the narrow loss, with two sublime goals from Samir Nasri earning the Gunners the points.

"I thought there were some really good performances," he said.

"Simon Davies did really well, he gave us a good option on the right - probably his best game for us for a number of weeks.

"Dickson Etuhu was obviously very strong in those midfield areas, and 'Joe' Kamara obviously took his goal really well and could've had another one."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/12/08/new-arrival-has-given-fulham-midfielder-new-lease-of-life-64767-27787003/?

New arrival has given Fulham midfielder new lease of life

DICKSON Etuhu admits becoming a father has put Fulham's poor start to the season in perspective.

The Whites are hovering above the Premier League drop zone on goal difference after just two wins from their opening 16 games.

But the recent arrival of Zaccai Etuhu has given the Nigerian World Cup player a whole new lease of life.

He said: "In the last few weeks I've been coming back from injury, and I've not really hit the form I had before I left off.

"But all that sort of worry is taken away when I come home to my son. I spend as much time as I can with him, especially from 6am in the morning before I have to go to work.

"If you have a bad day or a bad game – then having a son takes it all away."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.safc.com/news/20101208/make-up-for-disappointment-black-_2256213_2238958?

Make up for disappointment - Black
Eric Black wants Sunderland to bury the memory of a forgettable trip to Craven Cottage last year.

Sunderland's assistant manager is hoping his team can make up for what he described as one of the darkest away days of last season.

Eric Black saw the Black Cats go down 1-0 against Fulham at Craven Cottage last season after putting in a disappointing performance.

And he's determined to bury those memories when Sunderland return to London this weekend to face the Cottagers on their own patch.

"The day down there was one of our most disappointing of last season," admitted Black, who like boss Steve Bruce is in his second season on Wearside.

"We had some poor performances away from home last year and that was one of the poorest. We just didn't turn up and it was a let-down."

But Black, who often carries out scouting missions across the country and beyond, says he's seen enough of Fulham so far this season to know that their league position belies the quality of their squad.

"It's never easy going to Craven Cottage. I've been at a few of Fulham's games last season and they've been unlucky not to have won a few more than they have.

"If they had done that they would have been just in behind us in the league, so it will be a difficult game."

The Cottagers are currently eight points behind Sunderland having won two, drawn nine and lost five of their 16 games so far.
They have been struck with injuries up front, including the loss of last season's top scorer, Bobby Zamora.

But last season's beaten Europa League finalists still pack enough of a punch to power their way up the league given the opportunity.

Black added: "They are a good footballing team who haven't changed an awful lot since Roy [Hodgson] was in charge. They work the ball around exceptionally well.

"Despite the loss of players like Zamora and Dembele, still have proven goalscorers in their ranks and we will have to be aware of players such as Dempsey, Gera and Andy Johnson.

"Also, Fulham are very good at set pieces where Brede Hangeland is exceptional for them."

In the build-up to the game, the coaching staff have been left to reflect on a welcome headache with attacking trio Darren Bent, Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck all in form.

Bruce opted to play all three against West Ham and will be left pondering whether to do the same again at Craven Cottage.

Whatever happens, Black says having three strikers in such rich goalscoring form - plus Fraizer Campbell to come back from injury - is a huge boost for the club.

"Obviously Darren was already here and it's great to see Asamoah and Danny coming in and performing the way they have," he said.

"That is the reason why we spend so much time on recruitment. All three of them have performed so well and have put pressure on the manager to pick two from three.

"It's a great position to be in and having a team which has goals in it is a massive boost.

"We have to work hard to try not to concede, and at the other end we feel we have a good goal threat."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/8725233.Ashtead_Colts_handed_big_honour_at_Craven_Cottage/?

Ashtead Colts handed big honour at Craven Cottage


Ashtead Colts handed big honour at Craven Cottage

Ashtead Colts are the latest Surrey County FA club to receive the prestigious FA Charter Standard award, and they were handed it on the pitch of Craven Cottage before the Fulham v Birmingham game.

Ashtead Colts FC has twelve youth teams ranging from mini colts and U8s to U17s. All teams play in the Surrey Youth League.

The FA Charter Standard Award recognises clubs that are run well by giving tough guidelines for clubs to follow. Ashtead Colts received the award after successfully meeting these strict FA rules and can now take the praise of being a well-run club. ??

Steven Edwards, Football Development Officer, comments, "The FA Charter Standard award acknowledges the support Ashtead Colts FC provides to the local community and their efforts to ensure the club offers opportunities for players to develop their skills and play football in a safe and positive environment.

"The Surrey County FA is committed to raising the standards of football at grassroots level and the dedication and achievements of clubs like Ashtead Colts FC make this possible."