Thursday Fulham Stuff (09/12/10)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sunderland.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224201

Breaking News: Gordon Doubtful For Fulham
After keeping a great clean sheet at home against West Ham last Sunday, Gordon will be guttered to have picked up another injury this season.

The reports seem to suggest he is a major doubt for Saturday with a hamstring injury.

The good news for Sunderland fans is that we know we have a great back up goalkeeper in Simon Mignolet.

Let's hope Gordon is being taken out as a precaution and will be back as soon as possible.


Read more: http://www.sunderland.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224201#ixzz17dVMJp00

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/dec/09/steven-gerrard-return-fulham?

Steven Gerrard on course for Fulham return but will not face Newcastle
• Liverpool captain will miss Saturday's trip to Newcastle
• Agger could also return to face Fulham at Anfield

Steven Gerrard will not be fit to play for Liverpool at Newcastle on Saturday but is on course for a return the following weekend.

The 30-year-old club captain is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on England duty last month and will not travel to St James' Park with the rest of the squad.

"I don't know where the stories came from that Gerrard would be fit for Newcastle," Roy Hodgson said. "We have always been thinking he would be fit to face Fulham the following weekend, it would be much too early to consider him for Newcastle.

"But he is making very good progress, which we are happy with, and he is absolutely on schedule but Newcastle was an unrealistic target."

The Liverpool manager also revealed he had challenged Daniel Agger to prove his fitness for the match at Anfield against Fulham. The Denmark centre-back has not played since 25 September because of a calf problem.

Liverpool's medical staff believe he needs a couple more weeks' rehabilitation but Hodgson and Agger are both pushing for a return in 10 days' time.

"He is much better and really pushing himself beyond what we could expect him to do," Hodgson said. "His attitude is first class and we are targeting the Fulham game.

"The sports science people tell me it is too soon and he needs a bit longer but in my conversations with him he is in agreement that Fulham is not out of the question and he is pushing for it."

[WhiteJC]

http://salutsunderland.com/2010/12/if-youre-off-to-fulham-and-stans-your-man/?

If you're off to Fulham and Stan's your man

See also: the Fulham "Who are You?" – Fulham v SAFC: Fayed, pictures of Lily and praise for our Steeeeeed
News from the London and Southern England branch of the SAFC Supporters' Association – generous geographical boundaries: I was still eligible during my stint in Abu Dhabi and remain so now when in France – of special interest to fans attending the Fulham game.
Observant readers will have seen the Amazon ad down the right hand column for Mark Metcalf's book on the life and (continuing, I'm glad to say) times of Stan Anderson, a cultured right half I am old enough to remember.
Copies of Stan Anderson: Captain of the North, signed by Mark (also a London branch member, I believe) will be available at the reduced price of £15 from the man himself in the Duke's Head pub in Lower Richmond Road, Putney, before the game.
But he needs to know how many copies to bring. If you'd like one (or more), you are invited to place your orders by emailing [email protected].
And if that fails, buy it by clicking here. I won't queer Mark's pitch by saying how much!


Read more: http://salutsunderland.com/2010/12/if-youre-off-to-fulham-and-stans-your-man/#ixzz17dVyAcdw
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[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/09/dickson-etuhu-slams-snood-wearing-premier-league-stars-82029-27798504/?

Dickson Etuhu slams snood-wearing Premier League stars

ANY Fulham player daft enough to wear a snood against Sunderland on Saturday – stands a fair chance of having it ripped from his neck by the boss reckons Dickson Etuhu.

The footballer's fad of the wintry moment has seen the likes of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli at Manchester City, and even last Saturday's tormentor Samir Nasri at Arsenal, sporting the wooly neckwear – but woe betide anyone in white who digs a trendy muffler out of his kitbag according to the midfielder.

Not one Fulham player wore so much as a pair of gloves to stave off the north London wind at The Emirates during the 2-1 defeat – and manager Mark Hughes intends to keep it that way.

"It's a look, and some players like it – especially the foreigners," said Etuhu. "Believe me, our manager would take one look at it and come and drag it off your neck. I've never worn one, and I've no intention of wearing one."

Tough as the south Londoner is, his team is desperately searching for a win against his former club that nudges them away from the dropzone.

Etuhu insists Fulham are not far from crossing the 'fine line' that would see them rocket up the table – especially after facing the Premiership's finest in three out of the last five games.

He added: "Fans are frustrated and so are we – but three wins and we're right up there again.

"We're getting stronger, and everyone has to remember we played Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in the last month and it's not been easy – but we're looking forward to playing Sunderland.

"It's a thin line between success and where we are, especially if you remember Chelsea have lost four and so have we. It's the draws that have killed us so far."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/09/dickson-etuhu-slams-snood-wearing-premier-league-stars-82029-27798504/?#ixzz17dWHegRO

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337185/Fulham-hand-trial-Guillermo-Ochoa-Arsenal-Manchester-United-circle.html?

Fulham hand trial to Guillermo Ochoa as Arsenal and Manchester United are linked with £9m-rated goalkeeper

Mexico goalkeeping ace Guillermo Ochoa is having a trial with Fulham as Mark Hughes eyes a long-term replacement for Mark Schwarzer.

The 25-year-old Club America star has long been regarded as one of the most promising keepers in the world and has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.

While bigger clubs have balked at a reported £9million price tag, Fulham are said to be closing in on a deal for the 6ft 1in No 1.

 
England is watching: Ochoa faces a penalty from Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor in pre-season
His Mexico City-based employers are reluctant to let him go, but boss Manuel Lapuente admitted: '"Memo" wants to play in the Premier League, the best in the world, and wants to learn and grow. Therefore, I understand his desire to leave.'

Ochoa, who has 40 caps but surprisingly played second fiddle at the World Cup finals this year, has already met up with compatriot Carlos Salcido in London.

Defender Salcido, 30, has impressed at Craven Cottage since joining from PSV Eindhoven in the summer and would help Ochoa adapt in west London.

If a deal isn't concluded quickly, he is expected back at Club America on Monday.


In the spotlight: Ochoa has caught the eye at Club America
The Mexican club said in a statement: 'Our goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has travelled to London after accepting the invitation he has received from Fulham and the manager Mark Hughes.

'Our club has been in touch all the time with Ochoa, who is enjoying his holidays, and that's why he has accepted the invitation he has received from Fulham.

'America will be aware of the results of this invitation and, in case there is a negotiation between both clubs, we will let the press know once they have finished.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337185/Fulham-hand-trial-Guillermo-Ochoa-Arsenal-Manchester-United-circle.html#ixzz17dXFV0Pa

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224213

Fulham - Defender Chase?
Just like we mentioned earlier this week, it`s inevitable that having declared that transfer funds will be available in January that the press would link us with all nature of signings.

Today, Mark Hughes is linked with bringing a PSV Eindhoven defender to Craven Cottage. The player in question is Stanislas Manolev, a Bulgarian international. The fee mentioned, is a very reasonable £2 million but the complication being that we have several rivals for his signature in the form of Bologna and a whole host of German clubs.

But you never know!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224213#ixzz17dXxPAsw

[WhiteJC]

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

Davies and Gera at the Cottage

We are delighted to confirm that Simon Davies and Zoltan Gera will be joining Dickson Etuhu, Mousa Dembele and Andrew Johnson at Craven Cottage on Tuesday (14th December) for the annual Christmas at the Cottage event.

The fun packed evening will be full of festive cheer, with the players meeting and greeting supporters in the home dressing room! You will also have exclusive access to the tunnel area and Cottage forecourt, only previously available on a Cottage Tour!

There will be complimentary mulled wine and mince pies, some festive entertainment from the Fulham and Hammersmith Choral Society and appearances from our Academy scholars and Billy the Badger. The Lyric Theatre will also be on hand to entertain Juniors with a very special arts workshop in the Cafe at the Cottage.

The Stadium Store is open on 14th December from 9am. It will close briefly for event set-up at 5:30pm, then re-open to the public at 6pm. You will be able to purchase your last minute Christmas gifts and have them personally signed by members of the First Team Squad.

Please note that you will only be permitted to bring one additional item with you to be signed.

Supporters attending the event should be aware that there may be some outside queuing and that warm clothing is advised.

Everyone is welcome and there's no need to book:

Where: Craven Cottage
When: Tuesday 14th December
Time: 6pm – 8pm

People using wheelchairs can access the Stadium Store from 5:30. You can then enter the Cottage forecourt through the Cottage gates from 6pm. Unfortunately the home dressing room is not wheelchair accessible, but the players will be delighted to meet you out in the Cottage forecourt. Block KL (a wheelchair accessible area) will be open all evening and provides a great viewing area from which to enjoy the Choral Society performance.

Cottage Christmas Dinner

For the truly memorable experience, why not join us in the warmth and comfort of one of our riverside lounges for an evening of Christmas merriment?

Combine a sumptuous three-course meal with a Christmas cocktail reception with Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes, enjoying exclusive photo opportunities. You will also receive an exclusive retail offer, a Fulham FC gift and entry into a Fulham FC raffle for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Read more or book your place for just £69 per person now.




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/ChristmasattheCottage.aspx?#ixzz17dYvuoVo