Friday Fulham Stuff (10/12/10)...

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http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/no-reds-move-for-cottagers-ace-agent-1131962.html?

No Reds move for Cottagers ace - Agent

The agent of Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey has played down reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.
The 27-year-old USA international has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, where he would be reunited with former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, while Wolfsburg boss Steve McClaren is also said to be interested.

However, while Dempsey's agent Lyle Yorks admitted several clubs are watching Dempsey with some interest, talk of a possible move to Liverpool or Germany is just speculation.

"Some of it is just reports and some of it is accurate," Yorks told MLSsoccer.com.

"There's interest in Clint, but there are no discussions right now."

On the Liverpool and Wolfsburg links, he added: "These two are just reports at this point.

"But there's always interest in Clint. It's been that way for a long time. People have him on their wish list."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337396/Fulham-v-SUNDERLAND-Craig-Gordon-Asamoah-provide-slight-concerns-Steve-Bruce.html?

Fulham v SUNDERLAND: Craig Gordon and Asamoah provide slight concerns for Steve Bruce

Asamoah Gyan and Craig Gordon have been declared as 'slight doubts' by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce ahead of the Barclays Premier League match at Fulham.

Striker Gyan has a toe injury and goalkeeper Gordon a hamstring problem, although Bruce is hopeful both will figure in the game at Craven Cottage.

Bruce, though, remains without a number of long-term injured, including Titus Bramble, Fraizer Campbell and Michael Turner, all with knee injuries.

Team (from): Gordon, Mignolet, Onuoha, Bardsley, Richardson, Angeleri, Ferdinand, Mensah, Da Silva, Cattermole, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Zenden, Bent, Gyan, Welbeck, Meyler, Adams.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337396/Fulham-v-SUNDERLAND-Craig-Gordon-Asamoah-provide-slight-concerns-Steve-Bruce.html#ixzz17hkjxNpB

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6564600/Fulham-v-Sunderland-preview

Fulham v Sunderland preview

Team news for Saturday's Premier League clash between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Asamoah Gyan and Craig Gordon have been declared as "slight doubts" by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce ahead of Saturday's Premier League match at Fulham.

Striker Gyan has a toe injury and goalkeeper Gordon a hamstring problem, although Bruce is hopeful both will figure in the game at Craven Cottage.

Bruce, though, remains without a number of long-term injured, including Titus Bramble, Fraizer Campbell and Michael Turner, all with knee injuries.

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Mignolet, Onuoha, Bardsley, Richardson, Angeleri, Ferdinand, Mensah, Da Silva, Cattermole, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Zenden, Bent, Gyan, Welbeck, Meyler, Adams.

Fulham team news to follow...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/Hendo39s-calling-for-positive-approach.6656633.jp?

Hendo's calling for positive approach
Published Date: 10 December 2010

JORDAN Henderson insists Sunderland should be full of beans at Craven Cottage tomorrow, despite Fulham running the league leaders close last weekend.

Fulham could easily have taken something from the Emirates last weekend before being edged out 2-1 by Premier League front runners Arsenal.

Diomansy Kamara and Zoltan Gera both spurned several opportunities as Mark Hughes' men slipped to fourth bottom in the table.

Henderson, pictured, was impressed by the effort from the Cottagers, but believes Sunderland should be beaming with confidence after their first win in three games against West Ham last weekend.

"Fulham will be really difficult tomorrow, they're a really good side," said Henderson.

"But I think we'll go there with confidence and hopefully get a good result.

"I watched them against Arsenal last weekend and they were decent.

"They had some chances there, but we just need to concentrate on what we've been doing, set our stall out and hopefully get a good result."

Meanwhile, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has admitted there may come a day when Sunderland are forced to offload Henderson if they receive a "ridiculous offer" for the 20-year-old.

Manchester City are known to be keeping a close eye on the Herrington-born midfielder, who earned his first full England cap last month.

Quinn is desperate for Sunderland's future to be built around Henderson, who made his 50th Premier League appearance against the Hammers.

But Quinn is also mindful that every player has his price after Sunderland opted not to cash in on his former strike partner Kevin Phillips a decade ago.

Quinn said: "When Jordan was being linked with a few clubs, his father rang me and told me: 'This is nothing to do with us, Jordan just wants to play for Sunderland' and I had to tell him, of all the players at this club, Jordan really is the last one I am worried about.

"I know Jordan just wants to play for Sunderland Football Club and he loves doing so.

"It's not like we have a boy who was a Manchester United supporter all his life and wants to play there one day.

"For me the big ambition would be to see Jordan leading us into a big European match, whenever that is, I don't know. That would be the ultimate aim.

"But circumstances sometimes dictate that you have to do things another way, and I have to be totally open and honest with people here and say that."

"If a ridiculous offer does come in for Jordan or any of our players, I have to weigh up losing the player against the money we would get and how we can spend it. It is a tough one.

"I am always mindful of the fact Bob Murray (former Sunderland chairman) was offered £16million for Kevin Phillips - we have the letters - and he held on to him, were relegated and sold him 15 months later for £1.5m.

"That £16m would have meant the club stayed in the Premier League that year.

"But it's a tough call and we have to be strong. I don't want Jordan to go, but I am giving an example of the dilemmas you can face.

"That is why we must be open. The game has changed, it is not like the old days when you could say 'This player is not going anywhere!'

"There are a lot of factors at play and I am not going to try to fool anybody and come out with all this talk that Jordan will stay here for ever.

"It is impossible to say that."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/henderson_insists_sunderland_should_be_confident_at_fulham_1_2846820

Henderson insists Sunderland should be confident at Fulham

JORDAN Henderson insists Sunderland should be full of beans at Craven Cottage tomorrow despite Fulham running the league leaders close last weekend.

Fulham could easily have taken something from the Emirates last weekend before being edged out 2-1 by Premier League front runners Arsenal.

Diomansy Kamara and Zoltan Gera both spurned several opportunities as Mark Hughes' men slipped to fourth bottom in the table.

Henderson was impressed by the effort from the Cottagers but believes Sunderland should be beaming with confidence after their first win in three against West Ham last weekend.

"Fulham will be really difficult tomorrow, they're a really good side," said Henderson.

"But I think we'll go there with confidence and hopefully get a good result.

"I watched them against Arsenal last weekend and they were decent.

"They had some chances there but we just need to concentrate on what we've been doing, set our stall out and hopefully get a good result."

Meanwhile, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has admitted there may come a day when Sunderland are forced to offload Henderson if they receive a "ridiculous offer" for the 20-year-old.

Manchester City are known to be keeping a close eye on the Herrington-born midfielder, who earned his first full England cap last month.

Quinn is desperate for Sunderland's future to be built around Henderson, who made his 50th Premier League appearance against the Hammers.

But Quinn is also mindful that every player has his price after Sunderland opted not to cash in on his former strike partner Kevin Phillips a decade ago.

Quinn said: "When Jordan was being linked with a few clubs, his father rang me and told me: 'This is nothing to do with us, Jordan just wants to play for Sunderland' and I had to tell him, of all the players at this club, Jordan really is the last one I am worried about.

"I know Jordan just wants to play for Sunderland Football Club and he loves doing so.

"It's not like we have a boy who was a Manchester United supporter all his life and wants to play there one day.

"For me the big ambition would be to see Jordan leading us into a big European match, whenever that is, I don't know. That would be the ultimate aim.

"But circumstances sometimes dictate that you have to do things another way and I have to be totally open and honest with people here and say that.

"If a ridiculous offer does come in for Jordan or any of our players, I have to weigh up losing the player against the money we would get and how we can spend it. It is a tough one.

"I am always mindful of the fact Bob Murray (former Sunderland chairman) was offered £16million for Kevin Phillips – we have the letters – and he held on to him, were relegated and sold him 15 months later for £1.5m.

"That £16m would have meant the club stayed in the Premier League that year.

"But it's a tough call and we have to be strong. I don't want Jordan to go, but I am giving an example of the dilemmas you can face.

"That is why we must be open. The game has changed, it is not like the old days when you could say 'This player is not going anywhere!'

"There are a lot of factors at play and I am not going to try to fool anybody and come out with all this talk that Jordan will stay here for ever.

"It is impossible to say that."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2010/12/10/mensah-cats-will-not-underestimate-fulham-72703-27802852/?

Mensah: Cats will not underestimate Fulham

THE league table might say otherwise, but John Mensah is not fooling himself that Fulham will be a soft touch tomorrow.

The Cottagers are only out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.

However, it is draws, not losses, which have left them there, and new manager Mark Hughes has created a team in the tough image he had as a fearsome centre-forward.

Ghana captain Mensah said: "The teams at the bottom are always hard to play against.

"It is not because they are not good, but because they are fighting hard for points.

"If you underestimate them, they will take the chance.

"You have to work hard to gain a win.

"Fulham is another important game for us to achieve a victory.

"It will not be easy, and we have to keep the momentum going and focus again.

"If we can keep our concentration and maintain our determination, then we can get another win."

While Sunderland are much better away from home this season, they have only won one of eight league matches.

Although their hosts have just two victories at Craven Cottage, only two teams have beaten them.

With that in mind, centre-back Mensah will take another scrappy win like Sunderland's over West Ham United on Sunday.

He added: "Every win is a win. It does not matter if you win 1-0 as long as you play together as a team.

"We were determined to claim that victory, particularly after the Wolves game the previous week where we did not perform and lost 3-2."

Adding to the backs-to-the-wall atmosphere will be the pain in Mensah's left shoulder.

The 28-year-old dislocated it against Stoke City, and was due to return next week.

However, with Titus Bramble and Michael Turner both out, he has gritted his teeth and got an with the job.

He added: "My shoulder is not 100%, but we have lost two players in the team and we needed people to come in.

"The pain is bad, but not quite as bad as it was."



Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2010/12/10/mensah-cats-will-not-underestimate-fulham-72703-27802852/?#ixzz17iDajRZ7

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9258844.stm

BBC: Fulham v Sunderland

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 11 December Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS
Fulham could field the same side that were narrowly beaten at Arsenal last time out.

Diomansy Kamara again looks set to start up front as Andrew Johnson continues his return to full fitness.

Sunderland have doubts over goalkeeper Craig Gordon and Asamoah Gyan, who are nursing hamstring and toe injuries respectively.

David Meyler is also included in the squad following a quicker than expected return from knee ligament damage.

Fulham
Doubtful: Halliche (thigh)
Injured: Dembele (ankle), Salcido (ankle), Senderos (Achilles), Stoor (groin), Zamora (leg)

Sunderland
Doubtful: Gordon (hamstring), Gyan (toe)
Injured: Bramble, Campbell & Turner (all knee), Kilgallon (back), Carson (shoulder), Reid (hamstring)

MATCH PREVIEW
Twenty years ago, Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce were both part of a Manchester United FA Cup-winning side. That trophy was United's first under Sir Alex Ferguson, with both players going on to win many more under his stewardship. Five members of that United squad have since gone on to manage in their own right, but only Hughes and Bruce are still in charge of Premier League clubs.
   
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
Dickson Etuhu, Fulham midfielder

Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu has revealed that none of the club's players would dare to wear the must-have clothing item of the moment - the snood, as Hughes would "come and drag it off your neck". Now the thaw is underway, the Fulham boss will be hoping his side can start to warm the hearts of their supporters with a much-needed win.

At this corresponding stage of last season, Fulham had just beaten Sunderland 1-0 at Craven Cottage to record their fifth home victory of the season. How Hughes would love a similar result this time around after registering just two league wins all season. The west London club will begin the game outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

Sunderland strikers Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan started a Premier League game together for the first time in last weekend's win over West Ham. The two most expensive signings in Black Cats history have both been in the goals this season, but have also picked up niggling injuries along the way. Steve Bruce is itching for the pair to grow as a partnership, but Gyan's recent toe injury is again threatening to stall the duo's blossoming understanding.

The form of on-loan Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has also denied the two big-money signings playing time together. He has scored four goals in his last four games, but was shifted out wide last weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson has been keeping an eye on his young protégée, and was quick to scotch any rumours of a permanent move to the Stadium of Light by insisting that the 20-year-old will return to United at the end of the season.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Only two goals have been scored in their last four Premier League meetings.
• This is a clash between two of the Premier League's draw specialists. Half of Sunderland's 16 games this season have ended level, whereas Fulham have drawn nine of their 16 to date.
• This is not the first time these two sides have met on this date. Sunderland recorded a 2-1 win over Fulham at Roker Park in an old second division match in 1971.
• Mark Hughes is unbeaten in all six previous Premier League home matches against sides managed by Steve Bruce. Hughes has won the last five in row, including his final game as Manchester City manager - a 4-3 win over Sunderland in December last year.

Fulham
• Mark Hughes has drawn 17 of his last 28 games as a Premier League manager.
• It's just one win in 12 Premier League games for Fulham.
• Fulham are equal bottom of the Premier League form guide with Wolves. Both clubs have accrued just three points from their last six games.
• If selected, Clint Dempsey will be making his 100th league start for the club, while Stephen Kelly could also make his 100th Premier League appearance.
Sunderland
• The Black Cats have won four of their last eight games and taken 14 of the 24 points available. They started the season with only one victory in their opening eight matches.
• Sunderland have recorded just one away victory this season, their superb 3-0 win at Chelsea, a ground just two miles from Craven Cottage.
• If selected, ex-Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque will be making his 400th appearance in English football, while Kieran Richardson stands by for his 100th appearance in a Sunderland shirt.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Fulham
Dempsey: 6 goals (5 league); Dembele: 3 goals (2 league)

Sunderland
Bent: 9 goals (7 league); Gyan: 6 goals (5 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistant referees: Andy Halliday & Trevor Massey
Fourth official: Mike Dean

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Fulham (L1-2 v Arsenal, a): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs (Baird 28), Davies, Murphy (Eddie Johnson 88), Etuhu, Dempsey, Gera, Kamara (Andrew Johnson 73). Subs Not Used: Stockdale, Kelly, Duff, Greening.

Sunderland (W1-0 v West Ham, h): Gordon, Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Henderson (Elmohamady 86), Cattermole, Richardson, Welbeck, Bent (Malbranque 75), Gyan (Zenden 90). Subs Not Used: Mignolet, Angeleri, Da Silva, Riveros.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/sunderland_defender_mensah_to_ignore_fulham_position_1_2849324

Sunderland defender Mensah to ignore Fulham position

JOHN MENSAH today urged Sunderland to ignore Fulham's lowly league position and ensure they don't fall victim to another of the Premier League's strugglers.

Sunderland's three defeats this season have all come against sides they would hope to finish above this season – at newly-promoted duo West Brom and Newcastle, and at second-bottom Wolves in their last away outing.

Only goal difference separates fourth-bottom Fulham – tomorrow's opponents at Craven Cottage – from the relegation zone, with Mark Hughes' men recording just two victories all season.

But Mensah believes the depth of quality in the top flight makes it tough to judge a team's quality on their league position, as Sunderland have found to their cost already.

Mensah told the Echo: "The teams at the bottom are always hard to play against.

"It's not because they are not good. But they are fighting hard for points, and if you underestimate them, they will take the chance.

"You have to work hard to get a win.

"Fulham is another important game for us to achieve a victory.

"It won't be easy, and we have to keep the momentum going and focus again.

"If we can keep our concentration and maintain our determination, then we can get another win."

Sunderland should at least go into the game with renewed vigour after bouncing back well from their defeat at Wolves with victory over West Ham last weekend.

Mensah hopes it bodes well that Steve Bruce's men ground out three points in a tight affair over the Hammers.

"Every win's a win," said the 28-year-old. "It doesn't matter if you win 1-0 as long as you play together as a team.

"We were determined to get that victory, particularly after the Wolves game where we didn't perform well.

"West Ham were desperate for points, but then so are we to keep moving up the league. It was a tough game but an important victory."

Mensah remains troubled by the shoulder he dislocated against Stoke City last month.

The Ghana defender, however, is prepared to battle through the pain barrier to give Sunderland some much-needed stability in the heart of their back four after the long-term knee injuries to Titus Bramble and Michael Turner, who had formed such an effective partnership in the early part of the campaign.

Mensah added: "My shoulder is not 100 per cent. But we've lost two players in the team and we needed people to come in.

"I fought hard to play. The pain is still bad, but it's not quite as bad as it was at first.

"We've had to make a few changes to the team. Sometimes it's difficult when you do that and we saw that at Wolves.

"We learned a lesson, and we needed to come back fighting."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2559/rumours/2010/12/10/2254775/fulham-close-to-sealing-deal-for-8m-mexican-goalkeeper-guillermo-?

Fulham close to sealing deal for £8m Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa - report

Fulham are finalising a deal for Mexican international goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, according to The Sun.

The 25-year old has entered talks with the Craven Cottage club and with the player's contract due to run out this summer, he could be available in January for much lower than his £8m valuation.

Ochoa's credentials have been confirmed to manager Mark Hughes by defender and fellow Mexican Carlos Salcido, whilst a move would provide the club with a potential long-term successor to veteran current 'keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Ochoa starred for Mexico at this summer's World Cup finals and has won 37 caps for his country in total.

[White Noise]

Mark Hughes rules out Fulham move for Mexican keeper

Dec 10 2010


By Jacob Murtagh


Mark Hughes


FULHAM boss Mark Hughes has denied Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa is coming to Craven Cottage on trial.

The £9million-rated 25-year-old is pals with Whites full-back Carlos Salcido, and is reported to be heading to SW6.

Mark Schwarzer signed a new deal with Fulham last week, while youngster David Stockdale is also waiting in the wings.

And Hughes has played down any move for Club America keeper Ochoa.

He said: "He hasn't been to the club and he hasn't trained with us.

"It's not the case [that he's coming on trial]."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/10/mark-hughes-rules-out-fulham-move-for-mexican-keeper-64767-27804699/#ixzz17ilRDxwL

[White Noise]

Fulham boss rubbishes Clint Dempsey rumours


Dec 10 2010


By Jacob Murtagh


Clint Dempsey


MARK Hughes has slapped a not-for-sale sign on Clint Dempsey.

The six-goal American has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage, with Liverpool and Wolfsburg reported to be trailing the Texan.

But Fulham boss Hughes says none of his players are available.

He said: "I am sure there is interest in Clint, as there is with most good players.

"There has been no contact from any clubs in terms of Clint or anyone else.

"He's very happy here and enjoying his football."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/10/fulham-bosss-rubbishes-clint-dempsey-rumours-82029-27804557/#ixzz17imAEkdl

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337494/FULHAM-v-Sunderland-Carlos-Salcido-returns-bolster-wide-options-Mark-Hughes.html?

FULHAM v Sunderland: Carlos Salcido returns to bolster wide options for Mark Hughes

Fulham left-back Carlos Salcido will return for the match with Sunderland after recovering from an ankle injury.

Moussa Dembele is still struggling with his ankle problem but could be action next weekend, while Matthew Briggs has undergone a calf operation.

Bobby Zamora (ankle/leg) and Phillipe Senderos (Achilles) are still unavailable for the Barclays Premier League clash.

Team (from): Schwarzer, Kelly, Salcido, Hughes, Baird, Hangeland, Duff, Dempsey, Murphy, Davies, Gera, Etuhu, A Johnson, E Johnson, Stockdale, Pantsil, Kamara, Greening, Dikgacoi, Kelly.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337494/FULHAM-v-Sunderland-Carlos-Salcido-returns-bolster-wide-options-Mark-Hughes.html#ixzz17jGZmh6K

[WhiteJC]

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/12/can_we_skin_the_black_cats.php?

Can We Skin the Black Cats?

Fulham are paired with Wolves for the worst current run of form in the Prem. There's no magic formula to football, you just have to score more than the opposition

So how likely is that to happen at the Cottage this week? With club form declining month on month supporters are still awaiting signs from the new management team they have a strategy in place to produce winning football. Above we show Bobby after the winner in last year's fixture, a win that took us up to 8th. This year it is Sunderland who are the new Fulham - unbeaten at home and currently riding high, 7th in the table.

With no width to turn defences, no genuine strikers in attack and a slow midfield that now seems incapable of getting up to the edge of the box to provide shots on goal...well, who's your money on? Last week Steve Bruce, accepting he is without half his regular defenders, opted for three strikers and taking the game to the opposition. Welbeck and Richardson pacy on the flanks and with an eye for goal, Darren Bent and Gyan leading the line...the Black Cats showed Chelsea their claws last month just after we'd gone there and performed like frightened kittens.

Fulham team news says Salcido is fit, so with Briggs possibly needing an op to a calf injury - and sensing Hughes has no faith in Pants - expect Baird and the Mexican to be in at full-back.
Elsewhere, I don't think Hughes sees any alternatives to the current midfield set-up, so it will just be a question of who's the lone wolf up front. On the strength of his goal last week I reckon Kamara will start over AJ, in truth I don't think it makes any difference. Dembele remains sidelined, but should be back next week.

When Arsenal had five forwards on the pitch last Saturday and with their centre-back taken off the bizarre decision to send on Eddie Johnson ahead of Damien Duff as we chased the game tells you how alarming Damien's stock has fallen since last year. And for all his industry in the side and time on the ball, when does Simon Davies ever actually influence the outcome of a match?

News from Wearside hints that Gyan and the keeper may not overcome knocks. The Whites need all the help they can get right now. I'll be cheering them on every step of the way, but the realist in me says, as with Brum two weeks ago, a draw may be the limit of our current capabilities. Hamburg and Juventus increasingly seem like a distant dream.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/10/mark-hughes-rules-out-fulham-move-for-mexican-keeper-64767-27804699/?

Mark Hughes rules out Fulham move for Mexican keeper

FULHAM boss Mark Hughes has denied Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa is coming to Craven Cottage on trial.

The £9million-rated 25-year-old is pals with Whites full-back Carlos Salcido, and is reported to be heading to SW6.

Mark Schwarzer signed a new deal with Fulham last week, while youngster David Stockdale is also waiting in the wings.

And Hughes has played down any move for Club America keeper Ochoa.

He said: "He hasn't been to the club and he hasn't trained with us.

"It's not the case [that he's coming on trial]."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/10/mark-hughes-rules-out-fulham-move-for-mexican-keeper-64767-27804699/?#ixzz17jHkESBx

[WhiteJC]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2559/rumours/2010/12/10/2254775/fulham-close-to-sealing-deal-for-8m-club-america-goalkeeper?

Fulham close to sealing deal for £8m Club America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa - report

Fulham are finalising a deal for Club America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, according to The Sun.

The 25-year old Mexican international has entered talks with the Craven Cottage club and with the player's contract due to run out this summer, he could be available in January for much lower than his £8m valuation.

Ochoa's credentials have been confirmed to manager Mark Hughes by defender and fellow Mexican Carlos Salcido, whilst a move would provide the club with a potential long-term successor to veteran current 'keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Ochoa has won 37 caps for his Mexico in total.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/3599/6/hughes-insists-dempsey-not-leaving-fulham-liverpool?

Hughes insists Dempsey not leaving Fulham for Liverpool

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has moved swiftly to quash rumours that forward Clint Dempsey is leaving the club.

The American is Hughes' top scorer this season with five league goals and that form led to him being linked to a reunion with former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson at Liverpool.

"I think his agent has been asked questions and he has tried to answer them intelligently," Hughes said.

"I am sure there is interest in Clint, all good players are mentioned at some point when you are entering a transfer window but there has been no contact from any club and we won't encourage it because I know he is very happy here, he is enjoying his football and he is making an impact for us."

Hughes is getting ready to launch his own transfer moves after seeing his current strike force hit with Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and Mousa Dembele struggle with injuries, but he is not so keen for other managers to approach his stars.

"The mad month is getting close and it will be on us very quickly. I am sure people are trying to get things in line but if anyone enquires about Clint they will be getting short shrift."

[WhiteJC]

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

Win with Jack Wolfskin

Buy a matchday programme at this weekend's Fulham v Sunderland fixture and you will automatically be entered into a draw to win some fantastic goodies courtesy of Jack Wolfskin.

Simply pick up a programme this Saturday and if the unique number printed on its rear corresponds with the one drawn at random and posted here on fulhamfc.com on Monday, then you are the lucky winner of a pair of Jack Wolfskin Artist Gloves, a Real Stuff Beanie, both ideal for these freezing temperatures, as well as a MOAB JAM 22 Pack!


Jack Wolfskin products are currently available in more than 350 franchise stores and at 2,400 points of sale across Europe and Asia, including Westfield London and Covent Garden.

Please note that the Lucky Programme Number prize of a Vitus Zircon 0.2 bike worth £1099.99 from the Manchester City fixture on November 21st is yet to be claimed.

If the number 01659 corresponds with the one on the back of your copy of the programme, then please send proof to [email protected] before 5pm on 17th December to claim your superb prize.

If nobody claims before this time then we will make the star prize available again.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/WinwithJackWolfskin.aspx?#ixzz17jJ15OsA

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http://www.safc.com/news/20101210/behind-enemy-lines-fulham_2256213_2241433?

Behind Enemy Lines: Fulham
London football expert James Olley of the Evening Standard returns to give you the inside track on Fulham.

"Fulham find themselves just above the relegation zone for tomorrow's game with Sunderland and principally that comes down to them struggling without two key members of last season's campaign.

Roy Hodgson and Bobby Zamora are obvious absentees in their various forms. Hodgson left in the summer and it was quite a late one while Zamora is out injured and they're having to learn how to play a very different way without him.

Fulham haven't won in six and that win against Wigan was their only one in twelve. I think that comes down to them lacking Zamora chiefly and also with Mark Hughes coming in so very late in the summer, he's had very little time to shape the team to his liking.

Hughes needs time to make this side his own. Confidence is at a premium around the players at present considering they haven't managed a win since the end of October. At times they've really struggled and looked totally over-awed by Manchester City when they lost 4-1 to them at home.

As far as their threat is concerned, Andy Johnson has to be their main man now. In the absence of Zamora he's had to come back into the team after a lengthy spell out through injury and he's still a threat at Premier League level for sure.

Added to that there's Clint Dempsey who gets around and can pose a threat. In midfield Danny Murphy, Damien Duff and Simon Davies are key to Fulham's creativity and opening sides up, with Dickson Etuhu playing the holding role in the side.

Murphy's the one that pulls the strings for them.

I would think Fulham will definitely be targeting Sunderland as a winnable game as they've continued their strength at Craven Cottage this season - they've had to, because if they hadn't they'd be bottom of the league.

They need a win from somewhere and with Liverpool their next game they'll be looking at this game on Saturday as one that they can get three points from."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6565956,00.html?

Hughes - Dempsey not on market
Cottagers boss says American is staying put

Fulham manager Mark Hughes insists top scorer Clint Dempsey is not going anywhere in the January transfer window.

The United States international has been linked with a £10million move to Liverpool, where he would be reunited with former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, while Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren is also reportedly interested in the 27-year-old.

However, Hughes is adamant any enquiries over Dempsey, who has scored six goals in all competitions this season, will be met with a blunt response.

Interest

"I'm sure there is interest in Clint. Most good players are mentioned at some point in time leading into a window," said Hughes.

"There's been no contact from any clubs for Clint or any other player.

"Nor would we encourage it because Clint's very happy here, is enjoying his football and is having an impact for us.

"If there are any enquires about Clint, they'll be getting short shrift."

Fulham are in a precarious position ahead of their visit of Sunderland on Saturday, perched one spot above the relegation zone having not won in the Premier League since October.

But Hughes, while frustrated not to be securing points, has taken comfort in the Cottagers' performances.

"We're not a million miles away from where we need to be - it's just that we must convert draws into wins and make sure our home form is good," he said.

"We don't feel that it will be a struggle this season. We'd be more concerned if we weren't playing well.

"But we must convert chances when they arise and capitalise when we're dominant in games.

Surprised
He added: "We're surprised at where we are because we feel we're better than our position illustrates.

"There's some sense of frustration because we've been playing good football and haven't had the reward that we felt we deserved.

"But the league is very close so a couple of wins will shoot us up the table very quickly.

"We're confident we'll get back to winning ways. We have the capacity to do that."

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http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/fulham-vs-sunderland-sat-11-dec-2010?

Fulham Vs Sunderland: Match Preview

Fulham manager Mark Hughes is adamant top scorer Clint Dempsey will not be leaving the club in the January transfer window.

Dempsey has been linked with a #10million move to Liverpool, where he would be reunited with former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson.

Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren is also reported to be interested in the United States international.

However, Hughes has promised a blunt response if any enquiries are made.

"I'm sure there is interest in Clint. Most good players are mentioned at some point in time leading into a window," said the Fulham boss.

"There's been no contact from any clubs for Clint or any other player.

"Nor would we encourage it because Clint's very happy here, is enjoying his football and is having an impact for us.

"If there any enquires about Clint, they'll be getting short shrift."

Dempsey will be involved in the Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland - a match Fulham must win if they are to begin climbing the table.

They are currently perched one place above the relegation zone and have not won in the league since October - a run spanning six games.

Mexico left-back Carlos Salcido returns after recovering from an ankle injury but Mousa Dembele is still out with a similar problem.

Asamoah Gyan and Craig Gordon have been declared as "slight doubts" by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.

Striker Gyan has a toe injury and goalkeeper Gordon a hamstring problem, although Bruce is hopeful both will figure in the game at Craven Cottage.

Bruce, though, remains without a number of long-term injured, including Titus Bramble, Fraizer Campbell and Michael Turner, all with knee injuries.

Bruce is on a mission to eradicate his side's inconsistency after becoming fed up with them being tagged 'typical Sunderland'.

Black Cats boss Bruce's issues are understandable because despite Sunderland riding high in eighth position in the Barclays Premier League, they are yet to win two successive games this season.

Since a run of five consecutive draws over September and October, the last eight games highlight Sunderland's problem. Their form reads - won, lost, won, drew, won, drew, lost, won.

Another annoying factor for Bruce is that his side have defeated Manchester City and Chelsea, the latter a remarkable 3-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge, and drawn against Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Yet their three defeats this season have been at Wolves and against newly-promoted clubs West Brom and Newcastle, the latter a particularly hurtful 5-1 humiliation at St James' Park.

"I don't think it's complacency. It's the mindset which is the hardest thing to deal with," said Bruce.

"Following the defeat to Wolves (3-2 a fortnight ago), on the TV and in the press it was 'typical Sunderland'.

"That is the one thing I have to eradicate. That is the hardest job on my plate, to take the club forward, to get rid of this 'typical Sunderland' tag where we win one, lose one.

"That is the challenge because to be a top club in this league, if we're going to succeed and go on to where we want to be, we have to eradicate the performances we put in against Wolves and West Brom.

"However, when I analyse the season, and we're halfway through near enough, two-and-a-half poor performances out of 16 is not bad.

"If we can repeat that for the next 16 games and go into spring with maybe 40, 43 points or so, then we'll be very happy.

"It means we'll be competing and likely in a position where we are now. That is the challenge - can we stay where we are? I've always said we want to try and be in the top 10.

"But I don't want this tag of ours any more."

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