Thursday Fulham Stuff (16/12/10)

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224783

Fulham - A Bridge Link?
Hands up if you can remember when Wayne Bridge donned a Fulham shirt and impressed us all?

If my memory serves me right it happened during the back end of his recovery period after Bridge suffered a bad leg injury playing for Chelsea up at Newcastle.

Chelsea were keen for Bridge to get some valuable match time so he was sent on loan to us.

Well now we`re guessing whether a similar loan scenario could happen!

Bridge is out of favour at Manchester City as the club continues to spend money as if it is going out of fashion. The lad is desperate to play first team football and it looks highly that City would be willing to let him go.

The only stumbling block for a lot of clubs could well be his wages which are rumoured to be something in the region of £70,000 a week, but perhaps a deal could be done there.

Now, we`re not suggesting that it`s a deal that could be brokered without over-coming any further problems, firstly there`s the fact that such a talented player will be the subject of attention for a plethora of clubs with the likes of Bayern Munich, Stoke, Galatasaray, Stoke, Liverpool and Aston Villa. Plus there`s the added nuisance of returning to West London where a certain John Terry struts his stuff.

But, if those few problems could be overcome then I`d be the first to applaud Mark Hughes for persuading Wayne to give Craven Cottage a second spell!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224783#ixzz18Ft5FqVf

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224786

Fulham - Off My Rocker?
I'm about to make a statement that is somewhat provocative and will baffle most of you.

In fact, I already know what the reaction of many will be.

Statement: If Fulham fail to take three points from the West Ham match on December 26, Mark Hughes should be fired and replaced with Sam Allardyce!

Reaction: Wait a second. Did you say replace Hughes with Allardyce? Sam Allardyce? The same Sam Allardyce that was just sacked by Blackburn? Teddy, have you lost your ******* mind! How could you say such a thing?

To begin, I don't blame Mark Hughes (completely) for our poor start to the season. He was brought in at the last minute and inherited a squad se-tup specifically to support Roy Hodgson's style of play.

He had no time to bring in new players that would better suit his style of football. He has been plagued with injuries, particularly the early season loss of Bobby Zamora, which has significantly hindered our squad development and productivity.

That being said, wins are what matter and I don't see any hint that our performances will improve. The squad doesn't look organized. There are a few players who are underperforming (Pantsil, Etuhu, Murphy), but it's hard to say why.

Are they simply not motivated or is the new 'freedom' under Hughes allowing them to lose focus? I can't answer that, but let's not forget that the existing squad is essentially the same group with whom Hodgson had so much success.

It's obvious the players are enjoying more freedom under Hughes, particularly in attack. However, the freedom to attack is not creating more goals and it's causing organizational chaos, which was so apparent in the Man City loss.

Players can't be allowed to roam freely around the pitch in constant attack mode with no regard for defensive and support responsibilities, and I do blame Hughes for that.

So, why West Ham on the 26th?

Simple - we are better than West Ham and should have no trouble defeating them at Craven Cottage! If you can't defeat the bottom of the table club on your own patch, then it's hard to convince me that things are going to get better.

Should Hughes be given a chance to improve the squad in January?

Sure, but if reports are true, we may have only £10m to spend in the transfer window. I believe Hughes needs very good attacking players to be effective and I don't think he'll get them. Zamora will likely return in February and that will be a boost, but it'll take a few weeks before he's at full fitness.

That's leaving it a little late, in my opinion; not impossibly late, but there would be precious little room for error. Why Allardyce? Why not Jol? I'd love to have Martin Jol as our manager, but if our poor form continues, we'll find ourselves in another relegation dogfight and under those circumstances I'd rather have Sam Allardyce.

Understand me - I don't want Hughes to fail, but we must be prepared if he does. Allardyce is a grinder. He is exceptional at taking under-performing, modestly talented, under-funded squads and making them impossible to beat at home. Tactics may differ, but the win-at-home philosophy was fundamental to Hodgson's success during his tenure.

If my math is correct, Allardyce's home record at Blackburn reads quite nicely - 19 wins, 13 draws, 6 defeats. I believe we have at least as much talent as Rovers, so it stands to reason that Big Sam could perform the same feat with us, and that is my logic in advocating Allardyce (should it be necessary).

Perhaps it won't be necessary. Perhaps we will come home from Anfield with a shock three points and follow that with another win over West Ham; climbing the table, fears put to rest, a glorious Christmas for the Fulham faithful and Mark Hughes our new hero.

I certainly hope so. I do not think Hughes is a poor manager and I do not like the business of firing manager`s mid-season, but more than anything, I don't want another relegation battle and failure versus West Ham would be a clear signal of difficult times ahead.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=224786#ixzz18FtRhbc8

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/3753/6/hughes-hits-out-spate-manager-sackings?

Hughes hits out at spate of manager sackings


Fulham manager Mark Hughes has hit out at the poor treatment being dished out to his fellow Premier League managers.

Chris Hughton was sacked by Newcastle last week, after guiding the club to 11th in the table in their first season back in the Premier League, and Sam Allardyce was dumped by Blackburn on Tuesday after just a year in the job.

Hughes himself is no stranger to harsh dismissals after getting the bullet from Manchester City after a 4-3 win over Sunderland in 2009. The Welshman had guided the mega-rich club to just one loss in 15 games before he was axed.

"Nothing ever changes and nothing ever surprises me," Hughes said.

"At all clubs you need longevity and consistency in terms of the selections of managers, players and staff. If you don't have it then it is more difficult to be successful."

Hughes left Blackburn in 2008, before they were taken over by new owners Venky's, to take up his ill-feted tenure at Eastlands. His dismissal from City meant his whole family had to relocate over 200 miles to west London when he was awarded his current post at Fulham and he knows the strain that trigger happy club owner's decisions can cause.

"The events of this week don't surprise me," he said.

"I have experienced it myself and it doesn't just affect the manager as an individual it affects your family and friends and everyone around you."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6579682,00.html?

Hughes - We'll push on
Cottagers boss believes side will improve form

Fulham manager Mark Hughes insists his side will push on stronger during the second half of the season.

The Cottagers have only managed two wins in 17 games to leave them in trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Hughes has been unable to make major changes to the side he inherited from Roy Hodgson but is expected to put his own stamp on the team during the January transfer window.

The former Blackburn and Manchester Cityboss is confident his men have the ability to push on after the New Year and move away from the relegation zone.

"My teams have always been stronger in the New Year," he said.

"Obviously there's a sense of frustration because we haven't had the reward our performances deserve.

"But I prepare them to be stronger in the second half of the season and I can take comfort from that."

Fulham's next outing in the league is an away trip to Anfield where they take on Liverpool on Saturday.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/15/win-fulham-v-west-ham-tickets-82029-27834021/?

Win Fulham v West Ham tickets!


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Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/15/win-fulham-v-west-ham-tickets-82029-27834021/?#ixzz18FuUPkFl

[WhiteJC]

http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/10-11/rumour-mill/index.asp?#101214e

Fulham to bring in Landon on loan
This scare-mongering by the Daily Mail suggests that Fulham have made an attempt to bring Landon Donavon in on loan but appears to be based on absolutely nothing. There is not even a suggestion of any reference to Lardon Donovan made by anyone!

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1338940/Fulham-say-boss-Mark-Hughes-safe-pledge-10million-transfer-kitty.html?

Fulham to go after Roque Santa Cruz as 'safe' boss Mark Hughes is promised £10m January kitty

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has told Mark Hughes his job is safe and further reassured him by pledging £10million for next month's transfer window.

While concerned that Fulham are only goal difference away from the relegation zone, Al Fayed is aware main striker Bobby Zamora has been out for over three months and summer signing Moussa Dembele has also been plagued by injury.


Staying put: Fulham have assured Mark Hughes he is safe from the sack

Hughes knows a return will be expected on any investments but is confident Roque Santa Cruz can provide the extra firepower needed, if a fee can be agreed with Manchester City.

The Fulham manager has had a positive feedback on Santa Cruz's fitness and also explored the possibility of a short-term loan for LA Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan.


Christmas comes early: Hughes has been promised £10m and wants to use some of it to sign Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1338940/Fulham-say-boss-Mark-Hughes-safe-pledge-10million-transfer-kitty.html#ixzz18Fv1Z18Z

[WhiteJC]

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

Managerial Merry Go Round

Two managers bite the dust in the past 7 days, and neither saw it coming. Board rooms are getting twitchy. Two men who meet on Boxing Day may be next for the axe.

The soap opera style of operation favoured by Gold and Sullivan at West Ham means disapproval of Avram Grant's management style was making banner headlines even before the boss had cleared the boardroom after his showdown summit. The ultimatum is stark. No win from the next three and you are gone.

By the same token I can't see our own manager surviving either if we fail to beat bottom club West Ham at home on Boxing Day. While assuming the trip to Liverpool is a foregone conclusion, and already factored in, nothing less than back-to-back wins from the home games with West Ham and WBA will suffice to salvage some faith in handing Hughes the necesssary funds to rebuild Roy's side. It's going to be a pivotal two weeks.

For a shrewd assessment of Hughes dilemma at Fulham I refer you to an excellent article by John Nicholson of 365 http://www.football365.com/john_nicholson/0,17033,8746,00.html

This has been bouncing around FFC forums this week and provoking plenty of comment, I add the link above in case you missed it. Having looked into John's work, he knows his stuff, writes thoughtfully and with insight. Always good to get someone's slant from outside FFC.

In passing, and I know this may provoke a howl or two, but if Fulham can get Lyle to persuade Liverpool to part with £10 million for Demps we should snap it up. Why?

Great business for a player who cost us £2 mill and was not even a guaranteed starter under Roy. A terrific move for Clint to really shine alongside the likes of Torres and Gerrard, at 27 this is the time to make that move. For the chairman, he hands out £2 mill in compensation to clear out our management team and still has £8 mill to hand the next guy into the hot seat.

Mo may not go in for the showboating style of the Hammers hucksters, but his tongue lashing of staff who displease him are legendary. Hughes had that visit after the Man City shambles. Since then we've had tame draws with faltering Brum and a 2nd string Sunderland. I note the lame soundbite of Saturday from the gaffer was 'for a little luck to start going our way.' Yes, that's what we've come down to now.

Get out the prayer mats!

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent16-JWComp.aspx?

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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent16-JWComp.aspx?#ixzz18FvvVzi5

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-go-after-cisse-and-traore-january-1325311?

Fulham to go after Cisse and Traore in January

Fulham boss Mark Hughes wants to bring in some fresh attacking power as he strives to get the team out of a potential relegation battle.

'Sparky' is believed to be keen on Freiburg's Senegalese striker Papiss Demba Cisse and CFR Cluj's Ivorian frontman Lacina Traore and will make moves for the pair when the transfer window opens in January.

Hughes will be handed a transfer budget of around £10million by Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed, most of which is likely to be spent on strikers as Bobby Zamora and Mousse Dembele remain sidelined and the likes of Andy Johnson and Eddie Johnson are struggling to find goals this term.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2010/12/premiership/pulis-looking-to-forgotten-city-star-to-take-wage-cut

PULIS LOOKING TO FORGOTTEN CITY STAR TO TAKE WAGE CUT

Manchester City left back Wayne Bridge has appeared on Stoke City's radar after reports suggest that the Potters are planning an unlikely January swoop for the forgotten man of Eastlands.

Bridge, 30, has only completed one full 90 minutes of Premier League action for City despite being in his third season at the blues. At one stage during his career he was battling to replace Ashley Cole as England's first choice left back, but a string of injury woes coupled with loss of form and outside distractions have put the breaks on a promising career.

The Southampton born player still has 2 years remaining on his £70,000 a week contract at City but, has fallen further down the pecking order with the arrival of Alexandar Kolarov and despite the former Lazio players injury troubles Roberto Mancini has preferred Pablo Zabaleta as his replacement this season.

Bridge has also attracted the attention of Mersey giants Liverpool where Paul Konchesky has failed to live up to expectations at Anfield. Fulham and Aston Villa have also shown an interest in the 36 cap star.

One stumbling block for the Potters could be the players wage, Stoke would not see £70,000 a week as viable for an injury prone defender and Chairman Peter Coates wouldn't be prepared to scupper the clubs wage structure. Unless Bridge can agree lesser terms it seems unlikely the move will take place.

Either way it seems very unlikely Bridge will be plying his trade in Manchester after the January transfer window.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-identify-Freiburg-s-Papiss-Demba-Cisse-and-Cluj-s-Lacina-Traore-to-fire-them-away-from-relegation-trouble-article651537.html

Sparky ID's two front men to fire Fulham away from relegation trouble

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has already targeted two strikers after being told he will be given cash to buy his side out of the relegation fight.

Freiburg's Papiss Demba Cisse and Cluj frontman Lacina Traore have been eyed by the Cottagers boss.

While Fulham sit uncomfortably just one spot out of the drop zone after seven games without a win, Hughes has been reassured that he is under no pressure.

Owner Mohammed Al Fayed is concerned about the potential plight of his side but has made it clear that Hughes is under no immediate threat just five months into his Craven Cottage tenure.

Al Fayed, who accepts Hughes has been crippled by the injuries that have struck his striking options, has told the Welshman he will be handed a January transfer budget to start ensuring extra firepower for the draw specialists.

That is likely to be a sum of up to £10million, enabling Hughes to bring in two strikers and the African pair could give Fulham and Hughes a much-needed boost.

Bobby Zamora is still out for at least six weeks after breaking his leg against Wolves in September, Moussa Dembele has already been out for a month with an ankle injury and Andy Johnson has been a pale shadow of his former self since returning from his knee problem in October, after nine months on the sidelines.

Former England striker Johnson has not found the net for 16 months and his failure to spark in his eight appearances this season have contributed to Fulham's record of 10 draws - and just two wins - in their 17 games so far.

Cisse, 25, is keen on leaving Germany despite having four years left on his current contract at Freiburg and while his representatives are talking up a possible move to Arsenal, there is nothing to suggest Arsene Wenger is interested in the player.

Italian sides Napoli and Roma have also looked at £4million-rated Ivory Coast striker Traore but Fulham believe they can be more than competitive on terms and the opportunity for first-team football.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Fulham-identify-Freiburg-s-Papiss-Demba-Cisse-and-Cluj-s-Lacina-Traore-to-fire-them-away-from-relegation-trouble-article651537.html#ixzz18Fxokpk8
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[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Wigan-West-Ham-and-Fulham-all-alerted-over-Ali-Al-Habsi-availability-article651763.html

Prem trio lining up for Wigan keeper Al-Habsi

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has kick-started a three-club auction for keeper Ali Al-Habsi.

The 29-year-old is on loan at Wigan but is also interesting Fulham and West Ham.

Coyle said: "If a bid comes in we'll sit down with Ali and his advisers and look at it. We knew he was a top goalkeeper when we loaned him out."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Wigan-West-Ham-and-Fulham-all-alerted-over-Ali-Al-Habsi-availability-article651763.html#ixzz18FyGTasI
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[WhiteJC]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/16122010/58/premier-league-match-facts-liverpool-v-fulham.html

Premier League - Match facts: Liverpool v Fulham

Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield.

Liverpool had two players sent off when they visited Roy Hodgson's Fulham in October last season.

Fulham have failed to score in five of their last six Premier League games against Liverpool.

The Whites have failed to score in seven of their nine Premier League visits to Anfield, including the last four.

Four of the nine Premier League games at Anfield between these two sides have ended as goalless draws, including the last two.

Fulham have won none of their last 26 Premier League away games, only one team has ever had a longer consecutive run in the Premier League (Fulham in May 2006-March 2008).

Liverpool have won their last four Premier League games at Anfield and kept clean sheets in the last three.

Fernando Torres has hit 44 goals in 48 Premier League appearances at Anfield.

Liverpool have lost 49 Premier League matches at Anfield.

38% of the goals Fulham have scored have come from headers, the highest percentage in the top flight.

65% of the goals Fulham have conceded have been scored in the first half, the highest proportion before the break of any top division club.

Liverpool are the only club in the Premier League not to have a goal scored by or conceded to a substitute.
Opta

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/3748/4/everton-ready-end-irelands-aston-villa-hell

Everton ready to end Ireland's Aston Villa hell

Everton are monitoring Stephen Ireland's showdown talks with Aston Villa, with a view to making a January move for the midfielder.

Ireland, 24, has endured a nightmare spell at Villa Park after he moved there in the summer as part of the deal that took James Milner to Manchester City.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier has questioned Ireland's future as the midfielder's form has suffered since his switch to the Midlands.

Talks over Ireland's future are ongoing but David Moyes is following the developments at Villa Park, with Steven Pienaar's future uncertain.

talkSPORT revealed back on the final day of the transfer window how Spurs had a deadline day move turned down for the Everton midfielder but we understand Harry Redknapp is ready to come back with another approach, with Pienaar able to talk to anyone in January.

And if he goes, Moyes will be keen to bring in a replacement with Spurs' Niko Kranjcar as well as Ireland two of his main targets.

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/9291825.stm

Grant handed West Ham ultimatum

West Ham must win at least one of the relegation-threatened club's next three games or manager Avram Grant will be sacked, BBC Sport understands.

Time is running out for Grant, 55, who has one win in 11 Premier League matches, leaving the club three points adrift at the bottom of the table.

It is understood Sam Allardyce, sacked by Blackburn this week, is being considered as a replacement.

West Ham play Blackburn away on Saturday and Fulham away on Boxing Day.

A source said replacing the Israeli if he fails to meet the terms of the ultimatum would allow the club to make best use of the transfer window, giving the new manager "a chance to make the changes he wanted".

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season West Ham sacked former manager Gianfranco Zola and signed former Portsmouth boss Grant on a four-year contract.

Despite sweeping aside Manchester United in the Carling Cup, defeats to Sunderland and Manchester City mean that the club have collected only 12 points from 17 league matches.

Grant has faced an injury crisis at Upton Park, deprived of the services of Jack Collison, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Valon Behrami, Kieron Dyer, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble for significant periods of the season. In addition, several of his players are out of contract at the end of the season.

The club's owners David Gold and David Sullivan are sympathetic to Grant, but are aware only once in 18 years of the Premier League has a team bottom at Christmas survived the drop.

"Dismissing Avram is not something the board wants to do" said the source.

"The club are aware that we were lucky to avoid relegation last season, and that Avram inherited a 'Championship-rate' squad.
"He's also had a dreadful run of injuries, but we can't get to the beginning of the window and not do something if things don't improve."

Survival specialist Allardyce has an unparalleled track record in digging clubs out of trouble. He took over Rovers when they were 19th in the table and kept them in the Premier League.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2010/12/premiership/wayne-bridge-spoilt-for-choice-as-he-prepares-to-quit-city

WAYNE BRIDGE SPOILT FOR CHOICE AS HE PREPARES TO QUIT CITY

Wayne Bridge's Manchester City career looks to be over. Having only started 3 games so far this season, the left-back is set to leave Eastlands when the transfer window opens in January, in order to find himself regular first-team football.

The player has been linked with almost every Premiership club with a less-than-reliable left-back, and potential suitors are also beginning to emerge on the continent as well. The front runners at this stage are Aston Villa, Fulham, Liverpool, and Stoke City. Turkish club Galatasaray are also thought to be interested in the former England man.

So, here's a run-down of where Wayne could go:

Aston Villa: Big, ambitious club going through a re-building phase, who could offer European football, although perhaps not next season.

However, Bridge has absolutely no chance of getting into the starting line-up ahead of Steven Warnock.

So that's a no.

Fulham: They could certainly guarantee him first-team football, and Bridge would also be happy to work with Mark Hughes again, who brought him to City. Fulham, however, are not the team they were under Roy Hodgson, and a move to Craven Cottage would be a step down.

Stoke: He'd be a major signing for Tony Pulis, and would certainly be a very valued member of the club, which he has surely never felt while playing for City. He probably wouldn't have to move house, either!

However, a move from City to Stoke would be a real step down in levels for Bridge, and he would also have to take a heavier hit to his wages at the Britannia Stadium than elsewhere.

Galatasaray: Traditionally one of Europe's big boys, if Bridge decided that he needed a break from the Premier League after last year's off-pitch problems, this might be the best option for him.

He'd probably get the best contract here, too!

Liverpool: The only one of Bridge's suitors who could claim to be bigger than City, and Bridge would surely be favourite to dislodge Paul Konchesky from the left-back role in Hodgson's side. European football is also on offer.

A move to Anfield would probably be Bridge's best option.

So, there you have it. Villa won't happen, Stoke and Fulham are unlikely, and although Galatasaray would offer a real career change, it would be very difficult for Bridge to turn down the chance to join Liverpool.

And with so many clubs interested, Roy may have to move quickly to be sure of getting his man; Wayne Bridge could well be Liverpool's first signing of the January transfer window.

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/does-mark-hughes-set-his-teams-up-to-be-better-after-christmas/?

Does Mark Hughes set his teams up to be better after Christmas?
Filed under: General — rich

Maybe he does.  Very quick and dirty, but in his time at Blackburn when he had pre-seasons to work on these things his sides did indeed improve each season after Christmas.

Before xmas: 39% win percentage (P59 W23 D13 L23)

Win percentage after xmas:  47% (P55 W26 D 13 L16).

I didn't count City as that was a bit of a carve up wasn't it?

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1339092/Fabio-Aurelio-outlines-12-point-plan-bring-Christmas-cheer-Liverpool.html?

Fabio Aurelio outlines 12-point plan to bring Christmas cheer to Liverpool

Fabio Aurelio has set his sights on maximum points over Christmas as Liverpool look to put pressure on the Barclays Premier League leaders.

The Reds entertain Fulham on Saturday before a trip to Blackpool and home games against Wolves and Bolton.

Roy Hodgson's side had a shaky start to their domestic campaign but have won their last four top-flight matches at Anfield.

And defender Aurelio said: 'It is very important we get a good result on Saturday, especially because we are playing at home. Hopefully we can start a run of great results and the team can get some wins together.

'We know Fulham are a tough team and we respect them, but we have to show them we are Liverpool, we are playing at home and need the three points. We have scored a lot of goals at Anfield recently and we need to keep doing that.

'We need to win every game we play at home in the Barclays Premier League but we also need to start getting some good results away from home.

'We hope we can get some good victories over Christmas and then we can start the new year in a much better position in the league.'

Brazilian Aurelio played 90 minutes as Liverpool drew 0-0 with Utrecht in the Europa League on Wednesday and the 31-year-old is now hoping for a run in the side.

'It was good to get the 90 minutes because I have been training hard but not playing regularly and I felt quite good,' he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

'It wasn't an easy game because a few of us haven't played regularly. There wasn't that many opportunities but it was good to play.

'I just want to keep playing now and help the team. There is competition in the squad and I hope I can get some more opportunities but it's up to the boss when he wants to put me back in the team.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1339092/Fabio-Aurelio-outlines-12-point-plan-bring-Christmas-cheer-Liverpool.html#ixzz18Gi4n0ik

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-chairman-al-fayed-assures-hughes-over-job-1325811?

Fulham chairman Al Fayed assures Hughes over job

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has been assured his job is safe.

The Daily Mail says Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has told Hughes his job is safe and further reassured him by pledging £10million for next month's transfer window.

While concerned that Fulham are only goal difference away from the relegation zone, Al Fayed is aware main striker Bobby Zamora has been out for over three months and summer signing Moussa Dembele has also been plagued by injury.