Thursday Fulham Stuff (23/12/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/12/the-useful-transfer-stuff/?

The Useful Transfer Stuff
by LYDIA on DECEMBER 22, 2010

So it's that time of the year again. As Christmas approached fast, all football fans know that it is also close to the January Transfer window.

This  one will be important for Mark Hughes and his Fulham side. Hughes wasn't really given very much time in the market the first time around so hasn't really had time to stamp his own mark on the side he inherited from Hodgson. Now the rumours start about who we are linked to. Personally I'm hoping that a target man like Zamora will be added to the squad to add some firepower. We have beed linked to some strikers over the past months but today it is mainly midfielders, if true, we are looking for.

The Daily Mirror suggests that Hughes is after Stephen Ireland again. I wouldn't believe this if there wasn't so much in the media about the breakdown in relationship between Ireland and his new Villa boss. Anyone who has read my articles before will know that I am a huge fan of Ireland. I know he is going through a 'spoilt boy' phase but I believe that with his past experiences with Hughes, he would fit right in to the system at Fulham. I'd love this to happen.

Hollier is  already resigned to selling him.

Villa boss Houllier said: "Once a player wants to go, he goes. He said he wanted to go in January. He said that to his agent. I think we will be looking to get the same kind of money back."
Football365 just about mentions that Hughes wants to take David Bentley from Spurs. This would be another good piece of business. I rate Bentley highly, he just can't get into a very talented Spurs squad.

Mail online have us in a 3 way transfer battle with Arsenal and Liverpool for teenage superstar Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 17 year-old is also son for former England Mark Chamberlain. He is rated at £10million which might be quite steep for a 17 year-old but we will see what happens. He is actually rumoured to have more potential than Theo Walcott at the same age.

This could be an interesting window for us. Hodgson was never that vocal about his signings so lets see if Hughes is any different.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/a-boxing-day-dust-up-awaits-as-fulham-west-ham-scrap-against-the-drop/77316/?

A Boxing Day dust-up awaits as Fulham & West Ham scrap against the drop

Boxing day in the Premier League starts with a likely dust-up between two London bruisers.

The 1pm early kick off at Craven Cottage will hurt many of the fans who turn up. Provided the snow keeps the game on in the first place, thousands of hope-filled supporters will be trudging through grim, biting arctic-like conditions accompanied by raging hangovers and/or a new shedload of guilty following family Christmas lunch. The chill factor of the wind coming straight off the Thames to the surrounding areas will only seek to make the whole experienced that much worse too.

The only tonic will be three points. And perhaps a flask of hot cider.

Both West Ham and Fulham are in desperate need a win. The Hammers have been scraping the barrel since week one of the season when they were spanked 3-nil by Aston Villa in a match where they showed no promise, no endeavour and little fighting spirit. Since, things have gotten only a fraction better. But there is a bright side for Avram Grant's beleagured men. Win, and there's a chance they'll finally move off the fateful foot of the table.

If West Ham go up, Fulham are definitely going down. With their heads just above the dropzone on goal-difference, it's been a revolting nine weeks for the Cottagers in a dismal period of one win, seven draws and six defeats. Results have been so bad of late that Fulham sit bottom of the league form table with just three points taken in their last six matches. It's all pretty bleak for the west Londoners.

Fulham have a few small chinks of light to hold onto though. During a first half of the season in which their entire strike-force was virtually bed-ridden with severe injuries, finally Mark Hughes looks to have some options to play around with up front. Sixteen goals in seventeen matches tells a clear story of Fulham's lack of goalscoring prowess, but Moussa Dembele is reported as being ready to return to action against the Irons, while Andy Johnson (who sadly looks like a shade of the player he once was at Crystal Palace) and Diomansy Kamara remain the bread and butter.

The Cottagers are also strong in midfield, with Clint Dempsey the club's standout player this campaign. Currently Fulham's top scorer and general talisman, the American does offer a glimmer of hope with his creativity, while Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu and Simon Davies completed a well-oiled midfield unit.

Mark Hughes was also blessed to inherit an excellent defence from Roy Hogdson, which has so far done their best to keep the club afloat this season. Mark Schwarzer, Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland and Chris Baird have all been played together for over 18 months now, and collectively their are one of the better rearguard's in the division.

Fulham's encouragement ahead of West Ham's visit is also boosted by some bad omens for the Eastenders.

Over and above their general poor results which has seen them glued to the bottom of the league, West Ham haven't won an away match since August 2009 (2-nil at Wolves). More recently they've chalked up a miserable recent record on the road of ten defeats in their last fifteen league away days, and having not beaten Fulham in three attempts of late few positives are on offer.

The silver-lining for the Irons has been the excellent performances of Scott Parker in midfield. Victor Obinna, in his shift against Manchester United in particular, has also shown that he can make things happen. Frederic Piquionne has also had a handful of decent showings. But that's about where the good news stops.

Any team that needs to play Jonathan Spector in midfield and Tal Ben Haim at the back is struggling. Moreover, Carlton Cole's miserable one goal return is just not good enough, while defenders Matthew Upson and Julien Faubert have regressed with keeper Rob Green this season.

Against all that downbeat backdrop, it is honourable that West Ham powers-that-be have stuck with manager Avram Grant. He seems to have been afforded leeway after their big summer signing Thomas Hitzlsperger got injured while on German international duty and been ruled out for the season. Moreover, lest we forget that just under a year ago the Hammers were facing a financial black hole. So bad was the situation at Upton Park that new owner David Sullivan admitted when buying the Irons "we're taking over an incredibly bad situation. We wouldn't buy this club at all if it wasn't West Ham. It makes no sense commercially."

One suspects though that patience with Grant may be wearing slightly too think these days. Being in such financial plight, relegation for West Ham would be another brutal blow and if getting a new manager could spark a revival the management could bite the bullet. Losing at Fulham would make the decision that much easier.

This game has all the makings of a thriller. Both sides will be desperate to get the win and start a run of good form in the new year, but good football will go out the window for the three points. Expect goals, countless rash tackles, plenty of yellow cards and maybe the odd red card.

101gg predicts: Fulham 2 – West Ham 2

Fulham 2.00; Draw 3.47; West Ham 4.30

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_6607537,00.html?

Bentley targets loan switch
Spurs winger interested in joining Fulham or Villa

Sky Sports News understands that David Bentley would be keen on a loan move to either Fulham or Aston Villa.

Bentley has slipped way down the pecking order at White Hart Lane this season and would not appear to figure in Harry Redknapp'splans for the rest of the campaign.

He moved to White Hart Lane from Blackburn in the summer of 2008 for an undisclosed fee thought to be in excess of £15million but his recent lack of action means Spurs would struggle to recover even half that figure.

A loan switch is then thought to be most likely when the transfer window reopens and a number of clubs are thought to be interested.

A return to Ewood Park has previously been mooted but it is thought that Bentley's favoured destination would be either Fulham or Villa.

Bentley played under Mark Hughes during his days at Blackburn and could link up with the manager again at Craven Cottage.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225420

Fulham - Winger Linked!
A youngster in the mix!

With two big names rumoured to be on our January shopping list in the shape of David Bentley and Stephen Ireland, but names we could find it hard to land for varying reasons, it appears that Mark Hughes is also looking at those who have yet to establish themselves as Premier League big-hitters.

One such player is the youthful Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

At a mere seventeen years of age the Southampton winger is following in the footsteps of his father, Mark Chamberlain who carved out a fine professional career with its highlights being at Stoke City and England.

Naturally, for someone so talented there are other suitors with the big-guns of Liverpool and Arsenal featuring heavily in the betting, but you never know!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=225420#ixzz18v8Zib4A

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340893/Blackburn-Rovers-turmoil-Steve-Kean-gets-run-caretaker-boss-role.html?

Blackburn Rovers in turmoil as Steve Kean gets a run at caretaker boss role

Blackburn's new Indian owners have confirmed that Steve Kean will be manager for the rest of the season, but were faced with revolts brewing across the club.

Kean is on the brink of losing both his captain and chairman, with skipper Chris Samba demanding to leave and long-serving chief John Williams considering his position again.

Williams was unhappy to have been kept in the dark over Kean's tenure running to the end of the season, while Samba became the first player to take action over owners Venky's sacking of Sam Allardyce last week.

His teammates are also furious they only found out on television about the Indian poultry firm's decisions.

The depth of ill-feeling became clear as it emerged that only seven first-team players turned up for the club's Christmas party.

Ryan Nelsen and David Dunn have expressed outrage over Venky's treatment of Allardyce and Samba' s request to leave could not have come at a worse time for Kean, on the day Venky's confirmed that Allardyce's former first-team coach will be in charge until next June.

It follows Kean's visit to India for discussions with Venky's chief Anuradha Desai over his position and the club's January transfer plans.

Venky's initially claimed the 43-year-old Scot would only be in charge for two months while they looked for a permanent successor.

The Blackburn players were said to be expecting the appointment of Cardiff boss Dave Jones.

Allardyce claimed this week that his assistant Neil McDonald was a better option than Kean to succeed him, and bookmakers have cut the odds on Blackburn being relegated.

Co-owner Venkatesh Rao said: 'Everything is looking positive and anything Steve wants we are there for him and the players too. We're looking for stability and to move forward.'

Asked what will happen at the end of the season, he added: 'Right now we're not talking about anything like that. Let us move on.'

Kean flew back on Wednesday and his first big decision will be whether to cash in on Samba or fight to keep the giant Congo defender.

Samba, 26, is tied to Ewood Park until 2014 after signing a new deal a year ago, and Blackburn value their prized asset at £8million, although £6m would be more realistic.

Tottenham have previously shown an interest and Samba's comments are bound to alert his old boss Mark Hughes at Fulham.

Sunderland will be in the market for a centre back if they fail to sign on-loan Nedum Onuha on a permanent deal from Manchester City, while Everton could also enter the race after Phil Jagielka was ruled out for up to six weeks.

More worrying for Kean is how many more of his unsettled stars could be tempted to leave next month, with Phil Jones - currently sidelined with a knee injury - Nelsen, Dunn, Morten Gamst Pedersen, El Hadji Diouf and Paul Robinson all possible targets for other clubs.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340893/Blackburn-Rovers-turmoil-Steve-Kean-gets-run-caretaker-boss-role.html#ixzz18v8ylf5F

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340906/Everton-favourites-land-Aston-Villa-midfielder-Stephen-Ireland-ahead-Fulham-Celtic.html?

Home comforts mean Everton favourites to land out of favour Villa midfielder Ireland ahead of Fulham and Celtic

Stephen Ireland's next move will depend on whether he is prepared to leave his multi-million mansion.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has given the green-light for Ireland to leave next month after falling out with the midfielder.

Ireland continues to make the daily 148 mile round trip from his luxury home in Prestbury, Cheshire, to Birmingham after refusing to move out the in the summer. The tiny village also houses Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves and Robbie Savage - and Ireland remains hugely reluctant to move out.

His current insistence on staying in the footballers paradise of Prestbury would limit his options next month.  Staying in Prestbury would end any hopes Celtic have of a successful swoop next month.

Everton are also eyeing a loan move for the former Manchester City midfielder - a move that would not require Ireland to relocate. David Moyes has held talks with the Toffees board to lay out plans for the transfer window and a potential move for Ireland was discussed.

With Tim Cahill due to leave for Asia Cup duty next month, Moyes has identified Ireland as one of the men who could replace the Australia international. But his £65,000-per-week wages could prove a stumbling block for the Toffees, who can only afford loan signings next month.

Fulham are also interested in Ireland - but that would also require him to up sticks. 


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340906/Everton-favourites-land-Aston-Villa-midfielder-Stephen-Ireland-ahead-Fulham-Celtic.html#ixzz18v9SwQDZ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340971/Tottenham-winger-David-Bentley-keen-Fulham-Aston-Villa.html?

Tottenham winger David Bentley keen on move to Fulham or Aston Villa

Everton look set to miss out on David Bentley as the Tottenham winger favours a move to either Fulham or Aston Villa.

Toffees boss David Moyes hoped to sign the 26-year-old on loan when the transfer window reopens next month.

But a move across the capital to Craven Cottage looks more likely as it offers Bentley the chance to link up again with Mark Hughes, his manager at Blackburn.

Spurs want to recoup some of the £15m they paid Blackburn Rovers for the England international in the summer of 2008.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340971/Tottenham-winger-David-Bentley-keen-Fulham-Aston-Villa.html#ixzz18v9vhEQ7

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent23-WestBromTix.aspx?

Advent Ticket Offer

In today's great Christmas offer, we are giving you the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets for our Barclays Premier League match against West Brom at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 4th January (Kick-Off 8pm).

Today only, you can buy your tickets for just £10 for Adults and £5 for Juniors!

The fantastic atmosphere at Craven Cottage during evening games saw Fulham record 12 victories in 14 matches under floodlights last season and the Whites will be looking to get 2011 off to the best possible start when West Brom visit SW6.

You can buy your discounted tickets online or by calling 0843 208 1234 (option 1).

Terms and conditions: Tickets subject to availability in the Putney End only. Two tickets per booking only. This offer expires at 12 midnight on Thursday 23rd December.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/Advent23-WestBromTix.aspx?#ixzz18vAIe5Et

[WhiteJC]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23122010/58/premier-league-match-facts-fulham-v-west-ham.html?

Premier League - Match facts: Fulham v West Ham

Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Fulham and West Ham at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have not won on Boxing Day since 2003.

The Hammers have scored in all but one of their last 16 matches on Boxing Day.

Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last four Premier League starts for West Ham against Fulham, but he also scored an own goal last time out at Craven Cottage.

There have been seven red cards in the last 13 Premier League meetings between West Ham and Fulham.

Fulham have only won one of the last 14 Premier League meetings with the Hammers.

Clint Dempsey has scored in the last two Premier League games against West Ham.

Dempsey has scored a goal in each of his last three matches for club and country against goalkeeper Rob Green.

Fulham have not won any of their last four Premier League matches at home, their longest run since they went five without a victory in January 2008.

Fulham's last four Premier League wins have come against teams whose names begin with the letter W.

West Ham have won none of their last 27 Premier League away games, only one team has ever had a longer consecutive run in the Premier League (Fulham 33 between September 2006 and March 2008).
Opta

[WhiteJC]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9310820.stm

Lawro's prediction


BOXING DAY
Fulham v West Ham

This is the second of the three games that West Ham boss Avram Grant apparently needs to win one of to keep his job, after last weekend's draw at Blackburn. It still seems a bit daft to me to put him under more pressure than he already is.

The Hammers are up against a Fulham side that have huffed and puffed a lot but have drawn so many games that it is now becoming a problem. They are not that easy to beat, though, especially at home.
A draw is not really enough for either side, and West Ham should probably throw the sh
ackles off and go for it a bit in this game - but I'm not sure they will. I can see it being quite tight, and Fulham edging it.

Prediction: 2-1

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340633/Liverpool-join-Arsenal-Fulham-chase-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain.html

Liverpool join Arsenal and Fulham in chase for £10m Southampton teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has joined Fulham and Arsenal in the race for Southampton youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, son of former England winger Mark Chamberlain, is rated in the £10million bracket by Southampton and has scored five goals in 21 games this season.

Some club staff believe he has greater potential than Theo Walcott at the same age.

Oxlade-Chamberlain became the second youngest debutant — behind Walcott — in the League One club's history in March when he made his first Southampton appearance aged 16 years and 199 days.

He is an established first-team regular this season but has mainly figured on the wing.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1340633/Liverpool-join-Arsenal-Fulham-chase-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain.html#ixzz18vBw2nt8

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/23/finding-it-harder-to-score/?

Finding it hard to score
Filed under: General — rich
Here's the obvious thing (from last season, built using the report generator at IM Scouting)



This suggests that, in the league at least, we had four goalscoring options. Of them, only Dempsey has been regular this season.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/fulham-favourites-for-spurs-outcast-1137723.html?

Fulham favourites for Spurs outcast

Fulham have emerged as the favourites to seal a loan deal for out-of-favour Spurs midfielder David Bentley.

Bentley looks set to leave White Hart Lane on loan in January and a move to nearby Fulham is thought to appeal to the 26-year-old.

Bentley has worked with Cottagers boss Mark Hughes before during his time with Blackburn Rovers and the midfielder is keen to link up with the Welshman again.

Aston Villa and Everton have also been linked with Bentley but the duo look set to miss out as Fulham are expected to secure a loan move in the new year.

Spurs are keen to sell Bentley in the summer in a bid to recoup some of the £15million they paid for his services in 2008, although they are unlikely to receive any more than half of the original fee they paid out due to his lack of action since his move to Tottenham.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Fulham-v-West-Ham-Latest.6669976.jp?

Fulham v West Ham: Latest team news

Mark Hughes will give a fitness test to Mousa Dembele before deciding whether he will play any part in Fulham's Boxing Day derby clash with fellow relegation strugglers West Ham.

Dembele returned to training this week after spending the last five weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Matthew Briggs (calf) is out until next month, while Bobby Zamora (leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) should return in February.

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

[WhiteJC]

http://sport.virginmedia.com/football/article/2010/12/23/fitness_test_for_dembele?

Fitness test for Dembele
Boss Mark Hughes will give a fitness test to Mousa Dembele before deciding whether he will play any part in Fulham's Boxing Day derby clash with fellow relegation strugglers West Ham.

Dembele returned to training this week after spending the last five weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Matthew Briggs (calf) is out until next month while Bobby Zamora (leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) should return in February.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.betfairfootball.com/premier-league/for-some-the-highlight-of-231210.html?

Andy's Boxing Day tips - Fulham will win

For some, the highlight of the Festive season is to be found right in front of them on the dinner table. For others, the main Christmas feast is the extra helpings of football we get at this time of year, with virtually non-stop action between Boxing Day and the start of the second week of January.

I like a nice big portion of turkey and a glass of sherry as much as the next man, but I like the sound of Arsenal and Chelsea that little bit more.

That fixture is the pick of the action from this next round of matches but there are plenty of other mouth-watering games on offer. Let's try and make some money from them and finish 2010 in style...

Fulham v West Ham

Those who are critical of Fulham's home record can point to the fact that Mark Hughes has guided them to just two wins from nine - Mark would argue that they've only lost two.

Fulham have drawn more matches so far in the league than anyone else and the reality of things is that, if that trend continues, the Cottagers simply won't have enough points on the board come May. You only have to look at Ian Holloway's approach over at Blackpool to see that winning a few matches, even if it means losing a fair few along the way. That approach leaves you in better health than endlessly drawing them.

West Ham will feel a win here would put them right back in business - after all, Fulham are one of their relegation rivals. They will have taken plenty of heart from their point at Blackburn and will feel that if they can get their strikers scoring goals, they can defy the stats and avoid relegation despite being bottom at Christmas.

This is a huge match for both teams. Fulham rarely lose at home and need to be winning matches such as these if they want to be in this division next year. I think Mark Hughes will be that little bit more adventurous this time round. This could be an edgy affair with few chances but I'm going to give the home side the nod to nick it.

Recommended Bets:
Back Fulham to win at 2.02
Back 1-0 Fulham at 7.6
Back under 2.5 goals at 1.74

[WhiteJC]

http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/fulhams-dembele-faces-fitness-test-486763.html?

Fulham's Dembele faces fitness test

Mark Hughes will give a fitness test to Mousa Dembele before deciding whether he will play any part in Fulham's St Stephen's Day derby clash with fellow relegation strugglers West Ham.

Dembele returned to training this week after spending the last five weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Matthew Briggs (calf) is out until next month, while Bobby Zamora (leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) should return in February.

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

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1339981/Review-sporting-year--April.html?

Review of the sporting year - April: Month-by- month guide to the stories that had us gripped in 2010

8 Liverpool beat Benfica 5-3 on aggregate in their Europa League quarter-final following a 4-1 win in the second leg at Anfield. Fulham beat Wolfsburg 3-1 on aggregate at the same stage after a 1-0 win in the second leg in Germany.

22 Liverpool lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final in Spain. In the other last-four tie, Fulham secured a goalless draw at Hamburg.

26 Hamburg sacked coach Bruno Labbadia just three days before their Europa League semi-final second leg against Fulham, with Ricardo Moniz taking interim charge.

29 Fulham beat Hamburg 2-1 in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final at Craven Cottage to win by the same score on aggregate and advance to a final against Atletico Madrid. Liverpool beat Atletico 2-1 in the second leg of their semi-final at Anfield but went out on the away-goals rule following their 1-0 first-leg defeat in Spain.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1339981/Review-sporting-year--April.html#ixzz18wEkOZJ1

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6609223,00.html?

Fulham target Taylor move
Hughes keen on Bolton man

Fulham are eyeing a move for Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor, skysports.com understands.

Taylor has been in and out of the Bolton side this season since the summer arrival of Martin Petrov.
The former Portsmouth man has made just seven starts in the Premier League this season and could be interested in a move away for a fresh challenge if he continues to find himself down the pecking order at the Reebok Stadium.

The 28-year-old has a number of admirers in the Premier League, but Fulham are now weighing up a move for the left-sided midfielder in the January transfer window.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is keen to bolster his squad next month and he sees Taylor's versatility as a key addition to his options in midfield and defence.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1341079/Scott-Parker-believes-West-Ham-save-season.html?

Scott Parker believes West Ham can save their season with some festive cheer for Avram Grant

Influential West Ham star Scott Parker is confident Avram Grant's basement boys can turn their season around with some much-needed Christmas cheer.

The Hammers enter a busy festive period bottom of the Barclays Premier League with manager Avram Grant desperately hanging on to his job after just two wins from 18 games this season.

Grant is said to be facing the sack should West Ham fail to win one game from their forthcoming three league fixtures against Fulham on Boxing Day followed by crunch home clashes against Everton next Tuesday and Wolves on New Year's Day.

But midfielder Parker is confident his team-mates can relieve increasing pressure on the under-fire Israeli boss and kick-start the east London club's battle for survival.

'We are not in the best of positions in the league but if we can pick up some points, it will help us a lot,' he said.

'Things can turn around quickly. Every game for us this year is going to be massive for us.

'But there are some important games coming up in London and they are winnable games for us.

'So the quicker we can start winning games, the better, starting on Boxing Day.'

The 30-year-old has commanded great interest from Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

Upton Park owners David Sullivan and David Gold would resist any moves for the fans favourite, however, conscious that he is crucial to their hopes of staying up.

But with the Hammers trying to add to their squad during the January transfer window, unsettled Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane is one White Hart Lane player who could be used as a possible makeweight in a potential bid for Parker.

It is understood the Hammers inquired over Keane's services but baulked at Tottenham's demands which are said to have included the striker's £65,000-a-week wages and a £1million survival bonus on top of a fee - or Parker in exchange.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1341079/Scott-Parker-believes-West-Ham-save-season.html#ixzz18wfoLsGJ