Wednesday Fulham Stuff (05.01.11)

[White Noise]

Worthy Winners


Wednesday 5th January 2011




Following Fulham's empathic 3-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, a delighted Dickson Etuhu explained how he and his team-mates could sense such a result was on the horizon following some very positive performances in recent games.

Over the past week the Whites achieved an excellent 2-0 win at Stoke and were considered very unlucky to come away from Tottenham empty-handed after a display that had the on-form North Londoners on the back foot for large periods, but there was no such hard luck story on this occasion as the Baggies felt the full force of Fulham's ire.

"It was great. We knew it was coming. We've been playing great in these last few games and the Manager kept telling us to keep doing the same thing. You could see the spirit in the boys and the togetherness and we knew what we needed to do," enthused Etuhu.

"We knew this was going to happen sooner or later, because we know we're a good team, and hopefully now this is the start of us climbing the table."

Indeed, the result lifted the Whites five places to 13th, a timely boost after a couple of weeks spent in the gloom of the bottom three, although the central midfielder shrugs off any suggestion that league placing at this stage of the season is the be-all and end-all.

"It's good to be out of the bottom three, but we always knew the league was very tight this year," he said. "There's still a long way to go and a lot of games to play. We're looking forward to the games coming up against Wigan, Stoke, Newcastle etc. They won't be easy, because they're all battling as well, but they are games we know we can get results from.

"We've got a great team, a good management and we'll keep going now."

Etuhu also thanked the home fans, who created a great atmosphere under the Craven Cottage floodlights to spur the team on and counteract any fatigue that may have been setting in after the testing festive fixture schedule.

"It was great because today we had the fans on our side and I always say how important that is.
"Even if we start slowly, if they keep pushing us it can be a massive help. Today they were great and that kept us going. We've played a lot of games recently, but when you have that it adds to your adrenaline which gets you through."

So now, after ending the run of four Premier League games in quick succession on a high, attention turns to the FA Cup Third Round on Saturday and the visit of Peterborough United – a match Dickson is hoping will give the Whites a chance to build more momentum.

"It will be nice if we can get another win," he stated. "It's good that we're at home, and it's a chance to build momentum, so we're looking forward to it.

"But it won't be easy. It's always hard to play against lower league teams, because they work really hard, so we'll respect them, but hopefully we'll get the win."
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EtuhuWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1A96bHmPU

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Fulham 3 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Fulham started brightly and didn't have to wait long for their first chance of the match when, on four minutes, Diomansy Kamara produced a stunning first touch to create a shooting opportunity for himself in a tight situation. The Senegal international turned well only to see his shot saved by Scott Carson.

David Stockdale was called into action minutes later when Peter Odemwingie timed his run well, beat the offside trap and fired a powerful low cross across the face of Fulham's six yard box; fortunately Stockdale showed a strong hand to divert the ball away from the danger area.

Fulham produced the more incisive football in the opening stages of the game and with West Brom employing a 4-5-1 formation; their extra numbers in midfield were doing little to stem Fulham's attacks.

However, the tide slowly started to turn and a good run from Jerome Thomas on 17 minutes saw him put clean through on goal, but with only Stockdale to beat, the Baggies attacker tried to place a finish past the Fulham keeper only to be denied by a fine save. John Pantsil then cleared the danger with an acrobatic clearance.

A teasing pass from Graham Dorrans on 25 minutes through the heart of the Fulham central defence almost had Stockdale in two minds but the keeper impressively kept his composure, to collect the ball well. It was another good piece of goalkeeping but West Brom were showing greater signs of attacking intent.

Damien Duff's deflected shot won the Whites a corner on 40 minutes following a good spell of Fulham pressure, from the resulting corner Brede Hangeland rose highest in the area but caught a punch in the face from Scott Carson for his trouble.

Fulham finally took the lead in first-half stoppage time courtesy of a thunderous strike from Simon Davies. The Fulham winger collected the ball after good work from Dickson Etuhu won possession back for Fulham. Davies' strike, whilst fairly central, beat Carson through sheer power, with the West Brom keeper barely able to get his hands behind the ball before it found the back of the net.

Dickson Etuhu continued his impressive display in the second-half, winning more than his fair share of tackles and breaking up West Brom's midfield play superbly.

Fulham came close to netting the vital second goal when Damien Duff turned sharply outside the area before hitting a right footed shot that just skimmed the far post. The Whites were certainly in the hunt for another goal and it duly came on 55 minutes via the head of Clint Dempsey following a corner.

The set-piece came as a result of some excellent running from Davies down the left wing. Davies took the in-swinger, and with Hangeland and Dempsey both going for the same ball, it was Dempsey who got the vital touch.

Diomansy Kamara made way for Zoltan Gera on 62 minutes, with Gera joining Dempsey up front in attack.

The second goal allowed the Whites to start playing with a greater degree of freedom and their attacking play had West Brom in trouble on numerous occasions. Brede Hangeland got his name on the score sheet on 65 minutes when he rose highest in the area to powerfully head Simon Davies' corner past Carson. Hangeland had been a threat from the set-piece all evening and his goal was just reward for his display.

Simon Davies was substituted on 81 minutes, with Bjorn Helge Riise coming on in his place. Fulham's final change of the match saw Eddie Johnson replace Dempsey on 86 minutes.

With Fulham three goals to the good, the Whites eased back in their attacking instincts, preferring to maintain a firm grip on the game until the final whistle.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/WestBromHome.aspx#ixzz1A96w7fgg

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Mousa Dembele close to Fulham return


Jan 4 2011


By Jacob Murtagh


Mousa Dembele

MOUSA Dembele is in line to return for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Peterborough.

The Fulham striker was due to play against West Brom but failed a late fitness test.

But boss Mark Hughes is hopeful he will shake off his ankle injury in time to line up against Posh.

He said: "We stepped up Mousa's training yesterday and he got through most of the session.

"But he came in today and failed a fitness test. We're hopeful he'll be available for the weekend."

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http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/221217/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up/


FULHAM 3 WEST BROM 0: HUGHES STEADIED BY CARSON SLIP-UP  



Simon Davies scored the opener for Fulham


Wednesday January 5,2011


By Gideon Brooks 

FULHAM 3 -- WEST BROM 0


FULHAM boss Mark Hughes has spent much of this  season bemoaning his luck regarding injuries, obstinate woodwork and unfortunate ricochets, all of which have hampered his side's push for safety.


But last night he received his full complement of gift-wrapped goodies, including a Scott Carson clanger which set Fulham on the way to only a second win in 11 Premier League games.

Carson's 'moment' – certainly not as bad as his England horror show in 2007 but bad enough, letting a rising 25-yard drive from Simon Davies go in off the side of his gloves – proved the pivotal incident in the game.

But for all that the goalkeeper was left red-faced, West Brom's defence hardly emerged with any greater credit in the final analysis.

Twice after the break they allowed Fulham players to arrive unmarked in the six-yard area to nod home tamely from corners. In the space of nine minutes early in the second half, Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland sealed the points.

It was enough for Fulham to skip five places up the table. For West Brom, it added unwanted momentum to their worst run in six years with a fifth defeat on the spin.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo said Carson was understandably disappointed with the first goal. "Scott knows he could have done better with it," he said. "But we have a few days to regroup, get over this game and try to be positive. That's all we can do.

"Everybody is a bit down in the dressing room but we have to keep going and try to win some games. It's still very tight and there are a lot of clubs fighting against relegation. As a newly-promoted team we knew that would be the case."

In mitigation, he was not helped by being without five defenders beforehand and losing a sixth after half an hour when left-back Marek Cech limped off after a challenge with John Pantsil.

Hughes has hardly been blessed with good luck on the injury front either and added Andy Johnson, once again, to the sicklist before last night's game.

Johnson looks likely to miss the FA Cup game against Peterborough and possibly the trip to Wigan the following weekend.

"Andy came in on Monday and his hamstring was a little sore," said Hughes. "We have to be a bit careful with him and we sent him for a scan which revealed a grade one tear. He could be out for eight to 10 days."

Fulham had given Carson little to do up until the last five minutes of the first half, when he tipped a shot from Damien Duff around the post. Hangeland put a free header from the resulting corner fractionally wide under pressure from the goalkeeper. Moments later, after Youssouf Mulumbu had been dispossessed by Dickson Etuhu, Davies fired a shot right at him and Carson let the ball skim off his gloves into the net.

Understandably buoyed, Fulham emerged after the break in control. But even they were surprised how easy it was to end the struggle. Just 11 minutes had gone when Dempsey fired home the second. And, in a mirror third, Hangeland's free header after 65 minutes sealed all three points.

Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies (Riise 82); Dempsey (E Johnson 87), Kamara (Gera 63). Goals: Davies 45, Dempsey 56, Hangeland 65.

West Brom (4-3-2-1): Carson; Hurst, Zuiverloon, Jara, Cech (Shorey 33); Mulumbu (Fortune 62), Dorrans, Morrison (Cox 69); Thomas, Brunt



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/221217/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up#ixzz1A98Eo9p8

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Mark Hughes claims Fulham have stopped the rot


Jan 5 2011



By Jacob Murtagh


Mark Hughes


MARK Hughes reckons Fulham have finally turned the corner after last night's win against West Brom hauled them out of the drop zone.

Sections of the Craven Cottage crowd were calling for Hughes's head after the Boxing Day defeat to West Ham.

But Sparky's side have responded with two wins in three games to catapult them to 13th in the table.

He said: "We were disappointed with our poor display against West Ham, but the response since then has been marked.

"We showed great qualities against Stoke and at Spurs we should've taken something from the game.

"Goals change games and we have struggled in that respect, but we got a good goal before half-time which settled us and we went away from them in the end."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/mark-hughes-claims-fulham-have-stopped-the-rot-82029-27934904/#ixzz1A98xG6Yu

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http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2258460,00.html

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http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ambitious-blackburn-want-rovers-return-for-irish-winger-duff-2483894.html


Ambitious Blackburn want Rovers return for Irish winger Duff


By Daniel McDonnell


Wednesday January 05 2011

THE new Blackburn Rovers chairwoman has targeted a return to the club for Damien Duff -- although there is no suggestion that Fulham have been approached for the Irish winger.

Anuradha Desai, speaking on behalf of new owner's Venky's, dropped in the reference to Ireland winger Duff during a series of media interviews yesterday.

She spoke mainly about the club's ambitious moves for Ronaldinho and David Beckham. Yet she then dropped into a Sky interview that the owners were "thinking of getting Damien Duff back".

The Dubliner began his career at Ewood Park, before moving onto Chelsea, then Newcastle and from there on to Fulham.

He spent a brief period out of the Cottagers' starting XI before Christmas due to a loss of form, but has won his place back. It is unclear whether he would fancy a move back to Lancashire from London.

concern

While boss Steve Kean admits that Rovers' attempts to sign Ronaldinho are "less likely than likely", of more pressing concern is that captain Chris Samba has reiterated his desire to leave the club due to his unhappiness with the new owner.

Samba, however, could return to their starting line-up for tonight's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Ewood Park.

Desai added that Rovers were considering making a better offer for Ronaldinho after other clubs had shown an interest in him: "We have already made a bid of €7.2m (£6.2m) and are negotiating whether to increase that," she said.

Even if Ronaldinho doesn't join the club after being offered a three-year deal worth over £20m, Kean stressed that he expected big things soon under the new owners.

"This transfer window will be about stabilising," he said. "I don't think it will be too far in the future that we are looking at a big name that in years gone by could have been very difficult to bring here."

The Brazilian, who only has six months left on his contract, won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and Champions League with Barcelona in 2006. Yet Rovers, who play Liverpool tonight, have not seriously challenged for the league title since winning it in 1995.

- Daniel McDonnell

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http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/fulham-boss-will-ring-the-changes-for-fa-cup-clash-with-peterborough-82029-27934983/


Fulham boss will ring the changes for FA Cup clash with Peterborough

Jan 5 2011

By Jacob Murtagh


Danny Murphy

FULHAM boss Mark Hughes plans to ring the changes for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Peterborough.

Sparky's side have faced a gruelling festive fixture list with four games in 10 days as they hauled themselves away from the Premier League drop zone.

And Hughes plans to give some of his stars a much-needed rest for the visit of League One Posh to Craven Cottage, with captain Danny Murphy (pictured) among those expected to be given a break from action.

He said: "I'm going to make changes. A lot of the same players have had the big onus on them.

"We're going to freshen it up at the weekend."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/fulham-boss-will-ring-the-changes-for-fa-cup-clash-with-peterborough-82029-27934983/#ixzz1A9DYeiSA

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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3330891/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0.html


Fulham 3 West Brom 0

FUL FORCE ... Simon Davies crashes Fulham ahead

Published: 04 Jan 2011


IT will go down as a Scott Carson clanger but you will not hear Mark Hughes complaining.

Yes, Simon Davies' 30-yard screamer was swerving but it was going straight at the Baggies keeper, who just pushed it into his own net.

It set up a momentous win that should keep boss Sparky in a job and, in truth, the Welsh boss has every right this morning to ask: "What's all the fuss about?"             

After all, Fulham did not just haul themselves out of the relegation zone, they catapulted themselves up to 13th.

Yes, level on points with Everton and West Brom but with a much better goal difference.

Boss Hughes said: "You wake up in the morning and it's 13th and it makes better reading but we're still in the group there and we've got to try and build on that.

"We've had to battle and scrap for results and we've shown those qualities.

"Draws don't move you up the league.

"Unfortunately wins have been lacking in recent weeks.

"You have to have luck and have goals in key moments in games. We've understood that maybe we needed to be more competitive."

Those Fulham dissenters who wanted to see Hughes' head on a plate will have to wait a while longer.

This was a must-win game for them but despite the huge pressure they were in control from start to finish.

Roberto di Matteo's Baggies came here on the back of four festive season losses that had sucked them back in the relegation dogfight.


After a low-key first half in which Davies volleyed wide and Brede Hangeland headed wide, the Welsh midfielder opened the scoring in stoppage time.

Carson will have nightmares about it - as it brought back memories of his howler for England against Croatia that cost Steve McClaren his job and the country a place in Euro 2008.

Unfair maybe to dredge this up but this was another huge game and he produced another high-profile gaffe.

Di Matteo said: "Probably he is disappointed. He could have done better, yes.

"He's big enough to realise that he should have done better.

"Everybody's a bit down but we have to keep going. We have to pick ourselves up and keep going."

Dickson Etuhu may have fouled Youssouf Mulumbu in midfield but it fell to Davies who let rip and sent the Fulham fans into frenzy.

Di Matteo continued: "Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. We have a lot decisions going against us at the moment.

Damien Duff could have doubled their lead soon after the restart but his right-foot sizzler was just wide.

And it was no surprise when Clint Dempsey rose majestically to meet a Davies corner and find the net with a bullet header on 56 minutes.

It was 3-0 nine minutes later in identical fashion, only this time it was Brede Hangeland who powered a header past the hapless Carson.

So, a fifth loss on the bounce and a performance had the 'R' word written all over it.

For Hughes though, this was the night that he might just have turned the corner.

DREAM TEAM RATINGS

STAR MAN - SIMON DAVIES

FULHAM: Stockdale 6, Pantsil 6, Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Baird 6, Davies 8, Murphy 7, Etuhu 7, Dempsey 7, Kamara 6, Duff 7. Subs: Gera (Kamara 62) 6, Riise (Davies 82) 5, E Johnson (Dempsey 87) 5. Not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, Halliche.

WEST BROM: Carson 4, Hurst 4, Cech 5, Jara 4, Zuiverloon 4, Dorrans 5, Mulumbu 5, Morrison 5, Thomas 5, Odemwingie 4, Brunt 5. Subs: Shorey (Cech 33) 4, Fortune (Mulumbu 62) 5, Cox (Morrison 69) 5. Not used: Myhill, Tchoyi, Miller, Meite. Booked: Odemwingie.

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http://www.fulhamfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/1011Highlights/0,,10415~2258438,00.html

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http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/851821-mido-linked-to-newcastle-and-fulham-transfers-as-ex-spurs-star-eyes-return#ixzz1AA850ftz


Mido linked to Newcastle and Fulham transfers as ex-Spurs star eyes return


Former Spurs, West Ham, Wigan and Middlesbrough striker Mido is being touted for a fifth different Premier League club, with reports in Holland suggesting he is in talks over potential moves to either Newcastle United or Fulham.


Mido spent time on loan at West Ham last season (Getty Images)


The Egyptian international striker is a free agent after a mutually-agreed cancellation of his contract at Ajax earlier this week.

And the player has suggested a number of offers are already on the table - with reports suggesting one is from new St James' Park supremo Alan Pardew and another from Fulham boss Mark Hughes.

'I'm free to join any other club in the current winter transfer window [after] I agreed with Ajax's officials to annul my deal,' said Mido, who is also being linked to Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.

'I have received several offers from Spain and England that I'm now considering.'

The 27-year-old's agent Christophe Henrotay has denied any firm agreements at this stage - but hinted Newcastle are one of the leading interested parties.

'There is no agreement,' he said.

'A move to Newcastle looks difficult as they do not have lots of money but obviously they know a lot about the player as [Newcastle scouts] have seen him in action.'


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/851821-mido-linked-to-newcastle-and-fulham-transfers-as-ex-spurs-star-eyes-return#ixzz1AAD7rS3Z

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http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23911095-poster-boy-clint-sticking-to-the-task.do


Poster boy Clint Dempsey sticking to the task


David Smith


5 Jan 2011


Head boy: Clint Dempsey's header makes it 2-0 against West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage last night



In a recent push to sell tickets, Fulham pulled off a masterstroke when they stuck up big posters of Clint Dempsey at sites around London. That is because no other player better exemplifies the spirit that will be needed to keep the club in
the Premier League than this tough, regularly black-eyed Texan.

One of the posters shows Dempsey sporting the shiner he sustained in the Boxing Day defeat against West Ham. And at Craven Cottage last night, when he led Fulham's attack against West Bromwich Albion, he still bore the violent blue and yellow bruising of yet another black-eye picked up against Tottenham on Saturday.

But that didn't stop the United States World Cup star bravely heading one of the goals in a timely 3-0 victory that sent Fulham rocketing from 18th to 13th place in the Premier League table.

According to Dempsey, the only way now is up if his team-mates can build momentum off the back of their first home win in six games.

He said: "It's such a tight League that, if we get a good run of form and results, we can start to move up very quickly. Hopefully, we can do that now.

"I certainly think you'll see us starting to play better football. It's difficult to play when things don't seem to be going your way, you don't get the rub of the green, your fans are frustrated and you find yourself in the bottom three. The West Ham game was very frustrating but we've bounced back from that. We've shown character and a willingness to move forward. In our last three games we've set a standard with our commitment and workrate. Now it is up to us to maintain that standard."

The situation looked bleak for Fulham and manager Mark Hughes following a desperate defeat by West Ham that generated a chorus of jeers from a Cottage crowd accustomed to relative success under Roy Hodgson.

But a win at Stoke, followed by a performance brimming with positives at Spurs which was unlucky not to be rewarded with at least a point, would seem to confirm Dempsey's assertion that relegation will no longer be a subject for discussion in the changing room.

"The R' word? Players look at the table, you see where you are and you sense the frustration in the crowd," he said. "But we have got ourselves out of that situation. Points are hard to come by in this League but in the last three games we've got six.

"Now players are coming back to fitness and as soon as we get a full team we'll see what we're capable of achieving."

Belgian striker Mousa Dembele, out for over seven weeks with an ankle complaint, was touted by Hughes as a possible starter against an Albion side who themselves are battling an injury epidemic. In the event, Dembele didn't even make the bench but he could figure in Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Peterborough.

Dempsey also reported that the much-missed Bobby Zamora, who broke a leg back in mid-September, is on course for a scheduled comeback next month. He said: "Bobby has been doing skills work and running.

"It's great to see him in the gym. He's good to have around as he's a funny guy and his skills speak for themselves. He's able to hold the ball up well, get people involved, and score goals."

In the absence of Dembele and Zamora, or new attacking blood for which Hughes is engaged in a search during the January sales period, Dempsey has committed himself to scoring the goals that will be vital to Fulham continuing to climb away from the bottom three.

After getting that battered head to a Simon Davies corner in the 55th minute for the second of Fulham's three against the Baggies, he said: "That's seven in all competitions and I'm
looking to do better than last season's total which was nine."

Last night Dempsey was not alone in showing a sense of purpose. Captain Danny Murphy was like a terrier chasing rabbits, winger Damien Duff tormented a weakened Albion defence and rookie goalkeeper David Stockdale pulled off stunning saves to deny both Jerome Thomas and Peter Odemwingie.

But Davies was easily man of the match, throwing himself into tackles, working the wings and giving Fulham a vital lead on the stroke of half-time with a 25-yard screamer that hapless goalkeeper Scott Carson could only help into the net.

The Welshman also set up the third goal in the 64th minute with another corner which the unmarked Brede Hangeland, Fulham's aerial dangerman, headed home for his third goal of the season.

Hughes, having seen his side draw 10 times this season, said: "I am pleased. That's two wins in three games. Goals change games and we have struggled in that respect.

"We got a good goal before half-time which settled us and we went away from them in the end.
"Draws give you some comforts in terms of how you perform. But that doesn't move you up the League, three points and wins do. They have unfortunately been lacking in recent weeks but we have addressed that somewhat.

"You wake up and look at the Premier League table, and to be 13th makes for better reading."

[Lighthouse]

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is on his way out of Fulham during the current transfer window, after attracting huge interest from both Germany and Portugal.

Dikgacoi has failed to command a regular place at Fulham since coach Roy Hodgson left to join Liverpool, making one appearance as substitute in the English Premiership this season.

The former Golden Arrows midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, but he has confirmed to KickOff.com from England that he may be in the colours of new club before the end of the month.

"My contract with Fulham expires at the end of this season but there is still an option to renew it. At this moment I am not concerned about my contract, I am more worried about game-time.

"There is a great possibility that I may leave Fulham during the transfer window; it may be permanent or on loan.

"There are a couple of teams in England, Germany, Portugal and Greece that have shown interest in my services.

"I can't mention their names at this moment but next week I will be in a better position to talk about my future," Dikgacoi says.

[HatterDon]

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is on his way out of Fulham during the current transfer window, after attracting huge interest from both Germany and Portugal.

Dikgacoi has failed to command a regular place at Fulham since coach Roy Hodgson left to join Liverpool, making one appearance as substitute in the English Premiership this season.

The former Golden Arrows midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, but he has confirmed to KickOff.com from England that he may be in the colours of new club before the end of the month.

"My contract with Fulham expires at the end of this season but there is still an option to renew it. At this moment I am not concerned about my contract, I am more worried about game-time.

"There is a great possibility that I may leave Fulham during the transfer window; it may be permanent or on loan.

"There are a couple of teams in England, Germany, Portugal and Greece that have shown interest in my services.

"I can't mention their names at this moment but next week I will be in a better position to talk about my future," Dikgacoi says.

He had quite a good World Cup, so I think there's still some transfer money potential if we can flog him. His face just doesn't fit. It happens when a new manager comes in. Good luck to him when he goes.

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http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-eye-winger-swoop-1144630.html


Cottagers eye winger swoop


Last Updated: Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:56

Fulham are pondering a swoop for Spurs' unsettled winger David Bentley, while Damien Duff could be set to return to Blackburn.

With the transfer window now open, plenty of clubs are keen to add to their ranks and Cottagers chief Mark Hughes is very much among the list of managers eyeing New Year deals.

Bentley is thought to be high on his list after Tottenham chief Harry Redknapp admitted he will allow the former Gunners youngster to leave White Hart Lane although Hughes could also face competition from Rovers for him.

Likewise, Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is also a target for Hughes but Blackburn could beat him to the striker, who is believed to be keen to stay in the north-west and head back to his old club.

Duff, meanwhile, has been mentioned by Blackburn's new owners as a potential signing and Hughes may be prepared to let the Republic of Ireland ace leave if the price is right and he can secure Bentley as a ready-made replacement.

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Reaping the Rewards


Wednesday 5th January 2011



John Pantsil hailed a "very, very important" win after Fulham outworked and outclassed West Bromwich Albion with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night.

In a performance where many of the positive aspects of recent displays seemed to click into place, the Whites were fully deserving of their three-goal advantage as they secured a result which lifted them out of the relegation zone and up to 13th in the Premier League table.

"It was very, very important and also a good win for the fans, all the players and everyone associated with the Club, especially the Chairman," enthused the right-back. "It's nice to put some smiles on faces, but now we have to keep going and doing the same good work, because over these last three games we feel like we are coming back to our normal level. So we have to keep doing the same things, and performing well.

"When you work hard and work for your team-mates the results tend to come. We're not playing as individuals, we're working as a team for the Manager so we have to keep doing that and everything will keep improving."

Although Fulham enjoyed the lion's share of attacking possession and created a hatful of goalscoring opportunities, the visitors always looked dangerous on the break, keeping Pantsil and his fellow defenders on their toes. In particular, credit should go to David Stockdale, who made a number of key saves in the first of a likely run of appearances in place of Mark Schwarzer who is representing Australia at the Asia Cup this month.

"We all know David will always do well when he is called upon," said John. "He has played for us when we've achieved good results before now and he's a talented young goalkeeper. In the future he has the potential to be great. He has patience – he's waited for his time to come and now it has, he'll show everyone what he's able to do for this Club."

The result meant that Fulham end the festive fixture schedule with two wins out of four, but despite playing four such demanding games with minimal squad rotation in just 10 days, the players showed no signs of tiredness in a display full of energy and commitment.

"We are training well and we have a good squad, so we have good substitutes to bring on if people are getting tired," explained Pantsil. "But we're not tired at the moment; we're training well and keeping focused. And also, it's our job to play. That's what matters.

"The three goals tonight were fantastic and they will have boosted our morale and confidence, too, and the more games we play like this, the better our spirits will be in the weeks to come."

And next up is the visit of Peterborough United on Saturday in the FA Cup Third Round|, but despite the Posh's League One status, Pantsil is keen to point out that he and his team-mates will need to put on a display every bit as focused and determined as this one if they are to begin what we all hope will be another enthralling Cup run.

"It will be tough," he assessed. "We played Peterborough last pre-season and we drew 3-3, so we know what they're capable of doing.

"We'll treat it like any other game, because we know it won't be easy for us. But we won 3-0 today so we want to keep that streak going."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/PantsilWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1ABFhBl6y

[White Noise]

The Right Track

Wednesday 5th January 2011



Following Tuesday night's emphatic victory over West Brom, Clint Dempsey looked back on a fine run of form that has seen Fulham take six points from their last three Barclays Premier League games to fire the Whites up to 13th place.

"We had to regroup after we lost to West Ham and what better way to do that than to win away from home against Stoke and then play well against Tottenham," Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. "I thought we caused them [Tottenham] problems last weekend.

"We weren't at full strength against West Brom on Tuesday but we got the three points we needed. Everybody knows we have to stick together and work hard and show our character on the pitch and that's what we've done.

"The West Ham game was very frustrating but we've bounced back from that. We've shown a lot of character and a willingness to get forward and win games. We've got to keep the standards up and do it again this weekend against Peterborough|.

"We've got to keep this positive run going because points are hard to come by in this league and we've taken six points from the last three games. The type of attitude and commitment we've shown will get us the points we need and into a safer position. We can then start looking up and not down.

"If you get on a run of form and pick up some good results you can find yourself moving up the table very quickly and hopefully we can do that. I think you'll start to see us play better football because it is difficult when you're in this position and things don't seem to be going your way. We've got players coming back and getting fit so as soon as we get a full Team we can see how we're doing."

Dempsey is currently Fulham's leading goalscorer and the US international's goals has proved crucial in the absence of Bobby Zamora, Andrew Johnson and Mousa Dembele this season. For an attacking midfielder Dempsey scores more than his fair share of goals and looks set to smash his 2009/10 tally with plenty of games to spare.

"It's been four games since I scored and it's nice to get back on track," said Dempsey. "That's seven in all competitions this season and I'm hoping to improve on last year's tally of nine goals.

"I play different positions and I continue to do what I do every year. I'm not prolific but I get goals for the Team. I've continued my form and I just try and better myself and every year I've been here I've been able to do that."

One thing Dempsey does seem to collect apart from goals is black eyes, with the American adding another battle mark to the impressive bruise he picked up at Upton Park in October. One of Dempsey's collection of black eyes recently featured on a poster campaign across South West London and the player admits it's nice to be recognised for his achievements in the game.

"Everyone's always saying, 'do you ever not have a black eye?'" Dempsey joked. "I think it's difficult for people to take a picture with me when I haven't got a black eye!

"I had the pleasure of seeing a poster in New York before the World Cup - it was a Nike campaign and that was crazy. As a kid it's always something you wish for, to be recognised for what you do.

"When I was growing up in Nacogdoches, soccer was not very popular and it's good to be in a place where it is appreciated. It's starting to get that way in America but that's why I came to Europe. I wanted to play against the best and be in a country where people care about the sport as much as I do."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DempseyWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1AB86ewjn

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Worthy Winners


Wednesday 5th January 2011



Following Fulham's emphatic 3-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, a delighted Dickson Etuhu explained how he and his team-mates could sense such a result was on the horizon following some very positive performances in recent games.

Over the past week the Whites achieved an excellent 2-0 win at Stoke and were considered very unlucky to come away from Tottenham empty-handed after a display that had the on-form North Londoners on the back foot for large periods, but there was no such hard luck story on this occasion as the Baggies felt the full force of Fulham's ire.

"It was great. We knew it was coming. We've been playing great in these last few games and the Manager kept telling us to keep doing the same thing. You could see the spirit in the boys and the togetherness and we knew what we needed to do," enthused Etuhu.

"We knew this was going to happen sooner or later, because we know we're a good team, and hopefully now this is the start of us climbing the table."

Indeed, the result lifted the Whites five places to 13th, a timely boost after a couple of weeks spent in the gloom of the bottom three, although the central midfielder shrugs off any suggestion that league placing at this stage of the season is the be-all and end-all.

"It's good to be out of the bottom three, but we always knew the league was very tight this year," he said. "There's still a long way to go and a lot of games to play. We're looking forward to the games coming up against Wigan, Stoke, Newcastle etc. They won't be easy, because they're all battling as well, but they are games we know we can get results from.

"We've got a great team, a good management and we'll keep going now."

Etuhu also thanked the home fans, who created a great atmosphere under the Craven Cottage floodlights to spur the team on and counteract any fatigue that may have been setting in after the testing festive fixture schedule.

"It was great because today we had the fans on our side and I always say how important that is.
"Even if we start slowly, if they keep pushing us it can be a massive help. Today they were great and that kept us going. We've played a lot of games recently, but when you have that it adds to your adrenaline which gets you through."

So now, after ending the run of four Premier League games in quick succession on a high, attention turns to the FA Cup Third Round on Saturday and the visit of Peterborough United – a match Dickson is hoping will give the Whites a chance to build more momentum.

"It will be nice if we can get another win," he stated. "It's good that we're at home, and it's a chance to build momentum, so we're looking forward to it.

"But it won't be easy. It's always hard to play against lower league teams, because they work really hard, so we'll respect them, but hopefully we'll get the win."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EtuhuWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1ABHnOOoZ

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Fulham Linked With Andrea Caracciolo


http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=sv&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=it&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ilsussidiario.net%2FNews%2FCalcio-e-altri-Sport%2FMilan%2F2011%2F1%2F5%2FCALCIOMERCATO-Milan-Caracciolo-il-Fulham-sull-Airone%2F139106%2F

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Caracciolo

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Mark Hughes considering bringing Brescia battering ram Andrea Caracciolo to Fulham


By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 4:17 PM on 5th January 2011


Fulham have been linked with 6ft 5in Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo as Mark Hughes steps up his search for an imposing target man.

The west London club are keen on 6ft 8in Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore, but have been made aware that Liverpool are also keen on taking him from Cluj.

Caracciolo is reluctant to leave Brescia for anyone but his favourite team - AC Milan - but there seems little prospect of a dream move to the San Siro.


Tall order: Caracciolo (centre) could cause Premier League defenders problems


Italy's top sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport say Fulham are interested in a January move and it would be difficult for cash-strapped Brescia to resist a decent bid.

Juventus are considering him now that Manchester City have all but won the race to sign their top target Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg.

However, the Turin giants have other names higher on their wish list and Fulham could take advantage.

Brescia admit they don't want to sell Caracciolo, who is key to them fighting relegation from Serie A this season.

The 29-year-old struck 24 goals in 35 appearances last season to inspire promotion from Serie B and is their top scorer with five in 15 appearances in this campaign. 



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344342/Mark-Hughes-considering-bringing-Brescias-Andrea-Caracciolo-Fulham.html#ixzz1ABP01FdB