Thursday Fulham Stuff (13.01.11)

[White Noise]

Fulham join the queue to land Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 10:36 PM on 12th January 2011


Fulham are the latest side to attempt to sign Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City.

It is understood Mark Hughes's side were willing to offer £80,000 per week but City will only allow him to go if a club pays the full £140,000 a week.


Out the door: Emmanuel Adebayor is set for a move away from Manchester City

Real Madrid maintain an interest as Jose Mourinho agitates to find a striker in the January window.

Real want him to replace Gonzalo Higuain who will miss the next four months after he underwent surgery on his back in the United States.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346626/Fulham-join-queue-land-Manchester-City-striker-Emmanuel-Adebayor.html#ixzz1ArfBTwhH

[MrFFC]

quality player but all i can say to 140k a week is hahahahahaha

[White Noise]

True Blue! Southampton kid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain favours move to champions Chelsea


By Sami Mokbel

Last updated at 9:45 PM on 12th January 2011


Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain clearly isn't a superstar yet.

There may be many distractions on a Saturday night, but he prefers to be tucked up at home watching himself on The Football League Show.

But by the end of the month, he could be tuning in earlier to check out Match of the Day.


Flying: Chamberlain celebrates scoring against Oldham

Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are among a host of clubs pondering a January move for Southampton's latest academy prospect.

Sportsmail understands a move to Stamford Bridge — the club he supported as a boy — is Chamberlain's preference.

And the £10million-rated 17-year-old will plead with officials at St Mary's not to stand in his way if the chance to join a top-flight club becomes a reality this month.

If Chamberlain is not a household name yet, that looks destined to change. When he made his debut last season, aged 16 years and 199 days, he became the second-youngest first-team player for Southampton, behind only Theo Walcott.


Father figure: Mark Chamberlain (left) during his England days

He has played 28 times and scored seven goals this season in Southampton's drive for promotion back to the Championship.

His latest strike was the opener in their 6-0 win at Oldham on Tuesday, where he was watched by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli.

Having made his debut for England Under 18s against Poland in November, FA director of football development Trevor Brooking has already identified him as an international star of the future.

The midfielder takes his name from former England and Stoke winger Mark Chamberlain, and mother Wendie Oxlade.

His dad has no fears for the new-found fame.
'You see some of these young boys nowadays who are on big contracts, earning "X" amount of pounds, acting like they have made it,' he said.
'I wouldn't like it if Alex was to go down that route, I wouldn't be too pleased at all. He's fine at the moment but we will keep an eye on that.

'He likes to read about himself in the papers, and likes watching himself on the Football League Show.

'But he is a level-headed boy. After games he doesn't like the fuss, he just wants to leave the ground and meet his mates.'

Glenhurst School playing fields, in Havant, was where Chamberlain showed fledgling signs of the talent that has seen the Premier Leagues elite reach for their chequebooks.

He was still in junior school when he joined Southampton as an eight-year old, but it was in his early teens that Alex started showing professional promise.

Comparisons with fellow Saints academy graduate Walcott are unavoidable. His electric pace has already left many a full back on their backsides.

But where Walcott often fails to deliver, is there an end produce with Chamberlain?


Likeness: Oxlade-Chamberlain has been compared to Theo Walcott

'It's nice being pretty on the ball, but if you don't have the end product then it's a waste of time,' said Chamberlain Snr, who has coached his son and Walcott during his stint as a youth coach at Southampton.

'His ability to cross the ball is good and he already has seven goals this season. He needs to work on getting more assists.

'I said at the start of the season that I rate him more highly than Walcott and everyone looked at me funny.

Give us a wave: Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti could be saying hello to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
'But I've worked with both, they have their assets and attributes. But as an all-round technical player Alex has more to offer.'

For the cynics who suspect a touch of bias in the assessment, Saints team-mate Danny Butterfield has another take.

'He's got very quick feet and is explosive off the mark, he delivers a good final ball and he s cor e s goals, ' said the experienced defender.

'From where he is now to what I'd imagine Theo Walcott was like at 17, I'd say Alex is far more advanced.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346607/Southampton-kid-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-favours-champions-Chelsea.html#ixzz1ArgRPC93

[White Noise]

http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/arsenal/arsenal/arsenal_reignite_their_interest_in_norway_defender_1_772799


Arsenal reignite their interest in Norway defender

Thursday, 13 January, 2011


7:09 AM

Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland is back on Arsene Wenger's radar

ARSENE Wenger is to renew his interest in Fulham's Brede Hangeland after confirming he will buy a defender in this month's transfer window.

Wenger had hinted over Christmas that he would dip into the transfer market if Thomas Vermaelen's troublesome Achilles injury did not clear up, and now the Arsenal manager has been dealt a further injury blow.

Wenger confirmed that Belgian defender Vermaelen, who has not played for the Gunners since August, has suffered a further setback in his recovery that could rule him out for at least another month.

And it now transpires that French centre-back Sebastien Squillaci picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Leeds at the weekend, and will be out for at least a fortnight.

"He [Vermaelen] had another setback on Saturday that we are concerned with," admitted Wenger this week. "We are consulting top specialists around the world. We'll know more later [this week].

"Unfortunately I can't give you any precise date but I concede that, with this little setback from Thomas, we are in a situation where we will have to look around.

"Squillaci will be out for a maximum of three weeks, minimum two. It is a hamstring injury but it is not too bad – a grade one. He'll be back in two weeks if all goes well."

As a result, the Gunners boss is on the lookout for an experienced defender, and will again try to tempt Norway captain Hangeland away from Craven Cottage.

The Arsenal manager first made enquiries about the 29-year-old in 2009, before he went on to sign Vermaelen from Ajax.

The 6ft 5ins centre-back was a lynchpin of the side that reached last season's Europa League final under former boss Roy Hodgson, who Hangeland knew from his time in Norway.

But Hodgson's successor Mark Hughes has not had similar success at the club, and Hangeland, who is under contract until 2013, could be tempted away for around £8m.

However, Hughes has already played hardball with Arsenal over keeper Mark Schwarzer in the summer, and is desperate to keep his defensive rock for the Cottagers' battle against relegation.

Another player Wenger has spoken of highly is the Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

But the Trotters have slapped a £20m price tag on the player and, even though Wenger has up to £50m spare cash in a transfer kitty according to the board, he is unlikely to break the club's transfer record by paying over the odds.

This time last season Wenger was in a similar situation and decided to re-sign his former player Sol Campbell, but reports linking 36-year-old Campbell with a third move to Arsenal look wide of the mark.

Campbell, pictured, moved to Newcastle as a free agent in the summer to link up with his former coach at Tottenham, Chris Hughton.

Hughton's sacking and replacement by Alan Pardew before Christmas has left Campbell out in the cold, but Wenger is not likely to be interested this time around.

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8255870/Real-Madrid-join-race-to-sign-Emmanuel-Adebayor-leaving-Tottenham-Fulham-and-Monaco-waiting-in-the-wings.html


Real Madrid join race to sign Emmanuel Adebayor leaving Tottenham, Fulham and Monaco waiting in the wings

Emmanuel Adebayor is ready to rebuff attempts by Fulham and Monaco to lure him from Manchester City after emerging as Jose Mourinho's leading target at Real Madrid.


In demand: Emmanuel Adebayor (R) could be on his way to Real Madrid Photo: REUTERS

By Mark Ogden 7:00AM GMT 13 Jan 2011


Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who has sanctioned Roque Santa Cruz's loan move to Blackburn, had been reluctant to offload Adebayor until a deal had been struck with Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko.

Dzeko's arrival in a £27 million move from Wolfsburg last week has now paved the way for Adebayor to leave Eastlands just 18 months after his £25 million transfer from Arsenal.

Although City have yet to receive a direct approach from Real for Adebayor, senior figures at the club have been made aware of the Spanish club's interest in a six-month loan with a view to a permanent deal for the Togolese forward.

Real manager Mourinho is a long-term admirer of the 26 year-old, having previously attempted to sign him at Chelsea, and, with Argentine Gonzalo Higuain ruled out on Wednesday for four months following back surgery, the striker will provide competition for Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Tottenham Hotspur are also in the hunt for Adebayor and will make one more effort to persuade him to join them this month, either on a loan or permanent basis. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to land a striker and is also considering a bid for the Ajax forward Luis Suárez.

Adebayor's wages of £160,000 a week would be a problem and have already ended interest from Aston Villa and Liverpool this month. Although Fulham would be prepared to negotiate a permanent deal for the player, it is understood that Adebayor will not leave City for a club unable to offer him European football.

Monaco, who sold Adebayor to Arsenal for £3 million in 2006, are prepared to pay his City wages, but the French club are struggling to finance a permanent move.

City would prefer to sell, rather than loan, Adebayor, Real's financial strength would enable the Spanish club to comfortably pay his wages before meeting City's £16 million valuation in the summer.

Adebayor has started just two Premier League games for City this season and has not appeared in the first team since replacing Mario Balotelli as a substitute in the Europa League victory against Salzburg on Dec 1.

Earlier this month, Adebayor was involved in a training ground bust-up with team-mate Kolo Toure, which only served to push him closer to the exit door at Eastlands.

Paraguayan forward Santa Cruz is likely to head through that door before Adebayor, however, having agreed to return to Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.

Santa Cruz has rejected a loan move to Lazio in order to move back to Blackburn, who he left for City in August 2009 in a £17 million deal.

As part of Mancini's clearing of the decks, Wayne Bridge underwent a medical at West Ham on Wednesday prior to a loan move to Upton Park, while Birmingham and Fulham are both keen to sign City's out-of-favour England midfielder, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Meanwhile, Mancini has warned Tottenham that Gareth Bale could become one of Europe's most-sought after players this summer.

Although City had considered a move for the Wales midfielder in 2009, Mancini is understood to have no firm interest in Bale, but he admits that his progress this season marks him out a player who interest big clubs this summer.

Mancini said: "Last year, Bale had already proved his value, but his career had not yet taken off. Now you would need a lot of money [to sign him]. He is a very expensive player.

"What is certain is that, if Tottenham decide to put him on the market, Bale would be the strongest target in the summer.

"Perhaps he is the only player who is not a striker that can make a difference. Without him, Tottenham loses 50 per cent of their potential."


Jose's target men
Jose Mourinho harbours a weakness for intimidating, barrel-chested centre-forwards. Here are four 'back-to-goal' strikers he has nurtured:

»Gonzalo Higuain
The Argentine whom Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to replace at the Bernabeu styles himself as a "goal machine". The 23 year-old combines immaculate technique with physical presence.

»Diego Milito
Prolific for Inter Milan, scoring two goals to seal triumph over Bayern Munich in Champions League final. With his unerring eye for goal, he was the fulcrum around whom Mourinho rebuilt Inter.

»Didier Drogba
Mercurial and maddening, yes, but lethal in the six-yard box. Mourinho knew what he was buying when Chelsea invested £24 million in the Ivorian's services in 2004. Ninety-two goals later, the target man has handsomely repaid the faith.

»Derlei Silva
Brazilian was seldom far from Mourinho's side during the manager's rise through the Portuguese ranks. Remembered largely for the two strikes that captured the 2004 Champions League crown for Porto.

Oliver Brown

[White Noise]

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/171757/Real-scrap-to-nab-Adebayor/


REAL SCRAP TO NAB ADEBAYOR


13th January 2011


By Paul Brown


EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR is at the centre of a three-way battle between Fulham, Monaco and Real Madrid.

All three are eyeing up a potential loan move for the Manchester City misfi t, who has been frozen out at Eastlands.

Adebayor has fallen down the pecking order at City following the £27m arrival of Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes signed Adebayor when he was in charge at Eastlands and is eager to be reunited with him. The Cottagers need extra fi repower up front because Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson are still out with injuries.

They were in pole position to land the Togo star but now face competition from both Monaco and Madrid.

City are keen to offload Adebayor but would have to subsidise his £90,000-a-week wages if he went to Craven Cottage. Starsport understands that is not the case with a move to join Jose Mourinho at Real, which could appeal to the 26-year-old.

Fulham have moved to bolster their goalkeeping options in the absence of Mark Schwarzer by handing a trial to Trelleborgs £1.5m-rated Viktor Noring.

The Swede hopes to impress while Schwarzer is at the Asia Cup.

[White Noise]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3348104/Roque-set-for-Rovers-return.html


Roque set for Rovers return


Published: Today


MANCHESTER CITY outcast Roque Santa Cruz was last night on the brink of completing a Rovers return.

The Paraguay striker is in talks about going back to former club Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.

SunSport revealed in November that Rovers were keen to re-sign the man they sold to City for £17million in June, 2009.

Santa Cruz, 29, has snubbed interest from abroad as his family is settled in the region.

City sources confirmed a loan deal was close with the chance of a £4million transfer to follow.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SpursTicketUpdate.aspx?

FA Cup Fixture Update

The fixture date and kick-off time for Fulham's forthcoming FA Cup clash (Fourth Round) against Spurs will be announced officially on fulhamfc.com once confirmation has been received from the Football Association, following its discussions with the Metropolitan Police.

FFC will inform supporters of the date and ticket details as soon as they become available. Thank you for your patience.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SpursTicketUpdate.aspx?#ixzz1AucJzQW2

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cockneylatic.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=882%3Awigan-athletic-v-fulham-cockney-latic-match-preview&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=50

Wigan Athletic v Fulham - Cockney Latic Match Preview

The Premier League is throwing up a lot of crunch matches this season with the Table being so close and as Fulham come to the DW Stadium this weekend, Wigan Athletic will have another chance to crawl out of those bottom three places.

Fulham are having a similar season to that of us and another 11 teams at the bottom half of the Table, none of us seem to be able to string those two or three wins together to see us move away from the pressures and stigma of the drop zone.

Something will give this weekend and hopefully the Latics faithful will witness a better performance that the one which saw us get turned over at Craven Cottage a couple of months ago. Wigan just didn't turn up that day and in a similar vein to Newcastle, they were there for the taking as well.

Three points will see us leapfrog our visitors in the league, it will more than likely see us climb a good four places or so, results depending. But in all seriousness we need to make our remaining home games count now and with no disrespect to Fulham, this is a game we should take all the spoils.

Roberto Martinez will have seen some good performances from de Ridder, Piscu and especially McManaman to throw a bit more bodies in to the fray. It will be a tense game it always is when Fulham come and stick bodies behind the ball, hence the number of draws in recent times.

The last time we registered a home loss to Fulham was back on September 1st 1992; that is ten home league games. There has been seven draws (some quite boring ones) and three wins in that time and this would be the perfect time to notch it up to four.

The referee will be Anthony Taylor from Manchester, he has overseen 7 Premier League games this season, including Latics home win over West Brom and Fulham's draw against Blackburn. He has dished out 23 yellow cars and 2 reds in the process.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAYouthCup/NewsAndFeatures/2011/cottage-pie-130111?

The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Cottage pie
By David Barber - Thursday, 13 January, 2011
There's some Youth Cup action at Fulham on Friday.

Fulham v Norwich City
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fourth Round Proper
7pm, Friday 14 January 2011
At Craven Cottage, Fulham FC
Click here for fixtures

This week's FA Youth Cup ties conclude with a Fourth Round Proper tie between Fulham and Norwich City at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

Norwich's first team were dumped out of The FA Cup last weekend, with Leyton Orient of League One the surprise winners at Carrow Road, but the  Canaries have lifted The FA Youth Cup trophy in the past and already have a victory over Charlton Athletic behind them in this season's competition.

Kit Symons' Fulham youngsters also came in at the Third Round Proper stage, winning an extraordinary match at the Cottage against West Bromwich Albion on 1 December. The teams were locked at 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes, the home side having led 3-1, before Fulham went on to win 6-4. "It was the coldest night I can remember for a long time", said Symons, "but the ones who did come really enjoyed the game."

Fulham's youth team boss is expecting a hard match with Norwich on Friday. He told the club's website: "They've already beaten us in the league 2-1, so we know they're a very good side. On Friday it will be a good game but we're more than capable of winning it and I'm really looking forward to it."

Fulham were quarter finalists last season, losing at home to Aston Villa on kicks from the penalty mark after a 2-2 draw, while Norwich went out at Torquay United in the Second Round. Admission on Friday is £3 for adults and £1 concessions.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/49077/I_do_not_want_to_speak_about_any_particular_name.aspx?

"I do not want to speak about any particular name"

Arsene Wenger last night refused to blame his defence for Arsenal's shock Carling Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Ipswich Town before declining to comment on speculation linking him with a move for West Ham United centre-back Matthew Upson.

The ex-Gunner is one of a number of players based in the Premier League who have been touted as possible January additions at the Emirates as the north London side look to strengthen their defence ahead of a testing second half of the season.

Bolton Wanderer's Gary Cahill, Blackburn Rovers' Christopher Samba and Fulham's Brede Hangeland are other possible targets while continental stars Emir Spahic and Per Mertesacker have also been pinpointed as targets.

Speaking in the aftermath of the 1-0 defeat at Portman Road, Wenger told assembled press:

"Let's not think that we lost the game because we haven't bought a central defender.

"We lost the game because we didn't play as well as we can.

"We have only two central defenders and we are short but I do not want to speak about any particular name.

"Frankly I am just disappointed about our defeat. It is early to talk about a player coming in.

"We have nine games in January and it happens sometimes that you don't always play well in every game.

"As a team we did not have the performance we wanted. We were below our usual level in every department and it would be unfair to put the blame in the defence."

As things stand Arsenal have only Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny as orthodox options for the central defensive positions. While Sebastian Squillaci is likely to return during February long-term absentee, Thomas Vermaelen, is still thought to be some way from making a first team return.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/NextUpWigan.aspx?

Wigan Preview

Wigan Athletic v Fulham, Barclays Premier League
Saturday 15th January 2011, 3pm

We travel to the DW Stadium this weekend looking to complete a Premier League double over the Latics for the first time.

Our last four visits have all ended in draws, but although we are yet to win at Wigan's new home, we did record four victories at their previous Springfield Park dwelling, the last of which occurred in August 1992 when Jeff Eckhardt, John Marshall and Sean Farrell all scored in the first half hour to set up a 3-1 win.

Wigan have struggled for much of the first half of the season, winning just four times in their first 20 games. Home successes were recorded against Wolves (2-0) and West Bromwich Albion (1-0) whilst the first win of the season came at Tottenham, their 1-0 success a stark contrast to a 9-1 reverse at White Hart Lane last season. The fourth win saw a double achieved over Wolves on Boxing Day (2-1).

Last season the Latics conceded 79 goals (only relegated Burnley shipped more) and the start of this campaign saw 10 goals leaked in the first two games, both of which were at home. Promoted Blackpool won 4-0 before Chelsea hit six without reply. Their defence does seem to have tightened up somewhat though with no more than two conceded since. They also enjoyed an encouraging run in the Carling Cup, reaching the Quarter-Finals before losing 2-0 at the Emirates.

Earlier this season the Whites defeated Roberto Martinez's side 2-0 at Craven Cottage, our third consecutive home win against the side from Greater Manchester. Both goals were scored by Clint Dempsey who was the man also on target at the DW Stadium both last season, and in the 1-1 draw in September 2007.

Match Tickets:

Now on general sale (max 6 tickets).
Loyalty points: 5

Prices:
Adults £15 (or 2 for £20, only available from Ticket Office), Over-65s £10, U17s £5

Fulham at Wigan:

P16 W4 D7 L6 F16 A18

Stadium Details:

Address: DW Stadium, Robin Park Complex, Newtown, Wigan, WN5 0UZ
Telephone: 01942 770477
Capacity: 25,138
Visitors Sections: North Stand
Disabled Fans: North Stand


Getting There: (Approx. 220 miles from Fulham)

Formerly the JJB Stadium, opened in 1999 after Wigan moved from their previous Springfield Road home, the DW (Dave Whelan) Stadium is a rather generic modern ground, lacking atmosphere in what is a rugby mad town. Away fans are positioned in the North Stand towards one end of the Stadium, behind a goal.

Coaches:

Depart Motspur Park at 8am / Craven Cottage at 8.30am
Season Ticket Holder Adults £22, Juniors £12
Non Season Ticket Holder Adults £27, Juniors £20

By Road:

Leave London via M1 or M40/M42/M5 to join M6. Continue on M6 until junction 25. Exit junction 25 and follow to roundabout. Turn left onto A49 Warrington Road and follow for approx 1 mile. Turn left into Robin Park Road. Ground is ahead on the right hand side.

Car Parking:

Available at the ground.

By Rail: 

Travel from London Euston to Wigan North Western. You are advised to check travel details in advance in case of engineering works. Ground is approx 1 mile walk from station. Turn left on exit from station. Taxi about £5.

The Area:

The town of Wigan has a rich history and many historical landmarks to visit. Wigan Pier, however, is undergoing renovations to be revamped into an entertainment district, so as it is under construction, the best bets for a night out post-match are to head to nearby Manchester, Liverpool or Blackpool.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/NextUpWigan.aspx?#ixzz1Auy4ejvZ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/ThroughTheRanks.aspx

Through The Ranks

Name: Alex Smith
Position: Defender
Age: 19
Height: 175cm
Weight: 60kg
Time at Club: 9 Years 

The talented Alex Smith has long been considered as one of Fulham's brightest young hopes.

A graduate of the Academy, the 19-year-old has made a smooth transition into senior football, and is now one of the first names on Development Squad Manager Billy McKinlay's team sheet.

After an exciting 2009/10 season which saw the youngster sign his first professional contract, captain the U18s to the Quarter-Final of the FA Youth Cup, and included on the bench for the First Team, the current campaign was earmarked as a period of quiet progression.

"I've just got my head down and got on with things," reveals Alex. "Last season was a very memorable one for me, and I think there could have been a concern that I would get carried away in the belief that I had 'made it'.

"But I'm not that type of person. Of course, those moments stand as the highlights of my career so far and signing your first professional contract is something that you never forget, but I know that the road to the First Team is long and hard.

"I was under no illusions about what would unfold this season, and really I just wanted to do all I could to improve as a player – which I believe has been the case. My goal is to be part of the First Team squad and that's what I am preparing for."

Over the past few seasons Smith has shown his versatility by playing in the centre of the park and on the left of midfield. This season, though, he has featured more often than not at left-back – the position he says he feels most comfortable.

Whites fans may not like to hear that his favourite player growing up was a certain Ashley Cole, but love him or loathe him, England's first-choice left-back has his qualities. And look closely, because the green shoots of those same attributes are evident in Smith. The Croydon-born youngster offers a constant outlet down the left with his marauding, effortless running, has sound positional sense, controlled possession and an astute footballing mind. He can tackle, pass and can boast a more than decent delivery.

"I've worked hard on my game over the years, and although I have enjoyed playing in a variety of positions, I think it was time to settle into just the one," explains Alex. "Although I liked playing in midfield where I could get on the ball and make things happen, left-back is the position for me.

"I still try to get forward as much as possible and support those in front of me, and I do think my time spent playing in other positions has made me a more complete player. I do enjoy the defensive side of the game though, and love winning tackles.

"It's an important position, and I want to be a player that others can rely on."

Smith also talks of the positive influence that Fulham favourite Ray Lewington is currently having in his new role as Academy Technical Director, part of which involves working closely with the Development Squad.

"We have all learned so much from Billy, and now we have Ray to work with as well," he says. "Since Ray has been working with us you can already see an improvement in some of the players.

"He focuses more on the technical side of the game and it's good to work with him because he has a lot of experience. I feel that I have matured a lot as a player this season, and I have realised that senior football is very different from what I was used to in the Academy.

"We are learning how to be young professionals. I have come out of my shell a lot more as a result, because before, I was quite quiet. But I suppose that comes with getting older and more used to the environment.

"You're looked after very well in the Academy, and whilst that is necessary, suddenly when you make the step up you're kind of on your own. You're treated as an adult and with that comes more responsibility and decisions."

When the U18s reached the Quarter-Final of the FA Youth Cup last season, Smith was instrumental. The current crop of young hopefuls entertain Norwich City at Craven Cottage on Friday in this season's Fourth Round and the former captain believes they can go even further.

"I watched the game with West Brom in Round Three and I was really impressed by what I saw," reveals Alex. "They did really well against a very good opposition and they showed a lot of character in what was an exciting game of football.

"They are a strong group of players with the likes of Josh Pritchard, Kerim Frei and Marcello Trotta looking really promising. They are certainly a talented bunch and I see no reason why they can't go further than we did last year.

"It's quite strange watching the U18s play, because it wasn't that long ago that I was involved. I certainly enjoyed my time in the Academy and it was a great place to learn and develop."

Having been involved with the First Team during pre-season and doing especially well on the team's tour of Sweden in July, Smith harbours ambitions of following friend and team-mate Matthew Briggs into the thoughts of Manager Mark Hughes.

"It was a great experience to be part of the pre-season tour - I never expected to be included," he admits. "But it was a nice surprise and I learned a lot. It was a real eye-opener, and I got to see first-hand how the senior players trained, prepared for matches and conducted themselves.

"I was pleased with how I played out there and I don't think I let anyone down. At the time I got some good feedback from Ray and hopefully he has seen that I learned from the experience and improved as a result.

"Now, I just want to play as much as I can for the Development Squad and keep improving in the hope of getting nearer to the First Team, because the chance is there for us young players.

"Briggsy is a good friend and it was really pleasing to see him involved this season. We need someone like him to use as an example of what can be achieved. Chris Smalling did that last year, and this season it's Matthew.

"I feel that this is a place where young players can be given the opportunity break through – it's just up to us to show that we are good enough. I would love to follow those players' example, because having spent nine years at the Club, to come through the ranks and represent the First Team would be a massive achievement.

"It's a situation that, although seems quite close, in reality is still quite far away. I believe I have what it takes, but it will be a difficult path – but that's what keeps me hungry."

Up Close With Alex Smith:

- My main strength is my positional play and versatility.
- Although my weakness is I probably the need to be more aggressive in my defending.
- The biggest influence on my career has been my family.
- My favourite Fulham player is Damien Duff because he has great energy and can make things happen.
- Growing up my footballing idol was Ashley Cole.
- The best moment of my career so far was playing for the First Team in pre-season.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/ThroughTheRanks.aspx#ixzz1AuyNyIU3

[WhiteJC]

http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/schwarzer-wary-of-fulham-scrap-1148707.html?

Schwarzer wary of Fulham scrap

Mark Schwarzer says he regrets leaving Fulham fighting a Premier League relegation scrap for this month's Asian Cup.

The 38-year-old looks certain to miss a large chunk of domestic action in January because if Australia reach the final of the tournament that would mean Schwarzer will miss four Premier League games.

The Aussies routed India 4-0 this week and Hughes has resigned himself to being without his number one for some crunch fixtures in early 2011.

Schwarzer said: "It is never ideal at this time of year to be missing Premier League games, especially with Fulham in the precarious situation they are in.

"In an ideal world I would like to have stayed but also play in this tournament. I want to be in two places at once."

The former Middlesbrough stopper added: "It would have been great if there was a window we could play this tournament in but unfortunately that is not the case. I have been here in the summer; it is not pleasant and not easy to play in so this is the logical time to play it and unfortunately it clashes with club football."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/January/13/premier-league-preview-wigan-v-fulham/?

Premier League preview: Wigan v Fulham

Wigan and Fulham will look to put some breathing place between themselves and the relegation zone when they clash at DW Stadium on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez's Wigan side are second from bottom in the English Premier League with 21 points, just one point clear of last-placed West Ham.

In their last league game, a Ronnie Stam equaliser with 10 minutes remaining helped secure a 1-1 draw and a valuable point away to Bolton, while on Saturday they secured a 3-2 win at Hull to book a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Mark Hughes' Fulham side are in 14th place in the league but just one point ahead of Wigan. In their most recent outing, they smashed Peterborough 6-2 in the FA Cup third round, aided by a hat-trick from Diomansy Kamara.

In their most recent league encounter, they also scored a convincing win - a 3-0 triumph over West Brom at Craven Cottage.

Hughes' squad should be bolstered by the return of Belgian striker Moussa Dembele - missing for eight weeks with an ankle injury - while David Stockdale will again be in goal in place of Australia's Mark Schwarzer, who is on Asian Cup duty.

Matthew Briggs is still doubtful with a calf injury and Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos remain long-term casualties.

For Wigan, striker Victor Moses continues to miss with a dislocated shoulder, James McCarthy is out with an ankle complaint and Tom Cleverley will be unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury in the draw with Bolton.

Chris Kirkland should be ready to resume after missing the Hull game with concussion, while Franco Di Santo could be back after an ankle knock and Charles N'Zogbia is free to return after a suspension.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-city/6660733/Mancini-City-duo-set-for-exits?

Mancini: City duo set for exits

Roberto Mancini expects Roque Santa Cruz and Shaun Wright-Phillips to leave Manchester City, with Blackburn and Fulham leading the chase.

City manager Mancini has confirmed Santa Cruz is almost certain to return to Blackburn within the coming days.

Mancini has already stated that Edin Dzeko will probably be the only new face arriving at Eastlands during the current transfer window, so most of the attention around City this month is set to be on the players who will leave.

Wayne Bridge was first man out of the exit door on Wednesday, joining West Ham for the remainder of the season.

Santa Cruz's departure was always on the cards and it seems Wright-Phillips will be leaving too.

"It is the same situation for Roque and Shaun Wright-Phillips," said Mancini.

"He has two or three options."

Both players came in during Mark Hughes' brief tenure, so it is little wonder Fulham has been suggested as an option for Wright-Phillips, along with Birmingham and West Ham.

Having tried so hard to get Santa Cruz from his former club Blackburn, Hughes would doubtless be interested in the Paraguayan as well, although it appears his preference is to remain in the north-west.

"Roque will probably go to Blackburn," confirmed Mancini.

"Every player wants to play. I understand that. But it is difficult for me.

"If an opportunity for either of them to play came up, then it would be better for them and I hope for Roque that in one or two days, he will have that."

The situation with Emmanuel Adebayor is not quite so clear cut. With Mancini re-stating his belief that it will be a couple of weeks at the earliest before he knows whether Mario Balotelli will need an operation on his knee injury, the Togo forward's future remains on hold.

A number of different clubs, both at home and abroad, have expressed their interest in the former Arsenal man.

But Mancini is wary of leaving himself short of options.

"A lot of teams want Emmanuel but at the moment we have to wait for Mario Balotelli," confirmed the City chief. "Maybe Manu will leave but we have another 20 days, so we have time to make a decision.

"If we lose three or four, we might end up in a situation where we don't have enough players for the remainder of the season."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/west-bromwich-albion/6660770/Time-for-Carson-to-make-way-for-Myhill?

Time for Carson to make way for Myhill

TEAMtalk's Simon Wilkes believes the time has come for West Brom to drop Scott Carson and give Boaz Myhill a decent run between the sticks.

Roberto Di Matteo admits he has a "tough decision" to make over who starts between the sticks for West Brom this weekend - and it's a decision which could ultimately shape Albion's season.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson was dropped for last weekend's FA Cup defeat at Reading, with summer signing Boaz Myhill getting his chance to impress.

The former Hull City stopper ended on the losing side at the Madejski Stadium but looked assured in the number one role - and more importantly didn't drop any clangers.

The same cannot be said for Carson, whose last appearance in an Albion shirt saw him let a 25-yard piledriver from Simon Davies spill through his hands at 0-0 on the stroke of half-time in a 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

What made the mistake all the more frustrating was that the visitors were more than matching Mark Hughes' men at Craven Cottage, having had the better of the first-half chances, and the goal knocked the wind out of their sails and gave the hosts a huge lift just before the interval.

Sadly the gaffe wasn't a first for 'Calamity' Carson, who is a great shot-stopper but simply doesn't command his troops with any authority - on or off the pitch.

Di Matteo's decision to give Carson the captaincy never sat comfortably with me - and now the Italian needs to show some nuts and not only drop the 25-year-old, but take the armband off him too.

I'd personally give either Paul Scharner or Youssouf Mulumbu - who has been a revelation - the honour, as both have lead by example this season.

Myhill fully deserves a decent run in the team as the Baggies' early-season bubble has well and truly burst, with five league defeats on the trot seeing them slide down to 16th place, just one point above the drop zone.

The Wales international has plenty of top-flight experience and at 28 his best years are ahead of him, plus dropping Carson would send the right message to the squad that everyone has to fight for their starting role.

Saturday's home clash with Blackpool has now become a must-win game for the Baggies, whose confidence is already at rockbottom, so they can ill-afford to be handing out gifts to Ian Holloway's visitors, who will arrive in buoyant mood having done the double over Liverpool and won away from home five times already this season.

"I'll have a tough decision to make," admits Di Matteo. "We need to look at who is in the best shape or form to win a game for us."

If he bottles it and stands by Carson for the rest of the season, I fear the Baggies will live up to their 'yo-yo' tag and find themselves back in the Championship next summer.

At £1million, Myhill was bought to keep Carson on his toes and provide stiff competition for the gloves - the time has come to let him do just that.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6660790,00.html?

Santa Cruz nears Rovers return
But City undecided on Wright-Phillips and Adebayor leaving too

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed Roque Santa Cruz is set to complete a loan return to Blackburn.

Santa Cruz made a £17.5million move from Blackburn to City in the summer of 2009 but has made just eight starts for the Blues.
The Paraguay striker has remained surplus to requirements this season following the summer signing of Mario Balotelli, while City have now signed Edin Dzeko too.

But the 29-year-old is set to tie up a deal this week which would see him return to Rovers until the end of the season.

Asked if Santa Cruz would be joining Blackburn, Mancini told Sky Sports News: "Probably.

"For Roque and for Shaun (Wright-Phillips) it's the same situation. They're good players but every player wants to play and, for me, it's difficult.

Opportunity to play

"I understand their situation very well, and if they have the opportunity to go to another team and play all the time, it's better for them."

Mancini expects a deal to be struck for Santa Cruz in "one or two days" but City are still mulling over whether to let Wright-Phillips leave on a short-term deal.

The England winger has made just two Premier League starts this term and was strongly linked with a loan move to Birmingham before Fulhamentered the race.

"We must wait because if we lose three or four players then maybe we won't have enough players for the rest of the season," said Mancini.

"I don't think it's only Birmingham, I think there are one or two teams (interested)."

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/sidwell/?

Sidwell
Filed under: General — rich 
Steve Sidwell, eh?

Positives

A good pedigree:  Arsenal youth player, fine stint at Reading (under Steve Coppell), signed for Mourinho's Chelsea, then on to Martin O'Neill's Villa.   A lot of good managers have signed him.
Wandsworth lad:  will be happy in the area, which must count for something.  He left Wolves in the lurch to come here so must be keen

The first midfielder we've signed who could conceivably replace Murphy:  we've had quantity for a while, but not always quality

Roy Hodgson wanted him, and in some ways he's not dissimilar to the Zamora/Murphy/Duff type, the talented player fallen on hard times

Someone, sometime (I'm thinking Clough or Revie) said something about no team being complete without a special one haired midfielder.  I can't find the quote but it seems relevant

Negatives

He's hardly played!   Didn't cut it at Arsenal (which is no crime), excellent at Reading but no impact at Chelsea or Villa

A good signing but the proof will be in the pudding.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/MilsomDeparts.aspx?

Milsom Departs

The Club can confirm that Rob Milsom has joined Aberdeen on a permanent deal.

Rob joined the Whites at the age of 11 and developed through the Academy before signing professional terms with the Club, becoming a regular in the Development Squad.

Rob made his Barclays Premier League debut for Fulham against Manchester United at Old Trafford in February 2009 but was ruled out of action for the remainder of the season just one week later after suffering a knee injury.

Last season Rob spent time on loan with Finnish side TPS Turku before returning to Fulham in August 2010.

The Club would like to wish Rob every success for the future and thanks him for his hard work and professionalism during his time at the Club.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/MilsomDeparts.aspx?#ixzz1AvEoHuxD