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Friday Fulham Stuff (14.01.11)

Started by White Noise, January 13, 2011, 09:45:08 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/01/14/sampdoria-target-fulham-hitman-diomansy-kamara/35550/?

Sampdoria Target Fulham Hitman Diomansy Kamara

Serie A side Sampdoria are keen to increase their attacking options in this month's transfer window despite snapping up Manchester United man Federico Macheda on loan and have targeted Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara as a possible acquisition.

The 30-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the season at Craven Cottage and despite the striker admitting he is content to fight for his place in the team a move to Sampdoria would surely appeal.

Kamara stated recently that while he will continue to give his best for Fulham in training he does not know what the future will bring. "I have a contract and in the coming days I will have a think about it", said the Senegal star, leaving the door open for any eventuality.

Sampdoria believe they could snare Kamara, who is no stranger to Italian football having previously turned out for Catanzaro and Modena, for a nominal fee due to his contract situation, a fact which makes the striker an even more attractive proposition.

WhiteJC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9360292.stm

Lawro's prediction


Wigan v Fulham
Wigan, as I keep saying, are the hardest team in the Premier League to predict because you just don't know what you will get from them from one week to the next.

I see that half of the Latics players have been linked with moves elsewhere now that the January transfer window is open. The club's policy appears to be to bring these boys in from abroad, improve them and sell them on - so we might see a couple of them move soon. But Roberto Martinez's side have been steadily picking up points in the last few weeks and I think they will do the same this time.

Fulham have started to pick up a bit recently and it looks like they will do a bit of business in the transfer market too, although they will be strengthening their squad. Moussa Dembele and Bobby Zamora cannot be far away from a return either, so they will only improve further from now on.

Prediction: 1-1

WhiteJC

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/national-sport/2011/01/14/hughes-quiet-over-wright-phillips-92534-27985428/?

Hughes quiet over Wright-Phillips

Mark Hughes has refused to deny trying to bring Shaun Wright-Phillips to Fulham but has ruled out a move for his Manchester City team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor.

City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed he expects Wright-Phillips to leave Eastlands this month and it appears his predecessor at Eastlands is trying to convince the 29-year-old to move to west London.

"He's a player I've worked with, a player I know," Hughes said. "There's a number of players out there that there's speculation about that I've worked with before. It's unfair for me to comment on specific situations or specific players."

Asked if Fulham had contacted City about Wright-Phillips, Hughes added: "I think those conversations happen all the time in terms of what's available and who you're releasing.

"Those conversations have been had not only with Man City but almost every club in the Premier League.

"Certainly, we've enquired at a number of clubs in terms of what they're likely to be allowing out."

As much as Hughes would like to sign Adebayor, who he brought to City as well as Wright-Phillips, it appears the former Arsenal striker is well out of Fulham's price range.

"Manu is a guy who I like as a person," Hughes said. "As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team but he's a good guy.

"Any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."



Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/national-sport/2011/01/14/hughes-quiet-over-wright-phillips-92534-27985428/?#ixzz1AzrwvKOQ


WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/win-fulham-v-stoke-city-tickets-82029-27985918/?

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Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/win-fulham-v-stoke-city-tickets-82029-27985918/?#ixzz1AzvzFgo6

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/david-stockdale-sends-schwarzer-fulham-warning-82029-27985923/?

David Stockdale sends Schwarzer Fulham warning

DAVID Stockdale has no intention of leaving Fulham - but hopes to leave Mark Schwarzer out in the cold.

The young keeper is not bothered the Aussie has signed a new two-year deal at Craven Cottage as he thinks he can claim the number one shirt for himself by then.

The 25-year-old was on the verge of an international call-up at the start of the season before being injured, and has impressed while Schwarzer has been away at the Asia Cup this month.

Boss Mark Hughes has told Stockdale he needs a run of games to make it into the England squad.

And he has warned Schwarzer he faces a fight on his hands when he returns to SW6.

Stockdale said: "I've only played a handful of games in the Premier League. That's something I want to get more experience of - like Mark Schwarzer has - so that it doesn't become a factor in the manager's choice.

"We've both got two years left on our contracts so, if the manager says 'fight it out', I'm in the reckoning for the number one shirt.

"There's no animosity between me and Mark, it's just the way the goalkeeping position is. If I've got the shirt, I'm going to try and keep it."



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White Noise


http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2011/01/wigan-athletic-v-fulham-dont-expect-a-flood-of-goals-at-the-dw.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29


Wigan Athletic v Fulham: Don't expect a flood of goals at the DW


Posted by Colin Illingworth at 09:00 AM 

If you are hoping to see a feast of goals this weekend then you are advised not to attend Wigan v Fulham. Only once in the Premier League has this fixture produced more than two goals and I'd be amazed if that changed this weekend.

The Latics may have edged a five-goal thriller against Hull City last weekend in the FA Cup but Roberto Martinez's men have failed to score more than two in the league all season. And it's not much better from the visitors. The Cottagers hit Peterborough for six last weekend in the Cup, but they have only scored more than two in the league once – although that was recently against struggling West Brom.

Fulham have won two of their past three league outings – v West Brom and Stoke City – and travel north in buoyant mood. However, they are yet to record a win at Wigan in the top flight and Martinez will be hoping his side bounce back from their home defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.

I can see it being a closely contested game and the Panel is split right down the middle on this one.

Wigan Athletic v Fulham; Kick Off 3pm January 15 2011




White Noise

Cardiff striker Bothroyd in talks with Newcastle as Pardew looks to make Bluebird a Magpie


By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:25 AM on 14th January 2011


Magpies swoop: Bothroyd is wanted on Tyneside


Newcastle are in negotiations with Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd.

Bothroyd is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with Fulham, Birmingham, Blackburn and Everton but Magpies boss Alan Pardew fancies his chances.

The 28-year-old Bothroyd, who made his England debut against France in November, could expect to treble his £10,000-a-week wages by moving to St James' Park.

Talks are set to continue after Sunday's derby with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Pardew could still be without star striker Andy Carroll for the Wear-Tyne clash.
Carroll is back in light training after returning from Dubai where he spent a week recovering from a thigh injury.

He remains doubtful but will have tests later today (Friday) to determine if he has a chance of making the short trip to face the Black Cats.

Newcastle won the first derby of the season 5-1 at the end of October.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347050/Jay-Bothroyd-talks-Newcastle.html#ixzz1B05QKUYd

WhiteJC

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/13/manual_210215.html

SIDWELL IN LINE FOR FULHAM DEBUT

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury for Saturday's Premier League game at Wigan.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Teams:

Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Pollitt, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Stam, Figueroa, Alacaraz, Watson, Diame, McArthur, Thomas, N'Zogbia, McManaman, Rodallega, Lopez, Gomez, S Caldwell, Robinson, Boyce, De Ridder, Golobart, Mustoe, Kirkland.

Fulham (from): Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6661922,00.html?

Hughes - Sidwell is hungry
Cottagers boss expecting big things from new signing

Mark Hughes believes Fulham are the perfect 'vehicle' for Steve Sidwell to drive his career forward.

The midfielder has joined the Cottagers on an initial six-month deal, which could be extended through to 2014.

He returns to the capital after enduring frustrating spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa, during which time he has failed to hold down regular first-team football.

The 28-year-old is a player of proven quality, though, and Hughes is confident Fulham will be able to bring the best out of their latest recruit.

Power

"Steve will be a hungry player after his spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa," he said.

"He feels Fulham is the right vehicle, and we feel that as well. He will give us that threat from midfield that maybe we have lacked.

"Steve can score goals from midfield. He showed that when he was given a run in the team at Reading.

"He gives us a bit of power from midfield because he is a good box-to-box player."


WhiteJC

http://www.teamtalk.com/match/preview/978/6661983/Wigan-v-Fulham-preview?

Wigan v Fulham preview

Team news for Wigan's Premier League clash with Fulham at The DW Stadium on Saturday.

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Pollitt, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Stam, Figueroa, Alacaraz, Watson, Diame, McArthur, Thomas, N'Zogbia, McManaman, Rodallega, Lopez, Gomez, S Caldwell, Robinson, Boyce, De Ridder, Golobart, Mustoe, Kirkland.

Fulham (from): Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.

WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347065/Wigan-v-FULHAM-Steve-Sidwell-line-debut-Moussa-Dembele-set-return-squad.html?

Wigan v FULHAM: Steve Sidwell in line for debut with Moussa Dembele set to return to squad

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury for the Barclays Premier League game at Wigan.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.


Drought: Andy Johnson (top) has yet to score this season

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Provisional squad: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347065/Wigan-v-FULHAM-Steve-Sidwell-line-debut-Moussa-Dembele-set-return-squad.html#ixzz1B0HKEDJU

WhiteJC

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14012011/63/n-zogbia-ban.html

N'Zogbia back after ban

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at the DW Stadium after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined while boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.


WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/14/another-chance-to-win-fulham-v-stoke-tickets-82029-27986118/?

Another chance to win Fulham v Stoke tickets!

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WhiteJC

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0114/wigan_fulham.html?

RTE: Wigan Athletic v Fulham

Wigan have Charles N'Zogbia back for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at the DW Stadium after the winger completed a three-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round victory at Hull following the bang to the head he suffered in the previous game against Bolton and will have his condition assessed.

Mauro Boselli will not feature as he has been nursing a hamstring problem and is set to join another club on loan for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley's hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined, while Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopes James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo (both ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) will be close to full fitness again by the end of the month.

Steve Sidwell could make his Fulham debut as Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson return from injury.

New signing Sidwell is lacking match practice following last week's move from Aston Villa but the midfielder is in contention for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Dembele (ankle) could finally make his comeback, while Johnson is fit following a minor hamstring tear, but Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) are still out and Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

Wigan squad: Al Habsi, Pollitt, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Stam, Figueroa, Alacaraz, Watson, Diame, McArthur, Thomas, N'Zogbia, McManaman, Rodallega, Lopez, Gomez, S Caldwell, Robinson, Boyce, De Ridder, Golobart, Mustoe, Kirkland.

Fulham squad: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Riise, Murphy, Sidwell, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, E Johnson, Kamara, Gera, Dembele, Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, A Johnson, Halliche.

WhiteJC

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/01/14/wigan-v-fulham-preview-roberto-martinez-needs-home-improvement/?

Wigan v Fulham Preview: Roberto Martinez Needs Home Improvement

Something has to give at the DW Stadium as both these sides look to improve on statistics that have made it such a struggle this season.

Hosts Wigan have won just two of their 11 games at home, something manager Roberto Martinez admits has not been good enough and any advantage gained from playing in front of a partisan crowd has been lost with five draws proving costly.

That is the same amount Fulham have registered on their travels, yet a sole victory in 10 for Mark Hughes's side has contributed to their problems at the wrong end of the table.

That suggests this meeting between the relegation strugglers will be typically tense and far from a classic, although It would be nice to be proved wrong.

Fulham have found the net nine times in their last two outings, but with Hughes not yet finding the right formula for success since taking charge and without the injured Bobby Zamora up front, they remain a shadow of the side that stormed to the final of the Europa League last season.

Key Match-up: Maynor Figueroa v Simon Davies: Figueroa has not produced the same form that made him a revelation last season, but the left back's pace and decisiveness in challenges have made him such an asset for Wigan and admired by rivals. With his driving runs down the right, Davies has been the architect of much for Fulham and particularly dangerous at set pieces.

Form Guide: Wigan have won just one of their last eight league games but a draw could be on the cards given their recent history with Fulham. Five of their last eight meetings have ended with the points shared, although the visitors won the three others since Wigan last triumphed in 2006.

WIGAN ATHLETIC:
With Wigan facing relegation rivals Fulham and Aston Villa in two of their next three games, it would be fair to assume this is a period that will be pivotal to their fate at the end of the season, but manager Martinez does not agree.

No, I don't think they are must-win games," he said. "The way the league is going now, any game is an opportunity to add points. That's going to be the sign of this year's competition.

"We beat Wolves which everyone spoke about being a six-pointer and such a crucial game, and then Wolves beat Liverpool and Chelsea and got six points.

"It shows you the league is different from any other season due to the fact teams are prepared to take risks against the top five and playing with bravery and games are open. If you take your chances you have the chance to win points.

"At the top you have five teams trying to win the title, then teams fighting to get into Europe and eight teams fighting to avoid relegation so it's an open competition."

So tight is the relegation battle that Wigan might be second from bottom in the table, but are just a point behind Fulham who are five places ahead.

Martinez feels his side have deserved more points for their performances and does not mind the constant speculation regarding his players.

Hugo Rodallega, Figueroa and Charles N'Zogbia, who will face Fulham after serving a three-match ban, have all been linked with moves in this month's transfer window.

And the Latics manager said: "I would love to have speculation that teams want our players because that would mean they are performing well and we are doing something right.

"It's a bit scary when you have got nobody wanting your players - that's a sad situation. You can't help the rumours, but it's important we are really focused. Once we end the window, the squad will be strong enough for the challenge ahead."

Strategy: A more settled defence and midfield strength in the shape of the powerful Mohamed Diame and Hendry Thomas has given the Latics a solid base. But it is up front where their obvious weakness remains. Just 18 goals have made them the league's lowest scorers and the return of Charles N'Zogbi from suspension is timely. For all their industry and effort, the presence of the flamboyant Frenchman will add to their creativity and offer balance on the left wing or much-needed support for Rodallega up front.

Injury Update: James McCarthy could be available for duty against Arsenal next week after three months out with an ankle injury. Franco di Santo is also nearing a comeback after ankle trouble while fellow striker Victor Moses (shoulder) is also on the road to recovery. Chris Kirkland's head injury will also be assessed. Winger Tom Cleverley, though, is out until next month with a hamstring strain.

FULHAM:
Hughes knows that statistics don't lie and the fact Fulham have won just one away game in their last 27 in the league has not been lost on him.

But he points to two other numbers which he believes their form on the road is not as bad as it may seem: one, their recent record reads won one, lost one – and two, the fact that only Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Fulham on their travels this term.

As he heads to Wigan on a run of three wins in their last four games – the most recent being their 6-2 FA Cup defeat of Peterborough – he is looking to put more breathing space between Fulham and the bottom three.

Hughes said: "We had been playing well prior to the run we have had, but we hadn't been getting results. Now we are getting those results and we are pleased with that. We have won three out of the last four games.

"The continuity we got from a good performance and good result against Peterborough was important and that was part of my thinking when I picked a strong team last week.

"The way the league is at the moment, draws don't really push you up the table. We are looking for three points because that is what consolidates your position. That's what we want.

"If we can get three points away at Wigan, it is another opportunity to build on the fact we got our first away win of the season just recently – and the sort of performance we showed in that game against Stoke.

"Our away form is good and we want that to continue. It is important we are resolute in our travels, because that has been a weakness in our play in recent times."

Strategy: Hughes is unlikely to make too many changes to a winning line-up, but is likely to put in either Moussa Dembele or Andy Johnson up front, rather than the Diomansy Kamara-Clint Dempsey partnership which helped them past Peterborough in the cup or West Brom in the previous league game. Dempsey will be key to providing decent service to the front two.

Injury Update: Dembele and Johnson are available following knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Phillipe Senderos is back in training but needs two to three weeks before he is in contention. New signing Steve Sidwell is still not match fit but may make the bench.


WhiteJC

http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2011/01/hughes-cools-adebayor-reunion-talks/?

Hughes cools Adebayor reunion talks

Mark Hughes has toned down reports linking Manchester City misfit Emmanuel Adebayor to Fulham where he would re-unite with the manager who brought him to Eastlands in the first place.

Hughes splashed £25m to sign the 26-year-old from Arsenal in the summer of 2009 but has seen little action under incumbent City boss Roberto Mancini.

The increasing frustration of the ex Togo international on the bench has ignited talks of a possible re-union with Hughes at Fulham but Adebayor's high wage demand makes the move highly unlikely.

"Manu is a guy who I like as a person," Hughes said.

"As a player, he did well for me. He had problems when he went out of the team but he's a good guy.

"Any team that had a player of the quality of Adebayor would be strengthened.

"But that doesn't mean that we're in a position to bring him here, I have to say."

WhiteJC

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

Ready For Wigan

Fulham will be looking to continue their strong start to 2011 on Saturday when they take on Wigan Athletic and goalkeeper David Stockdale believes Fulham can push closer to the top ten at the DW Stadium following an impressive run of results.

"I was very happy last weekend because we got another win and we're getting into that winning habit now," Stockdale told fulhamfc.com. "To get two wins on the bounce at the start of the New Year rolls us nicely into this weekend's game against Wigan. People think we don't we score enough goals but last weekend we scored six!

"It's an important game on Saturday, not just because of the two wins we've had, but if can beat Wigan we'll move closer to the top ten. That's our aim and if we can get results from our games against Wigan and Stoke it will be a great month for us. It's an away game and we stopped the away record against Stoke so all the lads are upbeat and ready to go."

Stockdale is once again producing the form that almost earned him an England call-up at the start of the 2010/11 campaign before injury scuppered his chances, and now the keeper is focused producing the form that will help him retain the goalkeeper's jersey on Mark Schwarzer's return from the 2011 Asian Cup.

"At home I get annoying when I'm not playing!" Stockdale explained. "When I'm at Fulham I'm always professional and always wish Mark [Schwarzer] well when he's in possession of the shirt. It's just the way the goalkeeper position is – if I've got the shirt I'm going to try and keep it and it's the same for him. Hopefully what that competition does is push us on to do well for the Team.

"Now I've just got to keep doing what I've shown I can do so far. I got set back by injury at the start of the season and Mark kept the shirt so I'm going to try and keep it now. I've got to keep going. I've only played a handful of Premier League games so I've got to build up that experience."

When conversation turns to any future international opportunities for Stockdale, the keeper prefers to focus on his current targets with Fulham, but the proud Englishman cannot disguise his desire to represent his country in the future.

"I was so proud to even be included in the conversations about England," the keeper explained. "I've just got to keep playing and be solid for Fulham, but if something like that comes along, as a proud patriotic Englishman, I'd just go for it!"



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/StockdaleWiganPreview.aspx?#ixzz1B0gbAZDZ

WhiteJC

http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/01/staying_up_back_to_business_at.php?

Staying up - Back to Business at Wigan

Whenever interviewed over the course of Fulham's progress in Europe last winter the boss always maintained avoiding relegation was the club's paramount aim each season.

After basking in the satisfaction of our goal rush last week in the Cup, as if the squad didn't know it, a glance at the league standings reminds us all we still face a nervous few weeks. A trip to Wigan, not the most daunting of fixtures, gives us a chance to notch back to back wins for the first time in a year and complete a double over the Northerners.

With just about every basement side picking up some points recently the pack is getting shuffled on a weekly basis. A dip in form could easily see sides like Blackburn, Stoke and Blackpool down in the mire by Easter. And, whisper it if you dare, maybe even Liverpool...

Our squad know all about the teams around us by now. As seasoned pros I suspect they're also conscious the current side is more than capable of holding its own in this division. However, Wigan should not be under-estimated, and only 100% concentration and commitment will ensure three points - this is a side both managers will see as a 'must win' game.

How Wigan must wish they'd started the season a week late. From the first two games their GD took a hammering from which they will not recover all season, and what could be a decisive factor come May. Opening up with a 0-4 reverse v Blackpool, then being smashed for six by Chelsea. Martinez pulled them into shape however and their season to date mirrors our own. Too many drawn, results tight, no more big hidings, but blighted by a lack of goals - Boselli proving to be a £6.5 million misfit.

Last time out they claimed a point at Bolton, coming into Christmas they were unbeaten in four - three draws and one win. The Bolton game however saw them lose Tom Cleverley for a month - a big loss for their small squad. Martinez does have N'Zogbia back from suspension, and Rodallega can turn any game in a moment if in the mood.

Man for man I think we are superior. If the 'feel good' factor continues and we set out to take control of the match from the first whistle, I sense our first ever win at the DW is on the cards, having drawn on our last four visits. It would be madness to drop Joe after his hat-trick last week. I think we'll go with the same eleven to start, with Sidwell, AJ and Dembele on the bench. That already gives us more options than 10 days ago.

Finally a word on transfer activity - or lack of it. This trip to NW England gives Mark the ideal opportunity to stop in on Citeh and talk SWP business...I personally still hope it does not happen. As the month slips by, I wonder if Mark might be tempted to keep his money in his pocket should Fulham round out the month with maximum points from Wigan and Stoke - and perhaps even a point or three from wobbling Liverpool? January is not a good time to be shopping for players. Agents hold the whip hand and decisions are made on fear and emotion. Never a wise investment strategy!

More points on the board, extra daylight between us and the bottom three, BZ's return imminent..Hughes and the board may feel a corner has been turned. Nothing Saturday from Wigan and it's back out with the worry beads. And the cash.

COYW - give us a weekend of cheer. Twitter@fulhamphil


WhiteJC

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

Skill Set

After just one week in training with his new Team, Steve Sidwell has made a positive early impression on Fulham Manager Mark Hughes, who highlighted the impact the midfielder has made on the squad ahead of Saturday's game against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

"Steve Sidwell is available [for selection] but he hasn't played a lot of matches in recent months and we have to be mindful of that. He's come in and shown his quality in the group very quickly.

"I think whenever you bring a new player in it energises the group and that's certainly happened and I think he's really enjoying his work at Fulham. He's looking forward to getting his career on track.

"He's a little different to what we've already got. We've got a number of different types of technical players and powerful players but arguably we haven't got somebody who gets from box to box, so we're looking for that part of his game to come to the fore when he gets his opportunity.

"It's about complementing the skills we already have and he brings a different skill set so we're delighted to have him. He wants to play and that's the situation that he's relayed to me. He wants to play and get back on track and we're benefitting from that motivation.

"Having had conversations with him he's still a young man in terms of what he wants to achieve in the game. There's a lot there that he wants to do and he just needs the right vehicle. He feels that Fulham is that Club and we feel that way too. I think he'll prosper and thrive at Fulham.

"He's always had that threat from midfield and the ability to score goals from midfield which is a big commodity for any side so we're delighted he's here. He'll be an option very quickly for us."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesOnSidwell.aspx#ixzz1B0jJ1ZKV

WhiteJC

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/hughes-confirms-city-ace-interest-1149147.html?

Hughes confirms City ace interest

Mark Hughes has confirmed that he would be interested in taking Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to Fulham.

The Cottagers chief has been heavily linked with a swoop for the 29-year-old England international after it became clear that he wanted to quit Eastlands in search of regular first-team football for the second half of this season.

City boss Roberto Mancini revealed that the player has up to three options and Hughes has admitted that he would relish the chance to take the player to Craven Cottage given that he signed him for City from Chelsea when in charge at Eastlands back in summer 2008.

However, when asked if he would also be interested in signing out-of-favour City striker Emmanuel Adebayor in addition to Wright-Phillips, Hughes said he could be outside of the club's price range.

"Shaun's a player I've worked with, a player I know," Hughes said. "Manu is a guy who I like as a person. As a player, he did well for me. But that doesn't mean we're in a position to bring him here."