Tuesday Fulham Stuff (08.02.11)

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Family man Carlos Salcido threatens to quit Fulham in summer to return to Mexico


By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 1:30 AM on 8th February 2011

Carlos Salcido has threatened to quit Fulham and return to Mexico in the summer.

The 30-year-old left-back, signed from PSV Eindhoven last year, is unhappy at starting just 11 Premier League games and eager to rejoin his family after spending five years in Europe.


Homeward bound? Salcido (rear)

Salcido, who is wanted by his first club Chivas, said: 'My current situation is a bit difficult and I'm thinking about going home for a number of reasons.

'I am at a stage of my career where I have nothing left to prove. My family have supported me throughout the time I have been playing abroad, but now it is time for me to support them.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1354649/Family-man-Carlos-Salcido-threatens-quit-Fulham-summer-return-Mexico.html#ixzz1DLbKoKM0

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The goalden era! If you thought Saturday's Premier League goal-fest was spectacular, that was nothing...

By Michael Walker

Last updated at 1:36 AM on 8th February 2011


Those who think it was goals galore as 41 were rifled in during Saturday's Premier League games should reflect on the early 1960s and in particular Boxing Day 1963, when the 10 First Division games produced 66 goals.That was a record.

The goals peaked at Craven Cottage, where Fulham beat Ipswich 10-1. This was the same Ipswich team that 18 months earlier had been league champions under Alf Ramsey. Those champions of May 1962 were relegated in May 1964 under Jackie Milburn. Ipswich conceded 121 goals that season.

Alan Mullery played on Boxing Day 1963 and remembers the game. As he said yesterday: 'I scored the ninth.' Mullery added that two days later Fulham went to Ipswich and were beaten 4-2. 'There always used to be strange results at Christmas,' he said. 'It was something you just couldn't get the gist of. You could win heavily and lose heavily.


Back in the day: Bryan Douglas (second left) leaves Martin Peters (left) and Ken Brown (third left) trailing as he slides in to score past West Ham keeper Jim Standen (right) in Blackburn's 8-2 win on Boxing Day 1963

'I remember that day was an absolute rout - Graham Leggat scored four. Leggat was a Scottish international, we had Johnny Haynes, captain of England, George Cohen, Bobby Robson. Fulham had a good team.

'Ipswich were good too and they played their best side that day. It was just one of those days.'

Were goalkeepers significantly worse then? 'No, I don't think so,' Mullery replied. 'Roy Bailey, father of Gary Bailey of Manchester United, was the Ipswich keeper that day. He was a decent keeper. There were plenty around. In the early 60s you had Gordon Banks, then Pat Jennings. Bert Trautmann was still around, Bert Williams at Wolves before that. Of course there were probably a few duff ones too.'


Game changer: Ian St John says playing in Europe led to the rise of defensive tactics

Ian St John scored for Liverpool that Boxing Day in their 6-1 win at home to Stoke. St John pointed out that goalkeepers then rarely left the goal-line. Hence they were called 'linos'. 'They stayed on their lines and that meant forwards had more space in the area,' St John explained. 'In those days there were a lot of classy forwards and forwards were definitely in the ascendancy.'

It meant that even with Blackburn winning 8-2 at West Ham, there was no sense of the afternoon being outrageous. 'There wasn't the emphasis then on defence that grew under George Graham at Arsenal, for example,' St John added. 'You never heard a phrase like "shutting up shop" when I was starting out.

'In effect that's boring football. At Anfield the fans used to chant, "Attack, attack", and when we crossed the halfway line there would be a huge roar.

'Funnily enough, under Bill Shankly we changed the way goalkeepers played. Under Shanks our defence began pushing up, we began playing a flat back four and that meant our keeper, Tommy Lawrence, left his line and came out of the box. People would ask, "What's Tommy doing?"

'We won the title that season, 1963-64, and then went into Europe. That was a big influence on how Liverpool played.

'For the first time you needed to have a defensive mentality because you didn't want to concede away goals at home.

'That was 1964 when Liverpool were first in Europe but we were in it for 20 consecutive seasons until Heysel. So you can see how European football changed the way we thought and played. It was about keeping the ball, not just "attack, attack".'


Piece of the action: Alan Mullery scored Fulham's ninth goal as they romped to a 10-1 win over Ipswich on Boxing Day in 1963

Being the dominant club, others will have copied Liverpool's increasingly tactical style. Perhaps Saturday is partly explained by the influence of Blackpool's have-a-go open game this season. St John called Saturday a 'throwback'; he also rubbished a notion that old Boxing Day scorelines were due to Christmas festivities.

'There was no over-indulgence at all - we had back-to-back games,' he said. 'Shanks used to say, "We have a Christmas in the summer". We also had back-to-back fixtures at Easter. I remember Tottenham were two up one half- time at Anfield and we won 5-2. Three days later at White Hart Lane we lost something like 7-2.'

Mullery added that he could not call that 1963 Boxing Day the most extraordinary day of his career. 'When I was 17 we once got beat 9-0 at Wolves.

'It was midweek so we stayed in a hotel and after the game we were sitting down for a meal. Frank Osborne, Fulham's general manager, said, "Well, we just lost 9-0 lads, but one day Alan Mullery will play for England". I couldn't believe it, but he was a good judge.



'Frank Osborne - he'd played for Spurs. He smoked 60 a day and drank a bottle of scotch a day. He wore a suit and tie and trilby hat every day, even when he was playing golf. All he changed were his shoes. I had to carry his clubs when I was a ground-staff boy. He was a scratch golfer.
'I wouldn't recommend his lifestyle but he died at 91.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1354674/Premier-League-goal-fest-spectacular-goalden-era.html#ixzz1DLcEIwCm

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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/avi_creditor/02/07/clint.dempsey.abroad/index.html?eref=sircrc

Dempsey keeping Fulham afloat; more Americans Abroad


Clint Dempsey's scoring prowess is keeping Fulham out of the EPL cellar
The U.S. forward has scored a career-high nine goals, leading to 13 points
Dempsey's play merits consideration for the league's most valuable player


   
Scoring a career-high nine goals, Fulham's Clint Dempsey has had plenty of reason to celebrate this season.
Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

What is Clint Dempsey's worth?

To Fulham, it's the difference between being six places clear of the drop zone or being buried at the bottom of it.

Dempsey has made a habit of scoring crucial goals during his career as a Cottager, and he added another to his account with a late equalizer against Aston Villa over the weekend. He now has 10 goals in all competitions this season.

"It's the first time I've gotten into double digits since I've been here," Dempsey told FulhamFC.com. "I've come close a few times, and it's good to better myself each season. It's good to finally get into that number of goals, and hopefully I can push on and finish the season strong."

All of Dempsey's career-high nine league goals have come either in wins or draws, and they have translated directly into 13 points for Fulham -- half of the team's season total. Considering that without those results Fulham would be trailing last-place West Ham by seven points, Dempsey's name should be in the mix when debating the candidates for the league's most valuable player.

He's tied for eighth in goals among all Premier League players, has accounted for almost a third of Fulham's goals (nine of 28) and is doing more than just scoring. His high work rate and ability to be solid on the ball whether he's playing up top or in the midfield have been constants throughout this season, and he has developed into a consistent aerial threat. After winning over first-year manager Mark Hughes and entering the starting rotation for good, following a brief period of uncertainty, Dempsey is in the midst of his finest season as a professional.

Playing the role of savior at Craven Cottage is nothing new for Dempsey, who scored the winning goal in a match against Liverpool in May 2007, to keep Fulham in England's top flight. Now it seems as if every one of his goals are essentially doing the same thing.

Here's the full rundown of how Dempsey and the rest of the Americans playing abroad fared this past week (statistics encompass all competitions):


ENGLAND


Brad Friedel made three saves in Aston Villa's 2-2 draw with Clint Dempsey and Fulham on Saturday.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Premier League

Michael Bradley, M, Aston Villa -- Not in the 18 for Villa's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Tuesday or for Villa's 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday. SEASON: 22 games, 20 starts, 4 goals

Clint Dempsey, M/F, Fulham -- Started, played 90 minutes in Fulham's 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday. Dempsey also started, played 90 minutes and scored a 78th-minute equalizer in Fulham's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday. Dempsey got himself into position at the edge of the 6-yard box and out-jumped the Aston Villa defense to head a Damien Duff corner kick past keeper Brad Friedel, leveling the score. SEASON: 30 games, 27 starts, 10 goals

Brad Friedel, GK, Aston Villa -- Started, played 90 minutes and made seven saves in Villa's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Tuesday. Friedel also started, played 90 minutes and made three saves in Villa's 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday. SEASON: 29 games, 29 starts, 97 saves, 46 goals allowed, 5 clean sheets

Marcus Hahnemann, GK, Wolverhampton -- In the 18, but did not play in Wolves' 1-0 loss to Bolton on Wednesday. Hahnemann was also in the 18 but did not play in Wolves' 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday. SEASON: 17 games, 17 starts, 59 saves, 28 goals allowed, 1 clean sheet

Stuart Holden, M, Bolton -- Started, played 90 minutes in Bolton's 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton on Wednesday. Holden also started and played 87 minutes in Bolton's 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Saturday. SEASON: 23 games, 21 starts, 2 goals

Tim Howard, GK, Everton -- Started, played 90 minutes, made four saves and picked up a yellow card in Everton's 2-1 loss to Arsenal on Tuesday. Howard also started, played 90 minutes and did not make a save in Everton's 5-3 victory over Blackpool on Saturday. SEASON: 27 games, 27 starts, 73 saves, 36 goals allowed, 5 clean sheets

Jermaine Jones, M, Blackburn -- Started, played 64 minutes and picked up a yellow card in Blackburn's 1-0 loss to Tottenham on Wednesday. Jones also started, played 79 minutes and picked up a yellow card in Blackburn's 4-3 loss to Wigan Athletic on Saturday. SEASON: 19 games, 18 starts, 1 goal

Eric Lichaj, D, Aston Villa -- Not in the 18 for Villa's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Tuesday or for Villa's 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday. SEASON: 8 games, 6 starts

Jonathan Spector, M/D, West Ham -- Not in the 18 for West Ham's 3-1 victory over Blackpool on Wednesday or for West Ham's 1-0 loss to Birmingham on Sunday. Spector picked up what the club called a "minor hamstring injury" in training and had to miss both matches. SEASON: 12 games, 11 starts, 4 goals

Championship

Conor Doyle, F, Derby County -- In the 18, did not play in Derby County's 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town on Tuesday. Doyle was also in the 18 but did not play in Derby County's 1-1 draw with Portsmouth on Saturday. SEASON: 11 games, 4 starts

Robbie Findley, F, Nottingham Forest -- Not in the 18 for Nottingham Forest's 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Tuesday or for Nottingham Forest's 1-0 victory over Watford on Saturday. Findley suffered a thigh injury in training last Wednesday and has been ruled out for up to the next 12 weeks. SEASON: 0 games

Mike Grella, F, Leeds United -- Not in the 18 for Leeds' 2-2 draw with Hull City on Tuesday or for Leeds' 1-0 victory over Coventry City on Saturday. SEASON: 12 games, 7 starts, 3 goals

Brad Guzan, GK, Hull City -- Started, played 90 minutes and made seven saves in Hull's 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Tuesday. Guzan also started, played 90 minutes and made four saves in Hull's 5-1 victory over Scunthorpe United on Saturday. SEASON: 10 games, 10 starts, 47 saves, 12 goals allowed, 2 clean sheets

Eddie Johnson, F, Preston North End -- Not in the 18 for Preston North End's 2-0 loss to Barnsley on Tuesday. Johnson started and played 90 minutes in Preston North End's 4-0 loss to Bristol City on Saturday. SEASON: 13 games, 2 starts

Zak Whitbread, D, Norwich City -- In the 18, did not play in Norwich City's 2-1 victory over Millwall on Tuesday. Whitbread started and played the first half of Norwich City's 2-1 loss to Burnley on Saturday. SEASON: 7 games, 6 starts

League One

Anton Peterlin, M, Plymouth Argyle -- In the 18, did not play in Plymouth Argyle's 1-0 loss to Yeovil Town on Tuesday. Peterlin was also in the 18 but did not play in Plymouth Argyle's 2-0 loss to Brentford on Saturday. SEASON: 5 games, 4 starts

Frank Simek, D, Carlisle United -- Started, played 90 minutes in Carlisle's 2-0 loss to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. Simek also started and played 90 minutes in Carlisle's 3-1 loss to Walsall on Saturday. SEASON: 34 games, 34 starts

League Two

Jon-Paul Pittman, F, Wycombe Wanderers -- In the 18, did not play in Wycombe's 2-1 victory over Cheltenham Town on Tuesday. Pittman was also in the 18 and came on as an 84th-minute substitute in Wycombe's 1-1 draw with Port Vale on Saturday. SEASON: 7 games, 3 starts, 2 goals

GERMANY
Bundesliga

DaMarcus Beasley, M, Hannover 96 -- Not in the 18 for Hannover's 1-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday. SEASON: 4 games

Steve Cherundolo, D, Hannover 96 -- Started, played 90 minutes in Hannover's 1-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday. SEASON: 21 games, 21 starts

Ricardo Clark, M/D, Eintracht Frankfurt -- Not in the 18 for Frankfurt's 0-0 draw with SC Freiburg on Sunday. Clark is expected to be out for the next three weeks while recovering after breaking his cheekbone. SEASON: 7 games, 4 starts

Daniel Williams, D, SC Freiburg -- Not in the 18 for Freiburg's 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday. SEASON: 5 games, 2 starts

2. Bundesliga

Edson Buddle, F, FC Ingolstadt 04 -- Started, played 80 minutes and assisted on the only goal in Ingolstadt's 1-0 victory over Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday. SEASON: 3 games, 2 starts, 1 goal

Luis Robles, GK, Karlsruhe SC -- Started, played 90 minutes and made five saves in Karlsruhe's 3-0 loss to SC Paderborn 07 on Saturday. SEASON: 15 games, 15 starts, 60 saves, 26 goals allowed, 4 clean sheets

Bobby Wood, F, TSV 1860 Munich -- In the 18, came on as an 88th-minute substitute in Munich's 1-1 draw with Fortuna Dusseldorf on Monday. SEASON: 2 games

Dave Yelldell, GK, MSV Duisburg -- Started, played 90 minutes and did not make a save in Duisburg's 3-1 victory over FC Erzgebirge Aue. SEASON: 25 games, 25 starts, 62 saves, 21 goals allowed, 9 clean sheets

3. Liga

Matt Taylor, F, Rot Weiss Ahlen -- Rot Weiss Ahlen's scheduled match against Stuttgart II on Wednesday was postponed. Taylor started and played 38 minutes in Rot Weiss Ahlen's 1-0 loss to Babelsberg on Saturday. According to the team's website, Taylor tried to play through a calf injury, but he had to be subbed off before halftime, and his status for Wednesday's match against Hansa Rostock is uncertain. SEASON: 15 games, 15 starts, 10 goals

FRANCE
Ligue 1

Carlos Bocanegra, D, St. Etienne -- Started, played 90 minutes and picked up a yellow card in St. Etienne's 2-1 victory over Montpellier on Saturday. SEASON: 20 games, 20 starts, 1 goal

Charlie Davies, F, FC Sochaux -- Not in the 18 for Sochaux's 2-1 loss to Chambery in the Round of 16 in the Coupe de France on Wednesday or for Sochaux's 1-0 loss to Nice in league play on Saturday. Davies is currently undergoing a weeklong evaluation with D.C. United in Florida for the club to determine whether he is fit to sign on loan. The two parties have already agreed on a 12-month loan pending the outcome of the evaluation. SEASON: 0 games

NETHERLANDS
Eredivisie

Oguchi Onyewu, D, FC Twente Enschede -- Not in the 18 for Twente's 1-1 draw with FC Utrecht on Sunday. SEASON: 3 games, 3 starts

TURKEY
Super Lig

Jozy Altidore, F, Bursaspor -- Not in the 18 for Bursaspor's 2-1 victory over Sivasspor on Friday. Altidore's paperwork was not yet completed, prohibiting him from suiting up on Friday. SEASON: 13 games, 7 starts, 2 goals

1. Lig

Freddy Adu, M, Caykur Rizespor -- Not in the 18 for Rizespor's 1-0 loss to Denizlispor on Saturday. Like Altidore, Adu was not yet cleared to suit up for his new squad. SEASON: 0 games

BELGIUM
Eerste Klasse

Sacha Kljestan, M, RSC Anderlecht -- In the 18, came on as an 84th-minute substitute in Anderlecht's 2-0 victory over St. Truiden on Saturday. SEASON: 22 games, 18 starts, 3 goals

PORTUGAL
Liga de Honra

Bryan Arguez, M, G.D. Estoril Praia -- Not in the 18 for Estoril's 2-0 victory over Moreirense on Sunday. SEASON: 1 game, 1 start

Greg Garza, D, G.D. Estoril Praia -- Not in the 18 for Estoril's 2-0 victory over Moreirense on Sunday. SEASON: 1 game

Tony Taylor, F, G.D. Estoril Praia -- In the 18, did not play in Estoril's 2-0 victory over Moreirense on Sunday. SEASON: 16 games, 3 starts, 4 goals

SCOTLAND
Premier League

Dominic Cervi, GK, Celtic FC -- Not in the 18 for Celtic's 3-0 victory over Aberdeen on Tuesday or for Celtic's 2-2 draw with Rangers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday. The two rivals are forced to replay the tie on Feb. 20. SEASON: 0 games

Maurice Edu, M, Rangers FC -- Started, played 90 minutes in Rangers' 1-0 victory over Hearts of Midlothian on Wednesday. Edu also started and played 90 minutes in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Celtic in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday. SEASON: 25 games, 19 starts, 4 goals

MEXICO
Primera Division

Daniel Antunez, M/D, Estudiantes Tecos -- In the 18, came on as a 60th-minute substitute in Tecos' 3-2 loss to San Luis on Saturday. SEASON: 2 games, 1 start

Jonathan Bornstein, M/D, Tigres UANL -- Started, played 78 minutes and assisted on the opening goal in Tigres' 2-0 victory over Santos Laguna on Saturday. EASON: 3 games, 3 starts

Edgar Castillo, D, Puebla --Started, played 90 minutes and picked up a yellow card in Puebla's 1-0 loss to UNAM on Sunday. SEASON: 4 games, 3 starts

Herculez Gomez, F, Pachuca -- Started, played 90 minutes in Pachuca's 2-0 loss to Monterrey on Saturday. SEASON: 5 games, 1 start

Sonny Guadarrama, M, Atlante -- In the 18, came on as a 70th-minute substitute in Atlante's 2-0 loss to Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday. SEASON: 4 games

Sammy Ochoa, F, Estudiantes Tecos -- Not in the 18 for Tecos' 3-2 loss to San Luis on Saturday. SEASON: 0 games

Jose Francisco Torres, M, Pachuca -- Started, played 90 minutes and picked up a yellow card in Pachuca's 2-0 loss to Monterrey on Saturday. SEASON: 2 games, 1 start

Avi Creditor is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C.



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/avi_creditor/02/07/clint.dempsey.abroad/index.html#ixzz1DLh4oar4

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http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/5109/3/fulham-line-free-transfer-swoop-swedish-full-back

Fulham line up free transfer swoop for Swedish full-back

By Alex Shaw


Monday, February 7



Fulham target Behrang Safari has decided to quit FC Basle at the end of the season.

Mark Hughes has sent scouts to watch Safari numerous times this season and the Fulham manager was close to making a move in the January transfer window.

Basle held firm and kept hold of the left back, who can also play in midfield, but the Swiss side are resigned to losing the 25-year-old.

Safari, born in Iran but a Sweden international, has now told his club he's ready to let his contract run down, paving the way for a free transfer to Craven Cottage in the summer

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http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/02/07/hughes-wants-to-tie-johnson-to-fulham-64767-28129061/

Hughes wants to tie Johnson to Fulham

Feb 7 2011


By Jacob Murtagh


Andy Johnson

MARK Hughes wants to tie Andy Johnson to a new contract at Fulham.

The former England striker has just 18 months left on his current deal at Craven Cottage after an injury-ravaged two-and-a-half years in SW6.

However, he stepped up his return to form with another goal in Saturday's draw at Aston Villa.

And boss Hughes insists he wants to keep the pint-sized striker at the club.

He said: "Andy has 18 months of his contract left. Do I want to keep him? Yes, absolutely.

"He's missed a lot of football and we're hopeful now that he'll have a run of games and his career will progress without injury."#

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Top Ten

Monday 7th February 2011



Clint Dempsey's headed equaliser against Aston Villa on Saturday took his tally to 10 goals this season and the US international star was evidently delighted to have earned Fulham a point following another away performance full of character and resilience.   

"It's the first time I've got into double digits since I've been over here," Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. "I've come close a few times and it's good to better myself each season. It's good to finally get into that number of goals and hopefully I can push on and finish the season strong.

"It was a tough game on Saturday but it's always tough at Villa Park. They've got a lot of players with pace and you have to work hard defensively but I thought the game opened up in the second half.

"We showed a lot of character to come from behind twice to get a point and I think our position is looking better now. Hopefully we can continue this run of form and finish the season strongly and build for next year."

Following this week's international matches, Dempsey and company return to action on Monday for arguably the most highly anticipated match of the season, when Fulham take on Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Mark Hughes' side are evidently full of confidence at the moment and Dempsey believes if Fulham can produce their top form on Valentine's Day, the points are there to be won.   

"We're confident in our play - we've got players returning to full fitness and there's good competition for spots," Dempsey explained. "I think we're going to push on and our mindset is to be looking up and not down the table.

"Hopefully we can get something out of the game against Chelsea and we'll do our best. We'll go out there and work hard – we know if we play to our best we're capable of getting points."

Tickets are selling fast for Fulham's Valentine's Day derby match against Chelsea at Craven Cottage (KO 8pm). Secure your seat now and don't miss out on this SW6 derby under floodlights.|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/DempseyChelseaPreview.aspx#ixzz1DLlRZNQ7

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Back To His Best


Monday 7th February 2011



Mark Hughes believes Andrew Johnson is now back to his best following his return from an injury plagued 14 months.

The striker was once again a menace to the opposition's defence last weekend and his efforts were rewarded at Villa Park, with his second goal in four games.

Fulham's Manager is clearly pleased for Johnson, who is producing the form that once earned him international recognition with England.

"He had a significant injury and he's been out for a considerable length of time," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "He has been playing well, and all that was missing from his performances were goals, but now thankfully he's adding goals.

"He's in good shape, he looks strong and he's completing games – which is important for him. He's in splendid form and everyone is delighted for him after everything he has been through. We're starting to see the best of him.

"He's missed a lot of football and we're hopeful now that he'll have a run of games and his career will progress without injury. He was in the England squad prior to his injury problems. Who is to say that if he keeps himself fit he can't get himself back into those squads?"

The New Year has seen Hughes' hand strengthened by the return of Johnson and Mousa Dembele and Fulham fans can expect a strong Spring offensive as a certain Bobby Zamora gets closer to full fitness.

"We have a lot of options in that area of the pitch now," said Hughes. "That was one of the reasons why things weren't perhaps going too well for us at one point. But we have players back, and if you look at the strength that we had on the bench on Saturday it shows that this Club is in a healthy position.

"Bobby Zamora is training with the First Team squad again now, although I think it will be two or three weeks before he can be properly considered. But he's certainly on track, which is pleasing for us all."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/AJPraise.aspx#ixzz1DLlhbljX

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Fulham Internationals


Monday 7th February 2011



David Stockdale's call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad on Saturday night has grabbed the headlines over the past few days, with the keeper's consistently outstanding form during the month of January rewarded with a first international call-up.

Fulham fans will be hoping to see Stockdale in action on Wednesday night in Copenhagen but there are also a number of other international matches to keep an eye out for over the coming days.

The action kicks-off on Tuesday night when Damien Duff and Stephen Kelly are likely to feature for the Republic of Ireland against Wales in Dublin.

Also on Tuesday youngsters Neil Etheridge and Gael Kakuta will be in action for the Phillipines and France (U21) respectively.

Then, on Wednesday night, there are a further nine international matches that could potentially feature Fulham players, including, of course, David Stockdale.

 

 

 

 

 

Player  Country  Match  Venue 
Damien Duff  Republic of Ireland  Wales (8 Feb)  Aviva Stadium, Dublin 
Stephen Kelly  Republic of Ireland  Wales (8 Feb)  Aviva Stadium, Dublin 
David Stockdale  England  Denmark (09 Feb)  Parken, Copenhagen 
Chris Baird  Northern Ireland  Scotland (9 Feb)  Aviva Stadium, Dublin 
Brede Hangeland  Norway  Poland (09 Feb)  Estadio, Algarve 
Bjorn Helge Riise  Norway  Poland (09 Feb)  Estadio, Algarve 
John Pantsil  Ghana  Togo (09 Feb)  Lens, France 
Zoltan Gera  Hungary  Azerbaijan (09 Feb)  Tofik Bakhramov, Baku 
Mousa Dembele  Belgium  Finland (09 Feb)  Koning Boudewijn Stadion, Belgium 
Diomansy Kamara  Senegal  Guinea (09 Feb)  Dakar, Senegal 
Carlos Salcido  Mexico  Bosnia (09 Feb)  Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Mexico 
Kagisho Dikgacoi  South Africa  Burkina Faso (09 Feb)  First National Bank StadiumRustenburg, SA 
Neil Etheridge  Phillipines  Play-off match (08 Feb)  Negros Occidental 
Gael Kakuta  France U21  Slovakia (08 Feb)  Chateauroux, France 

Aaron Hughes, who was due to play in Northern Ireland's match against Scotland in Dublin on Wednesday night, will no longer be involved. Hughes was forced to withdraw from preparations on Monday morning due to a back and hamstring problem.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/InternationalPreview.aspx#ixzz1DLlvbVrZ

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/getting-better/

Getting better


Filed under: General — rich @ 8:18 am

Speaking of young footballers, this from Joe Posnanski is a must read.

In this, Joe looks at top quarterback selections in the NFL draft and points out that these players almost never make it to the levels expected of them.   In case you're not aware, the system in the NFL is that each season the worst team gets to choose first from a pool of all the nation's young talent, and so on and so forth.  It's a way of levelling the playing field.

Anyway, these teams have top scouts on the case and don't take these decisions lightly.   What Posnanski does then is ask what it is that Aaron Rodgers, the recent Super Bowl winner, has that nobody noticed when he was drafted (he wasn't a high selection) and what he has that others thought better than him did not.

What you get from these quotes and just about everything Rodgers says — in addition to steady and pleasant boredom — is a sense of someone who thinks about things constantly, even little things that few others think about. He seems to be someone who simply cannot imagine staying the same, simply cannot imagine that he's already good enough. There are so many potential distractions at the NFL level, some of them off the field (money, fame, fan fickleness ...), some on the field (dealing with pain — Rodgers has a history of concussions — standing up to a heavy rush, the inner workings of a team ...). And the most successful quarterbacks, bar none, are the ones who deal with those distractions and never believe the hype and continue to hunger for even the slightest improvement.

That is a lot tougher trait to scout than arm strength and how much a player can bench press.

There's more along these lines.  The quotes that he gathers about Rodgers essentially say nothing, which is to suggest that nobody really knows what it is that makes him so good.

Posnanski thinks he knows:  what Rodgers seems to have is a gift for hard work, for self-improvement.  The triumph isn't against adversity, it's against stagnation and against comfort.   Most of us cruise when we get to a certain point; some keep on going (we see this among the great batsmen of course).   Is this what football scouting should be focusing on?   Finding the talented players, but placing greater emphasis on character than is (presumably) now the case?  All the old pros talk about a lack of discipline amongst young footballers (Roy Keane is particularly good on these things*); maybe they're right.   But as they also say, where's the incentive for young footballers, who can be inhumanely wealthy without ever achieving anything?

Have a read of the article anyway.

*"According to one authoritative account of his final days at Sunderland, his relationship with senior players unravelled to the point where Keane only really appeared to derive any pleasure from escorting promising young schoolboy footballers round the club. When they approached the first-team changing areas, the manager routinely cautioned: "Be careful not to trip over the hair-gel containers." It did not need a psychologist to spot the disillusion in his voice."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.hullcityindependent.net/?page=news&news_id=501

Loan window opens - Tigers target three

Hull City manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed the club are likely to get involved in the loan market for incoming players now the emergency transfer window for Football League clubs has opened - according to reports in the local media at least - prompting speculation on who the club may try to bring in.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, the City boss revealed to the local radio station - 'If the right players are available and we can do it, it makes sense to add one, maybe two. They have to be the right players, I'm not going to bring players in for the sake of it.'

Here at the Towers, we believe the manager is looking at a central defender and another midfielder. Already, City have gone on record publicly to claim they will try and lure Neil Danns of Crystal Palace to the club in the summer, when his contract runs out a Selhurst Park. It is believed a deadline day swap bid for Anthony Gardner failed, but City may return for a loan deal now the window is open for business.

Menawhile, as reported on City Independent before anyone else locally speaking, the Tigers will continue to look at securing Jonathan Greening at Premier League Fulham. Craven Cottage manager Mark Hughes has stated Greening has got a part to play in the capital club's fight for survival, but so far has made just four appearances this season - suggesting a loan deal could well be struck.

However, at this stage, the defender under consideration remains unidentified. Elsewhere, promising young striker Mark Cullen has returned from a loan spell with Bradford City under Peter Taylor's tutelage. Cullen made four appearances for the Bantams, three of which came from the bench.

[White Noise]

http://www.afrik-news.com/article18915.html


John Paintsil, the king of own goals

Tuesday 8 February 2011


by Nicholas Mc Anally

     


It's operation open net at Fulham! Out of four bitter own goals registered since the beginning of the season, three have emanated from the legwork of John Paintsil. The Ghanaian international defender is on his way to setting a record in the Premier League.

Is John Painstil a double agent? That's what Mark Hughes, Fulham's Welsh coach, must be wondering as the Ghanaian defender scored his third own goal this season against Aston Villa.

A record for the highflying performing 29 year-old Paintsil who since joining the Cottagers in 2008 has become a real joy to opposing forces! After Blackpool (2-2) and Liverpool (1-0), Aston Villa (2-2) has become the recent benefactors of the heroic Black Star international's largesse.

And surprisingly, Fulham is never able to recover from the shock every time Paintsil's legs carry a ball into the team's own net. It is no secret that the Ghanaian international's unrelenting blunders have undermined any hopes of a good start for the Cottagers.

Out in June

But Hughes has run to his defender's rescue. "John was disappointed at half-time. It was affecting him so I made the early decision to take him off (...) It was a difficult ball for him to deal with but he got it wrong and it can affect your confidence (...) You always review every goal you concede to try to erase any little defaults (...) We picked ourselves up from the own goal and restricted Villa to very few opportunities in the first half.

Paintsil, whose contract expires in June, has a difficult task to stop sending goals flying into his own net. He has become the second player in the history of the Premier League to have scored three times against his own team since Jakobsson (Southampton) during the 2005-2006 season.

[White Noise]

Valentine gift ideas

Tuesday 8th February 2011



Valentine's Day is almost here but there is still time to get your Fulham Valentine the perfect FFC gift! With many gifts available you will be spoiled for choice with your 'My heart is in Fulham Football Club' Tee or even the milk chocolate Fulham bar to sweeten up their day!

To make the choice easier for fans we've grouped together the best of our Official retail products into a special Valentines section in the online store.  View it now|.

There are great gifts for him and for her but order today to ensure you receive all of your gifts in time for the big day on Monday.

If you want that extra special gift, the Fulham limited edition commerative boxed shirt is the perfect present. With only 500 being made, and the last remaining ones on sale now on a first come first served basis, you won't want to miss out on this perfect, and most unique, present.  Buy the Chairman's boxed shirt today.|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/Valentinesretail.aspx#ixzz1DNAx3nlb

[White Noise]

Cottage Plays Host

Tuesday 8th February 2011



Fulham Football Club is delighted to confirm that the 2010/11 UEFA Women's Champions League final| will be played at the Cottage and tickets are now on sale for as little as £3!

The countdown to the match – which kicks-off at the Cottage on Thursday 26 May (KO 8pm), two days before the men's decider at Wembley – began in earnest when the quarter-finalists convened for a workshop and tour of the venue in SW6 this week.

The clubs left in the competition are FFC Turbine Potsdam (GER), Arsenal LFC (ENG), Everton (ENG), FCF Juvisy Essonne (FRA), FCR 2001 Duisburg (GER), Linköpings FC (SWE), Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) and Zvezda-2005 (RUS).

Tickets for the showpiece are priced at £3 for under-16s and £5 (€5.90) for adults. They can be purchased online| or by calling 0843 2081234 (option 1) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (no booking fees apply online).

Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: "It gives everybody associated with Fulham great pleasure and pride that UEFA has selected our stadium to host this important game.

"Last season the Cottage played host to some of Europe's most famous clubs during our magnificent Europa League campaign, and many prestigious international fixtures have also been played here in recent years."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/CLAnnouncement.aspx#ixzz1DNBF9UgM

[White Noise]

Duff In Action

Tuesday 8th February 2011



Fulham winger Damien Duff has been named in the Republic of Ireland's starting eleven for Tuesday night's game against Wales in Dublin.

Giovanni Trapattoni's team will take on Wales at the Aviva Stadium in the Carling Nations Cup this evening and the match will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm.

The game will mark Gary Speed's first game in charge of Wales following his recent appointment.

Tonight's match kicks-off the Carling Nations Cup, a four team tournament also featuring Scotland and Northern Ireland, who play on Wednesday night in Dublin.

A second round of fixtures will take place over a week in May.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/DuffInAction.aspx#ixzz1DNIgNMnx

[White Noise]

Bodog's Derby Draw


Tuesday 8th February 2011


Fulham's official betting partner Bodog is giving you the chance to win two pairs of VIP tickets to see Fulham play Chelsea at the Cottage on Valentine's Day.

To take part in the prize draw for the experience of a lifetime all you have to do is sign up to Bodog and Be A Player!

For a chance to win, simply sign up to Bodog now!

Here's how to enter*:

1. Sign Up| and Deposit £10 or more

2. Place a bet of £10 or more on any Premier League match

3. Receive one entry in to the prize draw for one of two pairs of VIP tickets
That's not all, to give yourself every chance of winning; Bodog will give you an additional entry in to the prize draw for every qualifying bet placed between now and Wednesday 9th of February.

Already a member? Login in here or Sign Up Now|



*Terms and Conditions:

• The VIP Fulham Ticket prize draw competition is open until 23:59 GMT on the Wednesday 9th February ("qualifying period").

• To enter the prize draw, new customers must sign up to Bodog .co.uk, deposit and place a bet of £10 or more on a Premier League match during the qualifying period ("qualifying bet").

• Existing customers are also eligible to receive an entry in to the prize draw by placing a qualifying bet during the qualifying period.

• New and existing customers will also receive an additional entry in to the prize draw for every additional qualifying bet placed during the qualifying period.

• The winners will be drawn at random on Thursday 10th February. The winners will be notified by telephone.

• Two Winners will each receive one pair of VIP tickets to the Fulham vs Chelsea Premier League match on Monday 14th February (the "Prize").

• The Prize consists of a pair of VIP tickets only. The Winner must pay for their own travel, accommodation and all other expenses incidental to or relating to the Prize.

• Winner will have until 13:00 (GMT) on Friday 11th January to claim the Prize.

• The Prize is non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash. If a Winner is unable to take up the Prize for whatever reason, an alternative Winner will be chosen. By accepting the Prize, the Winner agrees to their name being published on the bodog.co.uk website and to carry out any reasonable publicity requests of bodog.co.uk in connection with the winning of the Prize.

• You are solely responsible for complying with any booking or other conditions or instructions of Fulham FC or any other relevant third party in relation to the Prize. www.bodog.co.uk shall have no liability in relation to the performance or non-performance of any service provided by Fulham FC or any other any relevant third party, which shall be the sole responsibility of Fulham FC or relevant third party, or for the failure by you to comply with any eligibility restrictions or otherwise imposed by Fulham FC or any other relevant third party.

• No representations, warranties, conditions or other terms are made, given or accepted by www.bodog.co.uk and no other terms shall apply, as between www.bodog.co.uk and any person, in relation to the Prize, including without limitation any terms as to suitably, reliability, satisfactory quality or fitness for purpose, or any other implied terms, all of which www.bodog.co.uk exclude to the maximum extent permitted by law.

• Except that we do not exclude or limit our liability for personal injury or death caused by our negligence or for fraudulent misrepresentation or any other liability that may not, by law, be limited or excluded, www.bodog.co.uk accepts no liability whatsoever and however arising in relation to your use (or inability to use) the Prize, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

• Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

• By entering this prize draw, you hereby warrant that all information submitted by you is true, correct and complete.

• The general rules and policies of www.bodog.co.uk found at www.bodog.co.uk/bodog-help.html shall also apply to this prize draw.

• www.bodog.co.uk has the right to cancel or withdraw the prize draw or change any of its terms at any time and without cause or notice.

• This prize draw is designed for recreational accounts only and will be attributed accordingly. Any accounts deemed to be non-recreational or attempting to abuse the nature of this prize draw will be voided without hesitation. www.bodog.co.uk's decision in this regard will be final.

• www.bodog.co.uk is the sole arbiter of this prize draw and its decision is final and binding.

• New customers will also be entitled to the £25 Free Bet sign up bonus subject to the terms and conditions of that offer found at http://www.bodog.co.uk/bonuses/25-in-free-bets.html|.

• If you have any questions regarding the prize draw, please contact [email protected].


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/BodogDerbyPrize.aspx#ixzz1DNSFTwgg

[White Noise]

Etheridge's International Challenge

Tuesday 8th February 2011




Fulham and Philippine international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge flew to Manila last weekend ahead of this week's play-off match (1st leg) against Mongolia at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

On arriving in the Philippines Etheridge took the time to thank Fulham FC for granting him permission to play for his home nation as his bright start to 2011 continues. At the start of the year Etheridge was Fulham's second choice keeper behind David Stockdale during Mark Schwarzer's participation in the Asian Cup 2011.

"I can't be thankful enough," said Etheridge. "They [Fulham FC] really did support me and they've supported me coming out here. They've given me permission after being on the bench for the last six to seven games in the Premier League.

"I'm always looking to improve my game and I actually think my athleticism, kicking and confidence have improved from being involved with the First Team in the Premier League."

In December 2010, Etheridge helped the Philippines to the Suzuki Cup Semi Finals, which included a victory over last season's Champions, Vietnam. The Philippines eventually lost to Indonesia in the Final four but the Azkals run was seen as a major step forward.

As one of the eight lowest-ranked teams out of 20 in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippines must overcome Mongolia over two legs to be played on the 9th and 16th February to reach the 16-team group phase.

"I know it will be a hard game but I am sure we're capable as a unit and as a squad," said Etheridge. "We can override both legs and move on in the competition."

Should Etheridge and company overcome Mongolia the Philippines will compete against Myanmar, Palestine and Bangladesh in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup between the 20th and 31st Match 2011.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/EtheridgeInternationalNews.aspx#ixzz1DNSboazN

[White Noise]

Fulham v Chelsea tickets


Barclays Premier League


Monday 14th February


Kick-Off 20:00

Tickets are selling fast for the Whites' upcoming match against current Barclays Premier League Champions Chelsea. Secure your seat now and don't miss out on this SW6 derby under floodlights.

On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders  On sale (Max 4 Tickets)
Fulham Club Members On sale (Max 4 Tickets)
Previous Purchasers On sale (Max 2 Tickets)   
Loyalty points: 2 (more info)| 

Buy tickets now| 

Hospitality Matchday Experiences
We have a limited number of places remaining for those wanting to enjoy the ultimate matchday experience on our River Thames Boat Cruise departing from the City.

Find out more about hospitality available or call 020 8336 7555 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) to book your place.†

How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online  - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0843 208 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 020 7384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange * Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking

† Special offers and packages only available on advance bookings and not on the day of the match.

Prices
Category A prices apply to this match.

NB: Blocks A and AL are a designated Family Area and are not available to  book online. To book, call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 opt 3 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).



  Stand (Grade A)   Block   Adult   Conc   Junior 
Riverside   S, Z   £60   £45   £30 
J Haynes   D, DL, G, GL   £55   £40   £25 
Hammersmith   All Blocks   £49   £38   £22 
Putney   Neutral   £49   £49   £49 
J Haynes   B, BL, C, CL J, JL, H, HL    £50   £38   £22 
J Haynes   A, K, AL, KL   £45   £30   £20 


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/ChelseaHome.aspx#ixzz1DNSrsJSc

[HatterDon]

Fulham Internationals


Monday 7th February 2011



Player  Country  Match  Venue 
Damien Duff  Republic of Ireland  Wales (8 Feb)  Aviva Stadium, Dublin 
Stephen Kelly  Republic of Ireland  Wales (8 Feb)  Aviva Stadium, Dublin 
David Stockdale  England  Denmark (09 Feb)  Parken, Copenhagen 
Chris Baird  Northern Ireland  Scotland (9 Feb)  Aviva Stadium, Dublin 
Brede Hangeland  Norway  Poland (09 Feb)  Estadio, Algarve 
Bjorn Helge Riise  Norway  Poland (09 Feb)  Estadio, Algarve 
John Pantsil  Ghana  Togo (09 Feb)  Lens, France 
Zoltan Gera  Hungary  Azerbaijan (09 Feb)  Tofik Bakhramov, Baku 
Mousa Dembele  Belgium  Finland (09 Feb)  Koning Boudewijn Stadion, Belgium 
Diomansy Kamara  Senegal  Guinea (09 Feb)  Dakar, Senegal 
Carlos Salcido  Mexico  Bosnia (09 Feb)  Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Mexico 
Kagisho Dikgacoi  South Africa  Burkina Faso (09 Feb)  First National Bank StadiumRustenburg, SA 
Neil Etheridge  Phillipines  Play-off match (08 Feb)  Negros Occidental 
Gael Kakuta  France U21  Slovakia (08 Feb)  Chateauroux, France 

Aaron Hughes, who was due to play in Northern Ireland's match against Scotland in Dublin on Wednesday night, will no longer be involved. Hughes was forced to withdraw from preparations on Monday morning due to a back and hamstring problem.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/InternationalPreview.aspx#ixzz1DLlvbVrZ

Atlanta, Mexico? Hmmmm, not so much.  :011:

[White Noise]

Man City Fixture


Tuesday 8th February 2011


Fulham's Barclays Premier League match against Manchester City at Eastlands, which was due to be played on Monday 28th February at 8pm, will now take place on Sunday 27th February (KO 3pm).

This fixture will no longer be shown live on Sky Sports.   


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/ManCityFixture.aspx#ixzz1DNuUbyS0

[White Noise]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/5124/1/fulham-alert-freiburg-prepare-sell-striker


Fulham on alert as Freiburg prepare to sell striker

By Declan Taylor


Tuesday, February 8




Premier League clubs are already lining up summer bids for Freiburg hotshot Papiss Demba Cisse after the Bundesliga club admitted defeat in their attempt to hold on to him.

One Premier League club, understood to be Fulham, made contact with Freiburg in January about doing a deal for Cisse - but his club dismissed all enquiries.

But Cisse's agent Guido Nickolay has revealed that Freiburg have now named their price for the £12.5m-rated striker, who has hit 15 goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season.
"
Freiburg do not want to sell but they are a smaller club and will sell at the right price
"
Guido Nickolay
"Freiburg do not want to sell but they are a smaller club and will sell at the right price," Nickolay said.

"They know the figure they want for him - but I cannot say it. They are ready to do business in the summer. But it isn't just Premier League clubs who want him - there are other clubs in Italy and Spain too.

"There was interest from the Premier League in January but Freiburg made sure they kept him until the end of the season. There will be more, but now it won't be until the summer."