Thursday Fulham Stuff (10.02.11)

[White Noise]

Cana reveals Prem offers


Villa, Bolton and Fulham wanted former Sunderland man


By Jure Bohoric   Last updated: 9th February 2011
   


Cana: Interest

Lorik Cana's father has revealed that Aston Villa, Bolton and Fulham all tried to sign the midfielder in January.

The former Sunderland midfielder moved to Galatasaray last summer when he opted to leave Wearside.

However, the 27-year-old was being tracked by a host of English clubs looking to bring him back to the Premier League.

His father confirmed that Galatasaray shunned offers from England and Italy.

"Many clubs were after Lorik," Cana snr told BotaSport.

"He could have gone to Italy, as Lazio wanted him, but there was also an interest from England.

"Aston Villa, Bolton and Fulham all wanted him, but Galatasaray said no."

Cana Snr says that his son was not looking to leave Gala at the moment.

"Even Lorik wasn't really opened for that kind of move in the winter," he said.

"But maybe something will happen in summer."

[White Noise]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/5153/8/murphy-ready-finish-his-career-fuham


Murphy ready to finish his career at Fuham




By talkSPORT


Wednesday, February 9


Fulham captain Danny Murphy wants to finish his career at the club having signed a new 18-month contract.

The former Liverpool midfielder, 33, said: "I have had a wonderful time here. The fans have been fantastic and the last two seasons have been the most successful in the club's history.

"I don't envisage playing anywhere else in my career – however long that be.

"The club is moving forward every week and long may that continue. Long my legs continue to get me out there too."

[White Noise]

Fulham target Cisse up for sale


Published 23:00 09/02/11


By MirrorFootball



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 they dismissed all enquiries.

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," 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 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."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-transfer-news-Freiburg-ready-to-sell-striker-Papiss-Demba-Cisse-a-January-window-target-for-Fulham-in-the-summer-article694283.html#ixzz1DXPMFD5H

[White Noise]

Etheridge Victory

Wednesday 9th February 2011



Neil Etheridge kept a clean sheet on Wednesday as the Philippine Azkals beat the Blue Wolves of Mongolia 2-0 at The Panaad Stadium in Bacolod in a crucial AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier (1st leg).

The Philippines first goal came right before half-time from Chieffy Caligdong before Phil Younghusband secured the win in stoppage time.

The second leg will be played on the 16th February with the winner reaching the 16-team group phase of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

Should Etheridge and company seal their victory over Mongolia in the second leg 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/EtheridgeVictory.aspx#ixzz1DXQ9liZJ

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/subbing-in-the-second-half/

Subbing in the second half

Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 6:59 pm

Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal wrote an interesting story about the beneficial nature of second-half subsitutes when a team is down. Citing the "Decision Rule" of Bret Myers, a professor of management and operations at the Villanova School of Business, Diamond wrote:

[Myers] concluded that if their team is behind, managers should make the first substitution prior to the 58th minute, the second substitution prior to the 73rd minute and the third prior to the 79th minute.

Teams that follow these guidelines improve—score at least one goal—roughly 36% of the time. Teams that don't follow the rule improve about 18.5% of the time. He noted 1,037 instances the rule could have been applied and found that managers abide by it a little less than half the time. He also found that the timing of subs has no effect on the team ahead in the score or if the match is tied.

So, how does this stack up with Fulham? Well, according to football365 Fulham have the following record when losing at half time:

Team PLD LHT W D L F A GD GFA GAA PpG Pts
Fulham (12) 26 11 1 5 5 12 19 -7 1.09 1.72 0.72 8

Even with a seemingly low point total, we're actually 4th overall in points per game when losing at half time behind just Arsenal, Spurs, and United. Nonetheless, the following are the 11 matches were Fulham were down at halftime and the second-half subs they made:

•United: Dembele (61), Greening (81) and Gera (90). [Down 1-0, Fulham would draw 2-2.]
•Wolves: Baird (45), EJ (83). [Down 1-0, Fulham would win 2-1.]
•@Blackburn: EJ (78), Gera (89). [Down 1-0, Fulham would draw 1-1.]
•@West Brom: AJ (59), Riise (73). [Down 2-1, Fulham would lose 2-1.]
•Villa: Kelly (58), Andrew Johnson (59), Damien Duff (70). [Down 1-0, Fulham would draw 1-1.]
•@Chelsea: AJ (62), Gera (79). [Down 1-0, Fulham would lose 1-0.]
•City: Gera (45), Kamara (64). [Down 3-0, Fulham would lose 4-1.]
•Brum: EJ (73). [Down 1-0, Fulham would draw 1-1.]
•West Ham: EJ (54), Duff (54). [Down 2-1, Fulham would lose 3-1.]
•@Spurs: Gera (82). [Down 1-0, Fulham would lose 1-0.]
•@Villa: Salcido (62), Davies (68), Gudjohnsen (90). [Down 1-0, Fulham would draw 2-2.]

Hughes made a substitution in every game he was down a man, but he's never made all three subs at or before the times Myers suggests. Nor does Diamond suggest the possibility of scoring a goal in, say, the 69th minute but still making a sub in 73rd minute. But we can still play with the data (or, at least I think so.)

Only 4 times did Hughes make a sub before the 58th minute, with a 50% scoring-at-least-one-goal success rate.

Hughes made his second sub before the 73rd minute 5 times, which resulted in at least one scored goal 4 times (80%).

Lastly, only once was the third sub made before the 79th minute, in a game that Fulham scored a goal. So that would be a 100% success rate.

So by my count, Hughes' success rate is about 83% when following each of Myers' guidelines. Not to shabby, eh? I wonder what Roy's success rate would be during the 2008-09 season, back when our biggest compliant about the man was he never made subs until it was too late.

Anyway, even if all my math is complete bunk the rub is here:

Dr. Myers said the rule shows that coaches underestimate the significance of fatigue late in a match, which causes them to overvalue starters and undervalue substitutes.

Which is why I've always supported an additional sub or two when cup/tournament games go to extra time.

[White Noise]

Fulham v Chelsea tickets


Barclays Premier League


Monday 14th February


Kick-Off 20:00

Only a limited number of tickets remain for the Barclays Premier League match against 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| 

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#ixzz1DXREkfbR

[White Noise]

Danny Murphy on finishing his career at Fulham 9th Feb 2011


Wed, 9 Feb 11

Duration: 13 mins

Available: 30 days remaining

After signing a one year extension to his contract at Fulham, captain Danny Murphy talks about playing with the club until his legs won't let him any more, and what its like with Steve Sidwell alongside him in midfield. Plus we hear from Mark Hughes after the win at home against Newcastle and the draw away at Aston Villa.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/iffc

[White Noise]

Locals cry foul over soccer boss Mark Hughes's plans for a £5m Footballers Wives-style mansion in Cheshire's golden triangle

By Liz Hull


Last updated at 7:05 PM on 9th February 2011

Football manager Mark Hughes has angered villagers by applying to tear down part of a Victorian villa and turn it into a 'green' family home.

Hughes, boss of Premiership club Fulham, has submitted a planning application to demolish the back of historic Brampton House, in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and turn it into a Footballers' Wives-style mansion with swimming pool and gym.

The property, on Trafford Road, dates from the 1850s and was originally called Osborne House after Queen Victoria's royal residence on the Isle of Wight.


Football manager Mark Hughes has angered villagers by applying to tear down part of Brampton House in Alderley Edge and turn it into a 'green' family home

The former Manchester United star wants to demolish all but the facade and build a £5million four-bedroom 'environmentally-friendly' family home in its place.

The lavish plans include excavating a large swimming pool, complete with sauna, two plunge pools, a gym, weight and treatment room and even creating a tranquility garden.

The property, which Hughes bought for £2.5million two years ago, is not listed but is in a conservation area.

On the ground floor he wants to create a large open plan kitchen, dining room and family seating area, a cinema, study and 'retreat' with space for a grand piano. Stairs will lead down into a large glazed garden room, a further lounge and office.


In 2008 Hughes objected to footballer Michael Carrick's plans to demolish a house across the road from his home in Mottram St Andrew and eventually put it up for sale

A James Bond-style underground garage, with space for four cars, will also be 'slid' under the front lawn and a glazed walkway will connect the main house to a guest suite next door.

The architects claim that by retaining the existing facade the character of the building will be preserved and there will be no significant loss to the conservation area.

But neighbour Elizabeth Mooney said: 'If this planning application is allowed to go ahead, there will be a precedent for this sort of development in the village.
   
'We don't care who it is but we need people to understand it's not all celebrities who live here. There are blue-collar workers and elderly people as well, and we need to make sure Alderley Edge retains its unique character.'

Hughes, who used to manage Manchester City, submitted the plans to Cheshire East Council in May last year but they were rejected. Hughes has appealed against that decision.

Local residents attacked the decision to appeal at a meeting earlier this week. They are fed up with what has been dubbed the 'Rooney effect' after he knocked down a five-bedroom house in neighbouring Prestbury to make way for a £4.5million home.

Rooney's Manchester United teammate Wes Brown and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre acted similarly in Alderley Edge.

Locals say the unique character of the town itself is being lost by the demolition of existing properties and their replacement with tasteless, modern mansions.

Next door neighbour Hilary Magee said: 'I strongly object to the proposed development. Brampton House is in a much protected conservation area and is a valued part of tradition and history of Alderley Edge.
'The proposal to retain the facade of the house is merely a cosmetic attempt to retain a Victorian look in a project that is patently modern and non-traditional in every other way.'


Alderley Edge, one of the Golden Triangle towns of Cheshire popular with high-earning soccer stars

Opponents to the plans also include the Edge Association, a group which, three years ago held a referendum on whether the influx of Footballers' Wives-style homes were spoiling the town.

Martin Sinker, secretary of The Edge Association, said: 'The villa is one of the last remaining villas in Alderley Edge. The residents are not against improvements and development but we are concerned about the impact this application will have on the area.

'Footballers and wealthy businessmen are entitled to move into our village, but they are pushing house prices through the roof and our own children can't afford to buy property here.
'I know we can't go backwards, but we cannot afford to let this carry on. Already a lot of the pleasant feel to the village has been lost.'

But Daniel Fitzsimon, of consultants Fitzsimon Planning, hired by Hughes to handle the appeal, told the inquiry 'careful consideration' had been given to the plans.

'It seems like the council is almost objecting blindly to the application without considering fully the improvements that the applicant will be making.
'The council is frightened to death of every historic building in the conservation area being demolished.'

A decision on the appeal is expected later this month.

In 2008, residents accused Hughes of double standards when he objected to England midfielder Michael Carrick's plans to demolish a house across the road from his current family home in nearby Mottram St Andrew and replace it with a £4million mansion.

Hughes, 47, and his wife, Jill, said Carrick's seven-bedroom rebuild was too large and would overlook their house. When the objection was thrown out, Hughes put his home up for sale.

Councillors said he had set a precedent when he pulled down a bungalow to build his own larger £6million home in its place.

Alderley Edge is one of three villages of Cheshire's so-called 'golden triangle', popular with high-earning soccer stars.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1355259/Mark-Hughess-5m-Footballers-Wives-mansion-plan-Cheshires-golden-triangle.html#ixzz1DXS6Hmuk

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/09/players-public-transport?INTCMP=SRCH


"Having read that Craven Cottage is 'the only Premier League ground you can birdwatch from' (and also, weirdly, that curly-topped Liverpool goalie Mike Hooper was once distracted during a game by the sight of a honey buzzard overhead), I wondered which League ground was most prone to visits from feathered rarities," writes Richard Smyth. "Think I read something about peregrines at Preston once. Any others?"

"Manuel Almunia started the season as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper, was replaced by Lukas Fabianski, who has now been ruled out for the season, and with Wojciech Szczesny now installed as first-choice keeper, should Arsenal win the league there is the very real prospect that all three goalies will qualify for a medal," writes Niall Sheerin. "Has any other team ever managed to win the league with three medal-winning netminders?"

"This was brought up on the Football Weekly Podcast and I was hoping we could find an answer to the question," writes Andrew Lavender. "Gary Neville just retired after 19 seasons and 602 games for Manchester United – and in all that time he only ever played under one manager. Apart from Neville, and his team-mate Ryan Giggs, has there ever been a player with a longer career to be managed by only one person?"

"With Micky Adams being the third permanent Sheffield United manager this season, and his reign looking shakier by the minute, what team has been through the most permanent managers in one season?" wonders Liam Blizard.

"Regarding Newcastle v Arsenal at the weekend," begins Tony Brannon. "Is that the most top-flight goals in one net? i.e The Gallowgate End."

[White Noise]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10022011/58/premier-league-match-facts-fulham-v-chelsea.html

Premier League - Match facts: Fulham v Chelsea

Thu, 10 Feb 03:02:00 2011




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


39% of Fulham's goals this season have been headers, the highest percentage in the top flight.

Clint Dempsey has scored four goals in his last six Premier League appearances.

Fulham are the only team in the Premier League who have not earned a red card in the Premier League this season.

Fulham have won their last three Premier League home matches without conceding a goal.

Chelsea have scored four goals in each of their last two Premier League away games.

The Blues have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine Premier League games on the road.

Didier Drogba has scored in three of the last four Premier League games against Fulham

Four of the last five goals Fulham have scored against Chelsea in the Premier League have been netted in the opening 10 minutes of matches.

Drogba has fired in 39 shots on target this season, more than any other player in the Premier League.

Fulham have picked up just one point from six London derbies this season.

Opta .

[Tom]

Fulham have picked up just one point from six London derbies this season.


[/quote]  :tom: This has to change Monday!

[White Noise]

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/arsenal-striker-search-turns-to-12-5m-african-ace

Arsenal striker search turns to £12.5m African ace


Arsenal target Papiss Demba Cisse is also wanted by Fulham


By Paul Bailey  February 10, 2011

They are ready to do business in the summer. But it isn't just Premier League clubs who want him - there are clubs in Italy and Spain too  A number of Barclays Premier League clubs are already lining up summer bids for Bundesliga star Papiss Demba Cisse reports the Daily Mirror.

The African hotshot who plays for Freiburg has hit an impressive 15 goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season, catching the eye of a number of potential suitors.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is looking for a new partner for Egyptian striker Marouane Chamakh and is said to favour an African national because he believes it will help his attack develop a better understanding with each other.

Demba Cisse is a Senegalese international with eight caps and an impressive return of seven goals for the Lions of Teranga.

A combination of great form for both club and country has made Cisse one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe so it won't be easy for the Gunners to bring him to the Emirates.

The players agent, Guido Nickolay has revealed that Freiburg have now admitted defeat in trying to keep hold of the £12.5million rated star.

"Freiburg do not want to sell, but they are a smaller club and will sell at the right price. They know the figure they want for him.

"They are ready to do business in the summer. But it isn't just Premier League clubs who want him - there are 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."

That Premier League interest in January is said to have stemmed from Fulham as Mark Hughes looked to strengthen his attacking options at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers made contact with Freiburg about doing a deal for Cisse but they were quickly knocked back after the Bundesliga club dismissed all enquiries, which then prompted Fulham to move for Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta on loan.

[White Noise]

Fair Play Latest

Thursday 10th February 2011


The latest Barclays Premier League Fair Play tables have been released. The tables are compiled from marks awarded by The Premier League Match Delegates.

Fulham's fans have continued their recent rise up the table, climbing a further place from fifth to fourth. Meanwhile the Team has maintained their position behind Chelsea in second spot.

The tables are compiled from marks awarded by The Premier League Match Delegates.

FAIR PLAY LEAGUE

Position  Team  Played  R/Y  P/P  R/O  R/R  B/O  Pts  Score  Avge 
1  Chelsea  23  194  190  135  139  127  785  196.3  8.53 
2  Fulham  24  212  180  146  148  125  811  202.8  8.45 
3  Blackpool  23  198  192  137  140  106  773  193.3  8.4 
4  Tottenham Hotspur  23  191  186  135  138  121  771  192.8  8.38 
5  Manchester United  23  192  180  135  136  125  768  192  8.35 
6  West Bromwich Albion  23  184  185  136  139  120  764  191  8.3 
7  Arsenal  23  180  195  133  137  119  764  191  8.3 
8  Everton  23  196  184  137  135  112  764  191  8.3 
9  Aston Villa  24  186  190  137  142  131  786  196.5  8.19 
10  West Ham United  24  198  171  141  144  129  783  195.8  8.16 
11  Liverpool  24  196  182  141  140  123  782  195.5  8.15 
12  Manchester City  24  179  188  137  142  136  782  195.5  8.15 
13  Wolves  23  188  175  130  134  122  749  187.3  8.14 
14  Blackburn Rovers  24  195  178  134  141  126  774  193.5  8.06 
15  Wigan Athletic  24  187  173  138  145  129  772  193  8.04 
16  Bolton Wanderers  24  188  184  134  141  118  765  191.3  7.97 
17  Stoke City  23  184  173  127  133  114  731  182.8  7.95 
18  Sunderland  24  194  180  131  142  112  759  189.8  7.91 
19  Birmingham City  22  184  155  118  122  115  694  173.5  7.89 
20  Newcastle United  23  179  172  122  125  126  724  181  7.87 



Key:

R/Y = Red & Yellow Cards - Maximum 10 pts per Match (Red 3 pts, Yellow 1 pt) 
P/P = Positive Play - Maximum 10 pts per Match 
R/O = Respect Towards Opponent - Maximum 7 pts per Match
R/R = Respect Towards Referee - Maximum 7 pts per Match
B/O = Behaviour of Officials - Maximum 6 pts per Match
Matches up to and including Wednesday 26th January 2011

BEHAVIOUR OF THE PUBLIC FAIR PLAY LEAGUE

Position  Team  Played  Pts  Avge 
1  Blackpool  23  198  8.61 
2  Sunderland  24  201  8.38 
3  Manchester United  23  189  8.22 
4  Fulham  24  196  8.17 
5  Everton  23  187  8.13 
6  Newcastle United  23  185  8.04 
7  Arsenal  23  185  8.04 
8  Liverpool  24  193  8.04 
9  Blackburn Rovers  24  193  8.04 
10  Chelsea  23  184  8 
11  West Ham United  24  192  8 
12  Manchester City  24  189  7.88 
13  Aston Villa  24  189  7.88 
14  Tottenham Hotspur  23  181  7.87 
15  West Bromwich Albion  23  181  7.87 
16  Wolverhampton Wanderers  23  179  7.78 
17  Wigan Athletic  24  185  7.71 
18  Bolton Wanderers  24  179  7.46 
19  Birmingham City  22  163  7.41 
20  Stoke City  23  166  7.22 



Key: Behaviour of the Public - Maximum 10 pts per Match

Matches up to and including Wednesday 26th January 2011


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/FairPlayLatest.aspx#ixzz1DYrXF1sf

[White Noise]

International Review


Thursday 10th February 2011


Fulham players involved in international action this week:   


Player  Country  Opposition  Venue  Score  Mins 
Damien Duff  Rep. of Ireland  Wales  Aviva Stadium, Dublin  W 3-0  71 
Stephen Kelly  Rep. of Ireland  Wales  Aviva Stadium, Dublin  W 3-0  0 
David Stockdale  England  Denmark  Parken, Copenhagen  W 2-1  0 
Chris Baird  Northern Ireland  Scotland  Aviva Stadium, Dublin  L 0-3  90 
Brede Hangeland  Norway  Poland  Estadio Algarve, Algarve  L 0-1  90 
Bjorn Helge Riise  Norway  Poland  Estadio Algarve, Algarve  L 0-1  45 
John Pantsil  Ghana  Togo  Antwerp, Belgium  W 4-1  90 
Zoltan Gera  Hungary  Azerbaijan  Tofik Bakhramov, Baku  W 2-0  90 
Diomansy Kamara  Senegal  Guinea  Dakar, Senegal  W 3-0  30 
Carlos Salcido  Mexico  Bosnia  Atlanta, USA  W 2-0  90 
Kagisho Dikgacoi  South Africa  Kenya  Rustenburg, SA  W 2-0  0 
Neil Etheridge  Philippines  Mongolia  Bacolod  W 2-0  90 


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/InternationalReview.aspx#ixzz1DYs8vVIw

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/02/10/2346039/freiburg-prepared-to-sell-fulham-target-papiss-demba-cisse


Freiburg prepared to sell Fulham target Papiss Demba Cisse at the right price - agent


Striker attracting interest from England, Italy and Spain



By Jake Watson


10 Feb 2011 08:44:00



Freiburg are willing to sell highly rated striker Papiss Demba Cisse in the summer at the right price, the player's agent has confirmed.

The German club reportedly turned down numerous bids for their star player in January, with Fulham believed to be interested, and they are now prepared to let the £12.5 million-rated forward leave.

Cisse's agent, Guido Nickolay, has spoken to Freiburg about the availability of his client, who has been a revelation in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 15 goals in 19 games.

He was quoted as saying by The Mirror: "Freiburg do not want to sell, but they are a smaller club and will sell at the right price, 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 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."

Arsenal are also believed to have shown an interest in the striker over the last six months.

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/02/gatesys-going-on-a-world-tour/


Gatesy's Going On A World Tour


by gatesy on February 10, 2011

Yeah, me too. I wasted an evening watching the England game in case Stockdale came on too. Yeah, I know. I had things I could have been doing too. It was always going to be that way, wasn't it. I mean, how could he have been expected to play having not been able to consume greasy chicken the night before anyway?

But around the globe, our brave lads were representing their home nations in ever so important friendly matches.

At one point it was black, now playing you're home friendlies hundreds and thousands of miles away from home is the new rock and roll. Most of our lot were at it. Out living it up in the Algarve for a home game were Norway, featuring both Brede Hangeland and Riise, whose Norway side lost 1-0 to Poland, with Arsenals Wojciech Szczesny putting a solid shift in between the sticks.

Representing Ghana was John Painstil, who resisted the urge to put past his own 'keeper and no doubt did a lap of the pitch after coming away with a 4-1 win against Togo, played of course in Belgium. Another one at it was Salcido and the rest of his Mexican mates. They played Bosnia out in Atlanta, which I believe is in the Untied States of Americee.

Hungarian captain Zoltan Gera led his side to a 2-0 victory away from home in Azerbaijan, which I believe was actually played in Azerbaijan the spoil sports.

Young keeper Neil Etheridge represented the Philippines and  his clean sheet helped them pick up a 2-0 win against the titans of world football, Mongolia.

While, over in Dublin Scotchland, Wales, Norn Iron and Ireland are all battling it out to see how can win the title of England's Best Colony in the Nations Cup. On Tuesday Duffers put in a man of the match performance and got on the score sheet as the home side put three past Wales. With another three nil drubbing the following night to a Norn Iron side that featured Bairdy. Although missing usual captain Aaron Hughes the Irish side also featured former Whites Davis and Healey in their ranks. They still lost though.

Touch wood, they should all be back fit and well and raring to put on a show for the Whites in our next competitive game which is on Monday Night against that lot down the road. And. It's. Live. on Sky Sports.

[White Noise]

Captain's Impact


Thursday 10th February 2011



Fulham captain Danny Murphy will lead his Team out against local rivals Chelsea on Monday night (KO 8pm)| hoping to record a sixth successive victory at the Cottage.

Murphy has more than played his part in Fulham's bright start to 2011 and Manager Mark Hughes praised the outstanding form the midfielder has produced over the course of the 2010/11 season.

"In terms of performing consistently well for the Team, I think Danny has performed as well as anyone in that regard," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "He's always hit a level that has an impact on the game and we've benefitted from that.

"I'm sure when the season comes to a close Danny can be proud of what he's achieved this year, in terms of his consistency."

Hughes believes Murphy's attitude towards fitness, in terms of preparation and recovery, will lead to an extended career in the top flight for the former England international, who recently put pen-to-paper on a new deal to stay at Fulham until at least the summer of 2012.

"He's a fit guy and looks after himself, which is really important," said Hughes. "As you get older you understand your body more than you possibly did as a young player. You know what you can do and what you can't do.

"Danny has that knowledge of what he needs to do, in terms of preparation and recovery, and I'm sure that will add to the longevity of his career."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/HughesOnMurphy.aspx#ixzz1DZ3XlnDd

[White Noise]

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/02/10/fulham-s-sidwell-gears-up-for-chelsea-clash-64767-28151052/

Fulham's Sidwell gears up for Chelsea clash


Feb 10 2011



By Jacob Murtagh



Steve Sidwell

STEVE Sidwell insists he has got nothing to prove to former club Chelsea on Monday - but is more concerned about showing his worth to new boss Mark Hughes instead.

The midfielder spent a trophyless season at Stamford Bridge in 2007/8, making just seven league starts, before being shipped out to Aston Villa for £5million.

But his move to Villa Park did not work out either, prompting a switch to Craven Cottage in January.

The 28-year-old penned a short-term deal with the Whites until the end of the season, although there is an option to extend it until 2014.

He said: "I don't feel I've got anything to prove. It's one of those things in life where if it works out at a club then great, if it doesn't you just get your head down and move on.

"It didn't work out at Chelsea but I'm at Fulham now, and all I'm concerned about is putting in a performance for the fans and manager.

"Every training session and game is a trial for me. I've got to prove my worth to the manager and wait for discussions at the end of the season."

[White Noise]

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/02/this-still-makes-me-laugh.html

This still makes me laugh




I happened to attend the England v USA friendly at Wembley a couple of days after the Champions League Final in Moscow. In this game Terry did score, with a header. Afterwards he was quoted in the press as saying he was a 'big man for the big games'.

No John. A big game was the Champions League Final, not an end of season friendly against America. And a big man would have scored the winning penalty rather than messing about making sure their captain's armband was on straight before falling over and shanking their kick onto the post.

I can't make it to the game on Valentine's Day but I would love it if you made an arse out of yourself again.
Posted by Bad Andy at 15:01

[White Noise]

http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/02/football-news/premier-league-preview-fulham-v-chelsea


Premier League preview: Fulham v Chelsea

Date: 10th February 2011 at 5:07 pm |


Written by FFC News Desk


 
Two teams struggling for consistency meet in the west London derby when Chelsea travel the short distance to Fulham on Monday.

Defending champions Chelsea have lost one, drawn one and won one of their last three English Premier League matches, with their last outing ending in a 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.

While they are no longer embroiled in their worst run of form for over a decade – a sorry record of just two wins in 11 matches between November and January – they are a hefty 10 points behind league leaders Manchester United and cannot afford to drop more points if they are to have any chance of retaining the title.

Owner Roman Abramovich recognised the need for reinforcements at Stamford Bridge and made funds available for the purchase of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for a British-transfer record 50 million pounds, as well as Brazil centre-back David Luiz from Benfica.

With countryman Alex in doubt due to a knee injury, Luiz may make his first Chelsea start at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is also without Yury Zirhkov, who is suffering from a calf injury and Yossi Benayoun, who is recovering from an Achilles injury.

Fulham's patchy form is similar to that of Chelsea.

Mark Hughes' side have also lost one, drawn one and won one in their last three league outings. Their most recent match ended in a 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa.

They did dispatch Tottenham 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on January 30, but have struggled to reproduce that kind of display in the Premier League.

The hosts will be without midfielder Dickson Etuhu and Bobby Zamora, who is nearing a return from the broken leg sustained against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September.

Chelsea won the first meeting between the two teams 1-0 back in November, when a Michael Essien strike in the 30th minute proved to be the winner at Stamford Bridge.