http://www.fulhamusa.com/ FulhamUSA - USA Supporters Club of English Premier League team Fulham FC en-us http://www.fulhamusa.com/images/logo.gif http://www.fulhamusa.com/ fulhamusa@fulhamusa.com http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=939 Craven Cottage will be pulsating this Saturday as Fulham hosts Tottenham with a trip to Wembley Stadium and a berth in the FA Cup semifinals on the line. While neither team considers the other an arch rival, it still is a London derby. Throw in what's at stake, and the big match atmosphere will be very memorable for those fans lucky to be in attendance. Both teams are coming off very busy and successful Februaries with Tottenham playing 7 matches (winning 4, drawing 2, with one loss), while the hosts went unbeaten in the month in 8 matches (5 of those victories). Overall, this will be the 130th meeting between the two clubs. Spurs have the clear historical advantage winning 65 times compared to Fulham's 29 (they have drawn 35). They have met 6 times in this competition with Tottenham owning a 4-1-1 record. Spurs have won the FA Cup 8 times (most recently in 1991), While the Cottagers best finish in this competition is runner-up in 1975. They have met twice already this season. The teams drew nil-nil at Craven Cottage on December 26th in a game most people agree Fulham clearly outplayed their opponents. While in the return fixture on January 26th, Spurs dominated the match White Hart Lane, winning 2-0. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=938 It’s an interesting time to be a fan of the mighty Fulham. After having a perfect record for January in the league, taking exactly zero points from 12, we have had a great February, beating the reigning UEFA Cup champions Shaktar Donetsk in the Europa League, advancing to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, and taking 10 of 12 points in the league. Our current run has us pretty much pushing what little thoughts of relegation anyone may have had in January out of our sight. We can take aim of the finals in the FA Cup – hey, if we got this far, let’s aim for the whole danged thing. We can hope of advancing to the next round of the Europa cup, all we need is a draw as Spaceship Shaktar. And we can dream of 50 points in the league this year. That won’t get us a spot in Europe next year based on league position, unless a complete fluke happens, but that is a most successful year for a club the size of the mighty Fulham. Last year, Roy Hodgson said if someone would have told him Fulham would break the 50 point barrier, “he would have looked a little askance at them”. Let’s make Roy spin his wheels again. We should be able to grab 9th-10th place with that figure, and why not aim higher from there. We have two of the best finishers in the league right now. Bobby Zamora is a beast right now, ensuring that Joe Hart will see him in his nightmares for the next few weeks, and he just can’t stop scoring goals. Wow, a part of me can’t believe I just typed that. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=937 Bobby Zamora's fine goalscoring form continued on Sunday when he slammed a late free-kick past Joe Hart to ensure all three point for the Whites. The visitors were handed the lead somewhat fortuitously early on when Chris Baird headed past Mark Schwarzer. There was little in the way of goal scoring opportunities in the first-half – although Fulham were creating the better attacking situations. The equaliser came just before the hour mark when Damien Duff played a one-two with Zoltan Gera before hitting a left-footed shot past Hart. Bobby Zamora fired home a dramatic late free-kick from the edge of the area to give Fulham the win. Following an uneventful opening few minutes, Birmingham took the lead in the most unusual of circumstances when Chris Baird, who was under little pressure, headed past Mark Schwarzer on three minutes after Lee Bowyer floated a cross to the back post. In an attempt to put the ball out for a corner, Fulham’s Northern Ireland international inadvertently powered the ball past Schwarzer. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=936 The Whites got the game off to a fantastic start; a Damien Duff free kick had Shakhtar in trouble almost immediately off the bat, allowing Brede Hangeland to aim his header on target and forcing a fine save from Pyatov. The Whites took the lead only moments later when a wonderful piece of deceptive play from Bobby Zamora allowed European specialist Zoltan Gera in on goal. The Hungarian international made no mistake with his finish, slotting a low shot under the body of Pyatov to hand Fulham the lead. But there were soon nervy moments for Fulham when Brede Hangeland was robbed of possession on the touchline by Fernandinho, who raced away towards the Fulham by-line. Fortunately his cross was blocked by Aaron Hughes and the danger was averted. The game settled down somewhat following Fulham’s flying start and it was Shakhtar who were dictating the pace of the game. Their unorthodox 4-2-3-1 formation looked to be keeping the Whites off balance. The visitors, despite not being able to find space in front of Fulham’s penalty area, still looked extremely adept in possession as they worked the ball from left to right with great skill. Fulham stood firm however and stoically maintained their shape. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=935 I just read a great article on EPLtalk.com entitled 5 Reasons Why Manchester City Can Conquer America. The writer discloses that Manchester City are considering a preseason tour of the United States and makes a very good case that this could be an opportunity for Manchester City to become popular in the U.S. He then breaks down the 5 reasons why he believes this. I think Roy Hogdson and Fulham have the potential to grow its fanbase in America. Below I am going to give you the" 5 Reasons Why I think Fulham can Conquer America." http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=934 Shakhtar Donetsk won the 2009 UEFA Cup against Werder Bremen 2 -1 last season. They come to play Fulham at Craven Cottage this Thursday Night at 8:05PM UK time and 3:05 EST. This is the first leg of the Round of 32 in the Europa League. The second leg will be played the following Thursday at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. This Ukranian club is definitely going to be a huge challenge for Fulham. Shakhtar Donetsk finished their league last year in second place. They currently sit second in the Ukrainian Premier League. They are 2 points behind Dynamo Kiev halfway through their season. What is interesting is they have not played a league game since mid December. The Ukranian Premier League has a winter break. The team should be fairly fresh. The Ukrainian team actually has been training in England. According to the club's official website the team went to the F A Cup match that Fulham played on Sunday against Notts County. The article has some thoughts on Craven Cottage and also that some of the players were recognized in the crowd. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=933 Fulham booked their place in the Quarter Final of the FA Cup with a professional display against Notts County at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. Simon Davies opened the scoring for the Whites in the first-half and his goal was followed by a powerful strike from Bobby Zamora. Second-half goals from Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka capped off a good display from Fulham. The Whites started well and crafted a fine scoring opportunity in the second minute when Chris Baird rolled a smart pass into the path of Bobby Zamora in the Notts County penalty area. Zamora turned past his marker and fired a low shot just wide of the far post. David Kevan elected to start with a 4-5-1 formation, no doubt hoping to stifle Fulham in the midfield area. Roy Hodgson maintained the front two pairing of Zamora and Elm, and the two certainly started the game well. Fulham looked comfortable on the ball in the opening exchanges with Baird in particular impressing with some accurate passing from right-back. The Northern Ireland international twice found Zamora with superb long-range passes and also maintained his composure in tight quarters. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=932 Fulham produced a fine performance to deservedly take all three points on Tuesday evening against Burnley. It was certainly a game pleasing on the eye as both Fulham and Burnley started with the intention of keeping the ball on the floor. The White soon seized control of proceedings and David Elm set up Danny Murphy for the opener. Elm turn from provider to scorer soon after when he prodded home a rebound from Bobby Zamora’s shot. The scoring was rounded off in the second-half when Zamora placed a low free-kick past Brian Jensen. Simon Davies and Dickson Etuhu made their returns to the Fulham starting eleven, somewhat relieving the Whites of the recent injury troubles. Whilst up front Bobby Zamora was also back on the team sheet, having recovered from short bout of illness. Following a slow start to the encounter, the Whites were first to work a dangerous opportunity when Simon Davies, who was lurking at the back post, almost got his foot to a wide shot from Damien Duff. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=931 According to the official Fulham website Fulhamfc.com, the club is confirming that Andrew Johnson will not be available for the rest of the season. This statement was made after surgery for Johnson was performed by Dr. Richard Steadman. The release from Fulhamfc.com also states they expect Johnson to be available for the latter part of preseason training. This training is in preparation for next season. This is a blow to Fulham as it leaves them short a striker for the rest of the season. At the end of the transfer window Fulham let Diomansy Kamara go out on loan to Celtic. It will be interesting to see how Roy Hodgson fills the void of Andrew Johnson. Going into the Bolton game tomorrow Mr. Hogdson has few choices at striker. Recently brought in Stefano Okaka could be an option up front. He did start in the last game against Portsmouth. Erik Nevland or David Elm could be additional options for Hogdson tomorrow. Bobby Zamora should be available to go. It is obvious though he is struggling a little coming back from injury. Visit FulhamPatsFan's Blog http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=930 So after a week that began on a less than positive note, by the end of the period covered by this episode it was all smiles again around Craven Cottage. Why? Well the team has broken that dreaded run of defeats in the Premier League and scored their first win in 2010 after beating Portsmouth. In this edition of the Inside Fulham Podcast, we’ll hear from the manager Roy Hodgson after his side return to winning ways, and on loan defender Nicky Shorey tells us how comfortable he feels being a Whites player. Plus one of the stories of the season is the transfer of Chris Smalling to Manchester United, the young defender exclusively reveals how it fees to be joining the biggest football club in the world. Download the Fulham Podcast Today http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=929 Both Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka made their Fulham debuts as the Whites made a tentative start to this vital game at the Cottage. The first ten minutes certainly saw Portsmouth have the better of the opening exchanges – with Frederic Piquionne in particular drawing a fine save from Mark Schwarzer early on. Portsmouth were enjoying the upper hand in the midfield battle as both Danny Murphy and Jonathan Greening were quickly finding themselves short on time in possession. But the Whites soon settled into their defensive shape making life harder for Avram Grant’s men when in possession. The attacking tactics used by Portsmouth were certainly reaping fewer dividends. Aaron Hughes came close to opening his Fulham account on 24 minutes when he got his head to a well placed corner from Damien Duff, forcing David James into a fine fingertip save on the line. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=928 Saturday, January 30th Fulham look to snap their four match Premiership losing streak when they welcome Martin O'Neill and his Aston Villa squad at the Cottage on Saturday. While a return home does not guarantee a positive result, the home surroundings will assuredly produce a spirited effort and hopefully a good ending to a dismal month in league play. The visitors have had their own mixed bag of results lately. While goals have been abundant in their Carling and FA Cup ties (10 in 3 matches, all victories, and most importantly a trip to Wembley for a cup final), Villa has failed to find the net in 4 straight Premiership matches and are coming off two consecutive 0-0 draws (West Ham and Arsenal). Aston Villa possess one of the best away records in the Premiership this season. Out of ten matches away from home, Villa have managed to record 4 wins and 3 draws which ranks them 5th in the league. Gabriel Agbonlahor leads the squad with 8 goals and scored in the August 30th meeting between the two teams at Villa Park (a 2-0 victory). Roy Hodgson will have his hands full in attempting to field a line-up that has failed to produce a prolonged offensive attack. The gaffer at least has received some good news as Diomansy Kamara, Bobby Zamora, and Simon Davies have progressed from their injuries enough to get back on the pitch. The biggest issues of late seem to be the inconsistent play of Captain Danny Murphy and the patchwork backline. While they have played decent in defense, the fullbacks inability to jump into the play on offense has hurt Fulham's goal tally. As of this preview, there has been no new news on the tranfer front, so the spark that comes from a new signing will not be apparent on Saturday. However, look for the home support and the squad's embarrassment over their anemic performance at Tottenham to lift their play. Prediction: The Whites will not leave the pitch empty handed 1-1. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=927 Manchested United have agreed terms with Fulham to sign young central defender Chris Smalling. The 20-year-old Greenwich-born defender will join the Reds from the start of the 2010/11 season. A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United has agreed terms for the transfer of Chris Smalling from Fulham. "Chris has agreed personal terms with the club and will join for the beginning of the 2010/2011 campaign. He will remain at Fulham until the end of the current season." http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=926 Following Fulham's three-one win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon, the Whites were drawn at home against Notts County or Wigan in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. Ties to be played the weekend of 13th and 14th February. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=924 Fulham squares off against Accrington Stanley for the first time ever in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 23 January. Our illustrious opponents are quite the running soap opera. Some positive facts about them is they are the only club in all of England to improve their standing in the league each of the last 10 years. That being said, in the last three years in League 2, they have gone from 20th to 17th to 16th. This year, they are 11th, so that streak may well continue. They are a founding member of the football league, but have been plagued with money issues from the get go, and fell out of the league in 1962, finally returning in 2006. Their manager, John Coleman, is the third longest serving manager in the football league, behind only Ferguson and Wenger. Apparently, he is a glutton for punishment. Accrington Stanley have an ongoing battle with the taxman, and are seemingly forever looking to stay one step ahead of him, with mixed results. Just by making the 4th round, they will have received 100,000 pounds, which may end the transfer embargo the FA imposed on them. Their park, the Fraser Eagle Stadium, is a grass and mud covered swimming pool in the winter. They were featured in a classic British commercial for milk, where one kid says to the other, if he doesn’t drink it, he will only be good enough to play for Accrington Stanley. Ouch! http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=923 According to the Daily Mirror, Bobby Zamora could be making a shocking return early from an injury. Bobby Zamora dislocated his collarbone against Stoke on January 5th. Speculation at the time was that the injury would have him out of action for 2 months. According to the article in the Mirror the injury did not require surgery. Also, The Mirror article suggests that he could be on the bench this weekend against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup. It is also mentioned in the article that Zamora expects to be back next Tuesday against his former club Tottenham. If this news is true, fans of Fulham should be very excited. With the recent injury spell on the team, having Zamora back early would soften the blow. There are also rumors in the media that Bobby Zamora could be a transfer target of his former team West Ham. http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/ http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=922 According to Sky Sports, Fulham are probably not going to be bringing in Stefano Okaka on loan from Roma. The 20 year old could have been a temporary replacement for Bobby Zamora. Now, Fulham are potentially going to be without Clint Dempsey as well as he injured his knee in the Blackburn game. Also, according to Sky Sports, Okaka is carrying an injury. This could be a big part of the reason he would not be joining Fulham right now. The fact that he could not step in right now to help might have been a concern for Fulham. We will have to wait and see if Fulham pursue another striker as the Transfer Window gets closer to the end. http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/ http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=921 It's hard to believe that Fulham has not won a league match since December 19th when the Cottagers manhandled Manchester United 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Since that glorious day, things have gone downhill in a hurry as losses and injuries have mounted up for Roy Hodgson's side that leaves the club at a crossroads in terms of where the season will head from here. Will the team rebound and improve or will the losses and downward trend continue for the foreseeable future? http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=920 According to Sky Sports on Friday, Fulham are still considering a move for the 20 year old striker from Roma. "If it was to happen it would be a loan, but as I say we are looking into the situation." Hodgson told Sky Sports News. In the article it quotes Roy as saying, "At the moment I can't give you a definitive answer on whether we will be loaning him or whether we will not be." Based on the article if Stefano Okaka wants to play for Fulham he is going have to show the club he is anxious to play for them. What looked so promising 7 - 10 days ago now is up in the air. Hopefully this situation will be resolved shortly. http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=919 According to Skysports.com the 20 year old striker has not agreed to terms yet with Fulham. Skysports is saying though it is just a formality. According to the article he will be at Fulham until the end of the season. Also, according to Skysports Roma and Fulham appear to have reached an agreement on the loan. Okaka's agent Domenico Scopelliti is quoted from calciomercatoweb.com He stated " If the player will reach an agreement with Fulham, he will go to England on loan for the next six months, with an option of extending his stay for the following year". This is good news for Fulham as they need a striker to help out with the injury loss of Bobby Zamora. The injury for Bobby could have him out up to 8 weeks. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=918 Dharmesh Sheth on Sky Sports is reporting that talks between Fulham and Roma are expected to happen at 7PM UK Time today regarding the potential loan of striker Stefano Okaka. Mr. Sheth mentioned he talked with the agent for Okaka. According to Sheth, the loan deal is to the end of the season. He also mentioned the loan could have an option for a longer period afterwards possibly an additional 12 months. With Fulham without Bobby Zamora for potentially 2 months I think they are looking for some striker help in the meantime. Hopefully there will be more news to come soon on this potential transfer for Fulham. fulham pats fan blog http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=917 It is never a good thing when a club loses a match in the Premier League. It is an even worse thing when a club not only loses a match in league play, but also suffers a relatively serious injury to one of its' in form players. Unfortunately for Fulham, the latter is what took place on Tuesday at the Britannia Stadium as the Cottagers fell 3-2 to Stoke City and lost in form striker Bobby Zamora for an unknown period of time with what is suspected to be a separated shoulder. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=916 According to Hammyend.com from an article from Yahoo Sports, Stefano Okaka is going to make a switch on loan from Roma to Fulham. This potential loan would be until the end of the season. Okaka is a 20 year old forward and actually scored the winning goal against Fulham in the Europa League. According to the article by Salvatore Landolina of Goal.com, his agent Domenico Scopelliti, has confirmed there have been talks between the two clubs. Also, according to the article the player has approved the move to Fulham. I am sure there is more news to come on this potential transfer. Fulham might land another forward to help bolster the team for the end of the year. Fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=915 Fulham will have to await the 3rd Round FA Cup replay between Accrington Stanley and Gillingham before they find out where they will travel during the FA Cup Fourth round. Accrington Stanley would pose a long journey for fans but a welcome trip for fans to a lower league round. Whilst Gillingham would present a shorter trip, there is a bad history between Gillingham and Fulham. http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=914 Fulham’s involvement in this season’s FA Cup got underway on this crisp and wintry, but sun-kissed January afternoon at Craven Cottage. League One Swindon provided the opposition in this Third Round tie, and their fans packed the Putney End, visiting London with the hope of seeing their side cause a cup upset and add another win to their impressive record against the Whites over the years in this competition. But Roy Hodgson’s team of 2010 had no intention of following in the footsteps of Fulham sides from years gone by, such as the star-studded line-up featuring George Best, Rodney Marsh and Bobby Moore that suffered at the Robins’ hands in 1976. Still in the midst of a busy fixture schedule, Roy, celebrating the signing of a new contract this week, made several changes to the side which had come so close to winning at Chelsea just days earlier.