Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Portsmouth 1 - 0 Fulham fuck
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief PANTSIL EXCITED ABOUT FULHAM FUTURE Fulham defender John Pantsil is aiming for a top-six finish under new manager Mark Hughes. The Ghana full-back is convinced Hughes, who will be officially unveiled by the club on Tuesday, can build on everything Roy Hodgson achieved at Craven Cottage. Against remarkable odds, Hodgson guided Fulham from the brink of relegation to the Europa League final in the space of two and a half seasons. Hughes, the former Wales, Blackburn and Manchester City manager, has now taken over the reins at the club and Pantsil is convinced Fulham will only go from strength to strength. "I have said many times that Roy Hodgson was someone that made me the player that I am today, and that I am very grateful. But we have to move on - this is what happens in football," said Pantsil. "The appointment of Mark Hughes is a very exciting one, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this team evolves under his guidance. "He's a very good manager and I think most of the players have come up against his teams in the past and from those experiences we know that he has a lot of quality. He's someone that commands a lot of respect and is tactically very astute. "It's not long now until the new season gets up and running. This will be my third as a Fulham player and I'm very excited about what could unfold. "It will be a challenge, but for me I would love to see the club push as close as they can for a top-six finish. "I believe in this squad of players and we have shown before what we can achieve as a team. "I know that people will say that it will be difficult, but we have to be ambitious and have belief in our ability - otherwise what is the point in going out there?" Fulham have won one and drawn three of their pre-season fixtures, with Pantsil making his return from World Cup action in the weekend defeat to Portsmouth. Pantsil made a late return to training after helping Ghana reach the quarter-finals in South Africa. "It has been a long summer for me - one that came on the back of a very demanding season," Pantsil told www.fulhamfc.com. "I feel good though. It was good to be back and despite the result it was a game I very much enjoyed. "It was just important for me to be wearing a Fulham shirt again." Fulham complete their pre-season preparations against Werder Bremen at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief HUGHES TOLD TO BUY BELLAMY Fulham midfielder Simon Davies has urged his newly-appointed boss Mark Hughes to buy Craig Bellamy after the Cottagers suffered a 1-0 pre-season defeat against Portsmouth. Hughes, who was announced on Thursday as the man to succeed Roy Hodgson, has long been an admirer of the Welshman. And with Roberto Mancini's squad increasing in numbers and top-flight signings continuing to flood into Eastlands, Bellamy could be surplus to requirements for the Italian who will this season aim to build a side capable of securing a UEFA Champions League spot. Hughes watched on from the director's box at Fratton Park as Marc Wilson's close-range effort was enough to seal the win for Pompey just after the half hour mark. Despite Fulham fielding 10 of those who started in the Europa League final in May, the Cottagers failed to capitalise on several chances. Striker Bobby Zamora missed three golden opportunities which signalled even more reason for Hughes to dip into the transfer kitty. Since Hughes' arrival he has been linked with a move for Bellamy, whom fellow Welshman Davies believes is a must-buy for the north London club. "Craig has been one of the best players in the Premier League for the last few years. If we could get him he would be a fantastic addition to the team," Davies told The Mail on Sunday. "The manager will be trying as hard as he can to bring in players like that." Davies played under Hughes when he guided Wales to the brink of qualification for Euro 2004 and admitted it would be hard for the former Manchester City manager to emulate the achievements of Hodgson, who has taken over the managerial reins of Liverpool. "Coming on the back of two of the most successful seasons the club has ever had will be a difficult job," said the 30-year-old. "But Mark is very ambitious and I'm sure he will be up for the challenge." Hughes will be formally unveiled as the new boss on Tuesday before taking charge against Werder Bremen on August 7. http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8697_6289753,00.html
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief HANGELAND KEEN TO WORK WITH HUGHES Fulham central defender Brede Hangeland is looking forward to working with new manager Mark Hughes. Hughes will be unveiled at Craven Cottage on Tuesday and the 29-year-old Norwegian is pleased the club have found a replacement for Roy Hodgson, who left for Liverpool earlier in the summer. Hangeland said: "He knows what we can do and we're looking forward to working with him from Monday. "We're really happy to have a manager. I think we've got some good players and hopefully he can move us along in the right direction. "We've always been a team and hopefully we can still be under his guidance." Hangeland has been linked with other clubs but insists he is not looking at a future away from Fulham, adding on Sky Sports News: "I've always been happy here and I've always said that." Hughes watched Saturday's 1-0 pre-season friendly setback at Portsmouth from the stands and Hangeland admitted: "I think he is probably not too impressed. "We would like to have won but it matters more in a couple of weeks. Fitness is the most important thing - and preparing for when the Premier League starts." The Cottagers begin their campaign with a match at Bolton on August 14 http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8697_6288633,00.html
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief OH SHIT SON AL FAYED TAKES OF THE GLOVES AL FAYED TAKES POP AT HODGSON Posted 03/08/10 17:36 Mohamed Al Fayed has accused Roy Hodgson of "taking advantage" of Fulham. But the Cottagers chairman insisted he forgave the new Liverpool boss for leaving for Anfield this summer. Hodgson quit Fulham after two and a half years in charge last month, having been hailed as the greatest manager in their history. He was succeeded last week by Mark Hughes, who was officially unveiled this afternoon. Al Fayed unexpectedly interrupted today's press conference, saying of the new appointment: "He inherited a great team which had fantastic results but unfortunately this guy (Hodgson), after we put him where he is now, he took advantage and left us. "But good luck to him, good luck to Liverpool." Al Fayed added of Hughes: "He is a nice guy. He is much better looking and I am sure that he will do a great job. "I am sure that there will be no complications. We have a great managing director and chief executive and we're happy to have someone like Mark in place. And in what Hughes will hope was tongue in cheek, Al Fayed said: "I'm sure this guy can get us to the championship."
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Get ready for a lot of :curses: when you go two straight months without a result.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief We already have a lot of :curses:
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Look at City's results leading up to Hughes getting the boot. It was a lot of DDDDDDDDDD and then a W against Chelsea before the talks really heated up about him getting the boot.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Hughes thinks Zamora should play for suck-ass England HUGHES PUSHES ZAMORA ENGLAND CLAIMS New Fulham boss Mark Hughes has vowed to help Bobby Zamora break into the England side as quickly as possible. Zamora enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career last term and was linked with a call-up to Fabio Capello's provisional squad for this summer's World Cup. An Achilles injury ended any hope the 29-year-old had of forcing his way onto the plane for South Africa but the subsequent retirement of Emile Heskey has opened up one of England's striking berths for next week's friendly against Hungary. Hughes, who was officially unveiled as Fulham manager yesterday after signing a two-year contract last week, is excited about working with Zamora and hopes to see him gain senior international recognition soon. "Let's hope so - it's down to Bobby," Hughes said. "We'll give him every opportunity to show what he can do. If he plays well for Fulham then he may get recognition at international level." Zamora scored 19 goals in all competitions last season, and Hughes challenged him to better that tally this term. The former Manchester City boss said: "He had a great season. "What Bobby needs to do is obviously build on that and become a consistent scorer for seasons to come. "That's the demand that we will place on him. "It can't be that you just have one standout season and you don't build on it. "That wouldn't be acceptable for any player. "Certainly, from our point of view, we will drive players on to achieve what they're capable of. "Bobby is a player who can achieve as much as he wants." Hughes has admitted signing a strike partner, or understudy, for Zamora is his top priority. Unlike the riches he had at his disposal at City, Hughes will be working with a tight budget. He is keen on bringing through young players during his time in charge but is also expecting to be given some money to spend. "The Premier League is an expensive league," he said. "You have to invest in your playing staff. "You have to sometimes be creative and make things happen to improve the quality if you can't just go out and blow people out of the market, which we obviously can't."
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Fulham 5 - 1 Werder Brewomen Zamora 53 Gera 65, 71, 76 Eddie Johnson (that's right, Eddie Fucking Johnson) 86 Holy fuck Eddie Johnson scored. Watch out EPL.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Zamora and Johnson up front Gera at AM Dempsey and Davies on the wing FULHAM PLOT JOHNSON RETURN Fulham have pencilled striker Andy Johnson in for a return to first-team action in late September. Cottagers manager Mark Hughes revealed the Fulham front man is recovering quicker than expected from a serious knee injury and could be involved in the Premier League as early as next month. Johnson made just 13 appearances last term and his last outing was back in January before requiring surgery on the problem in February. The 29-year-old had been hoping to be fit for Fulham's curtain raiser against Bolton on Saturday, but saw those plans scuppered after returning to the United States last month for further treatment following a setback during pre-season training. But Hughes reckons the former England international could be back playing sooner rather later and will be in the shape of his life when he makes his long-awaited comeback. "It looks very positive and he's looking to get back as soon as he can," said the Cottagers boss in The Daily Telegraph. "He's done a lot of physical work while he's been out and the key to it is when he does come back he'll be the strongest he's ever been in his career. We're probably looking at September or October."
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Gera doesn't want to be a bitch-ass scouser: Hungary captain Zoltan Gera has hailed Steven Gerrard as one of the best midfielders in the world - but maintains he is not about to join the England skipper at Liverpool. New Reds boss Roy Hodgson is reported to be ready to raid his old club for the attack-minded midfielder, who helped Fulham reach the final of the Europa League last season. Gera enjoyed his involvement in the friendly against England at Wembley on Wednesday night, where the Hungarians took a shock lead before eventually being undone by Gerrard's quickfire second-half brace. However, the 31-year-old - also said to be interesting Werder Bremen - insists his mind is focused on continuing the Cottagers' success under new boss Mark Hughes rather than any talk of a move to Anfield. "The England team is full of top players. Against us, they played under pressure because the supporters were not happy," he said. "But they showed character, because they were 1-0 down and then changed the game. "I love Steven Gerrard as a player - he is a great captain for England and scored two goals, he is one of the best midfielders in the world." However, when asked about the rumours of a switch to Liverpool, Gera insisted: "I do not know anything about this. "I was happy at Fulham with Roy, but he has moved on to Liverpool and I am still at Fulham. Mark Hughes is a very good manager, we have had some great training sessions. "He wants a different Fulham, and I think the team will be capable of these new things." Gera added: "Everybody expects a lot from Fulham, but we need to stay on our level, with a target of the top 10. If we can do that, it will be great for us. "I would like to play as I did last season, want to improve and be better. "I know it is difficult to play in the first 11, but I will do my best." Fulham striker Bobby Zamora was one of several new caps to feature for Capello's much-changed squad at Wembley, and Gera feels his team-mate more than deserves his opportunity. "Bobby played very well and was unlucky not to score, but you can see he is a very good player," said Gera. "He can hold the ball up, use both feet, which is a bonus for them. "Sometimes when you join a new club, you need time. The first season for Bobby was a bit difficult, but he worked very hard for the team and now is scoring lots of goals."
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief this Stockdale guy ain't too fucking bad we just need to score dammit
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Damn fine job by the Hughes boys.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Was up until 5 am playing poker this morning so I slept right through this match. Pretty happy with the result given the match reports which indicate that United controlled the first half really well. No moral victories here but happy to get a point.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief oh in that case, how do we dominate them and only come up with one goddam point? What a fucking waste. Fire Hughes. Bench Stockdale. I don't know what the fuck kind of organization Al-Fayed is running here but he needs to divert some funds from fucking Hamas to get some players in here. Can't get three points from a crap over the hill bandwagon team with a drunk ass manager. You know who would have gotten three points? Roy Fucking Hodgson. You know who would have helped him do it? Carlos Fucking Bocanegra. You know who else? Kasey Fucking Keller. Back when Fulham stood for America we got shit done. Now we waste fucking opportunities and lay there getting fucked over by Chelski and the russian mob. Hell even Antii Niemi would be an improvement. The fucking hungarian playing attacking midfield for us couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a plate of goulash. Fuck this. Fuck that. Fuck United. Unbefuckinglievable. overall I'm pretty happy though
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief ManU dominated the first twenty and the last 10 until the equalizer. Fulham puton a pretty good display and all in all woulda preferred fulham won out and out but a draw still had me pleased. Really entertaining match.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Lineup for Blackpool: Stockdale Hughes Pantsil Kelly Hangeland Davies Murphy Etuhu Duff Dembele Zamora
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief 1-0 Fulham at Half Time Zamora with a goal in the 35th
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Talk about crapping the bed. Sucks man.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief Ha reverse psychology Goal Etuhu in the 87th minute!
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- The Age of Incredulity/The Epoch of Belief sucks to get 1 point when we should have had 3, but it wouldn't be a Fulham match without disappointment At least we raped Port Vale
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Sing When You're Drawing curious to see if this goalkeeper deal is a given () or it falls through. Personally I'm kind of happy with Stockdale but there's nothing wrong with replacing one proven international keeper with another, and it allows Schwarzer to continue acting like a douche and head across town to Arsenal
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Sing When You're Drawing I'll be gutsy and predict a 1-1 draw. Gotta keep your draw streak alive.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Can We Play Wolves Every Week? I almost had my way. But then again, you did play Wolves.
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Can We Play Wolves Every Week? getting really tired of all these damn draws another one today, 1-1 at Blackburn
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Still Unvanquished Interesting lineup today Schwarzer Kelly Hughes Hangeland Salcido Etuhu Murphy Duff Davies Dempsey Gera Kelly went out injured in the 29th and Eddie Johnson (wtf?) replaced Gera in the 55th
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Now Beaten thread is going to be on hiatus for a while as Rangers baseball and LSU/Saints football is taking up all my time
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- Now With A Fucking Icon There will soon be more Mexicans at this club than Americans. RIP Fulhamerica
Re: Official Fulham Thread -- A Point Better than Bottom 3 Did I miss something on why Bale isn't even on the bench for Spurs?