http://fulhamusa.com/ FulhamUSA - USA Supporters Club of English Premier League team Fulham FC en-us http://fulhamusa.com/images/logo.gif http://fulhamusa.com/ fulhamusa@fulhamusa.com http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=747 Rich Allen, who hangs out at Craven Cottage Newsround [my most recent internet addiction], has put together the second edition of The Fulham Review. The 2007-2008 version is subtitled “The Great Escape.” Unless you’ve been residing in a summer home on some other planet, you know very well the significance of that title. The book is a quick and very breezy read. The prose is eloquent, and to the point. It is knowledgeable, but also partisan in a beneficently hopeful way. There’s no name-calling, no slagging, and not too much flag-waving. Instead there’s good literate prose devoted to football – Fulhamish football that is. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=746 After Fulham opened the season with a disappointing loss against Hull City few expected much when Arsenal made its annual trip to Craven Cottage. However, Fulham gave the supporters a real treat on Saturday as the Cottagers shocked Arsenal 1-0 in front of a raucous crowd in southwest London. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=745 The last time Fulham took to the pitch at Craven Cottage, they won a massive game against Birmingham City that helped catapult the Cottagers to Premier League safety one week later. Roy Hodgson and his Whites will be looking for more displays like this season along the River Thames and it all gets kicked off on Saturday when Arsenal makes its annual trip to Craven Cottage. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=744 After last season's miraculous run of four wins in five matches including three on the road pulled Fulham out of the relegation zone I figured that the momentum and style of play would bleed over into the 2008-2009 season. Unfortunately, it was not to be as reality set in on Saturday and much like the first half of last season the Cottagers let a first half lead slip away en route to a disappointing 2-1 loss against Hull City. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=743 Come May of 2009 if Fulham is in the kind of relegation trouble it was last season it will surely back at Saturday's 2-1 loss with newcomers Hull City as a match they should have won. As was the case early last season, the Cottagers scored early but could not hold the lead as Hull City scored two goals to give the Tigers their first ever Premier League win in the club's history. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=742 It has been five seasons since Fulham last won its opening match of the Premier League season. On Saturday, manager Roy Hodgson and his Cottagers will be hoping to end that run when the lid is ripped off the can on the 2008-2009 season against Hull City at the KC Stadium. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=741 When a new season begins there is always a sense of hope and anticipation that this will be the year your team breaks new ground and has a season to remember. After Fulham's miraculous end of the season run that saw the club avoid relegation, many supporters are hoping the Cottagers can continue that late seasons momentum into what could be a great 2008-2009 season for Fulham. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=740 Well, Fulham pulled of a great escape. Actually, they pulled off one of the greatest escapes in Premier League history. When contemplating how far were were behind those teams above us, consider this. On April 11th, 5 weeks before the season was due to end, Fulham were 6 points behind Birmingham and 8 points behind Reading and a total of 15 points to play for. I was one of those 'lucky people' who got to see the events unfold in person and with that said, I took a week to recover from the stresses of following Fulham both home and away, and here is a list of favorite away trips, home atmosphere, pubs, songs, etc. during the 07/08 Premier League season. Now with only one week to go before the season gets underway, here are some of the highlights from last season. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=739 One week ago the signing of Andy Johnson seemed imminent according to many press outlets. However, after a medical showed an old ankle injury, the saga that was drawn out over the past ten days has finally come to a conclusion with the former Crystal Palace and Everton striker signing a deal that bring him to Fulham in a deal worth a reported 8 million pounds that could go as high as 12 or 13 million based on appearances and other incentives in the contract. The 27-year-old Johnson comes to Fulham after two seasons with Everton where he appeared in 74 matches and scoring 22 goals from the Toffees. Johnson joins fellow new striker Bobby Zamora in forming Fulham's first choice strikeforce heading into the new season which begins in less than three weeks when Fulham travels to Hull City for their opener. The speedy Johnson brings loads of pace and skills to southwest London and if he can stay healthy should be able to become the consistent goal scorer Fulham has missed since Louis Saha left for Manchester United back in January of 2004. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=738 In summers past it did not seem like signing defensive players was at the top of any manager's agenda despite a lackluster defense the past few seasons. For Roy Hodgson, that is not the case. On Wednesday, Hodgson signed his defender of the summer when Swedish international full back put pen to paper on a deal that brings him to Craven Cottage. The 24-year-old Stoor joins John Paintsil and Toni Kallio as defensive summer signings for Fulham Football Club. Roy Hodgson was impressed with Stoor's performances at the recently concluded Euro 2008 and made quick work of signing the former Rosenborg stopper. The Cottagers are hoping that Stoor can come in and acquaint himself with the Premier League quickly and become a major part of the defensive set up for Roy Hodgson this season. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=737 Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that fund raising has commenced to produce a lasting tribute to Johnny Haynes, the Club’s greatest ever player. A statue has been commissioned and will be erected at Craven Cottage. Johnny Haynes was the footballing icon of his era and played 658 games for Fulham and Captained England during the post war period of 1960-1962. On October 18 2005 Johnny tragically died, and the Fulham faithful mourned his passing as though he were a member of their own family. The Club can now confirm, after extensive consultation with English Heritage, that planning permission has been granted and a nine foot bronze statue of The Maestro will take pride of place in front of the Craven Cottage gates. A fitting tribute to a Fulham legend. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=736 The Club can confirm that Simon Davies has been voted Fulham's official Player of the Season for the 2007/08 campaign. You can see the midfielder collect his award by booking your place at the Club's Annual Awards Dinner, 'A Night For Heroes' taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on Saturday 13th September, 2008 (booking details below). With 39 starting appearances to his name last season, the story of Simon Davies’ campaign is one of consistent quality. Scoring five goals Davies equalled his career-best seasonal tally and he also chipped in with a total of eight assists. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=735 Fulham recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Southend in their pre-season friendly clash at Roots Hall. The home side matched their Premier League opponents in the first half, but were able to keep up the pace after the break as the Cottagers stepped up a gear. Roy Hodgson's side emerged after the break with real intent and striker David Healy hit the post before substitute Danny Murphy curled a free-kick around the wall which Steve Mildenhall did well to save. The Shrimpers goalkeeper was beaten on the hour mark when he challenged Erik Nevland for a deep cross into the box, but the striker was able to bundle the ball home. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=734 Fulham manager Roy Hodgson continued his work of trying to improve the Cottagers this week when he signed striker Bobby Zamora and right back John Paintsil from West Ham United. The two former Hammers join Mark Schwarzer and Zoltan Gera as Fulham biggest summer signings to date for Hodgson. Pantsil, a 27-year-old right back, joins Fulham after spending the last two seasons at West Ham United. After joining the Hammers in the summer of 2006 following a solid World Cup display for Ghana, Paintsil was hoping to be a major force for West Ham but it never materialised under both Alan Pardew and most recently Alan Curbishley. Paintsil only played in 19 matches over the last two seasons and he was looking to find a new club where he could get more first team appearances. Fulham fit that bill. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=733 Fulham Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Alistair Mackintosh as Chief Executive Officer. He will start before the end of July and will be based at the Club’s offices and training ground at Motspur Park. A chartered accountant by profession, Alistair was CEO of Manchester City until last month and has overseen during recent years a dramatic improvement in that Club’s fortunes, fan base and global reach to the point where it is amongst the 20 wealthiest clubs in the world. At the age of 38, Alistair brings an energy, enthusiasm and determination, along with experience and financial acumen, which fits perfectly with the commitment of Mr. Al Fayed and the Board to achieving both financial strength and independence, as well as a permanence in the upper levels of the Premiership. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=732 While memories of the 2007-2008 season remain fresh in the minds of Fulham supporters around the world, thoughts of the 2008-2009 Premier League season can begin in detail as the fixture list for the upcoming season was released today. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=731 Northern Ireland striker David Healy has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. The Fulham forward has been recognised for services to football and to the community in Northern Ireland. Healy is NI's top scorer with 34 goals in 65 games and he received a special award for netting a record 13 goals in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Dixon Rose, a former administrator in Irish hockey and cricket, receives an MBE for voluntary service to NI sport. The 75-year-old from Belfast is a former Irish hockey international and he also played cricket for Instonians. He was president of both the Irish Hockey Union and Irish Cricket Union in the 1980s. Rose has just finished a two-year stint as president of the Irish Hockey Association. Killyleagh man Healy, 28, started his professional club career with Manchester United and made his debut for the Red Devils in a League Cup game away to Aston Villa in October 1999. Healy went on to play for Port Vale, Preston North End, Norwich City and Leeds United before moving to Craven Cottage last year. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=730 Fulham Football Club can confirm that central midfielder Danny Murphy has signed a new contract with the Club until June 2009. There is also an option of a further year. Murphy played a crucial part in Fulham’s successful fight against relegation last season and, most memorably, scored the winning goal against Portsmouth on the final day of the season which ensured Fulham’s top flight status. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=729 Roy Hodgson has been a busy man since the Premier League season ended in the middle of May. On Thursday, Hodgson continued his efforts to improve the club by signing midfielder Andranik Teymourian on a free transfer. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=728 Fulham Football Club has today finalised the free transfer signing of Zoltan Gera from West Bromwich Albion. The three-year deal will see the player at the Club until the summer of 2011, with an option of a further year. The 29-year-old versatile Hungarian international joined West Bromwich Albion from Ferencvaros in July 2004 and scored 25 goals during his time at the Hawthorns. He helped Ferencvaros to the Hungarian league and cup double before moving to England and was made captain of his national side by former Hungarian coach, Lothar Matthaus in 2004 and led his team to a 3-1 victory against Latvia. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=727 ZOLTAN Gera has declined a new contract with Albion and has decided to join Fulham. The 29-year-old midfielder signed for the Baggies from Ferencvaros in July 2004 and scored 25 times in 155 appearances, including 39 as a substitute. "Boss Tony Mowbray said: "Having offered Zoltan the best contract the club could at this time, we could do no more. "We would like to wish Zoltan all the best in his future career. "Everyone at Albion appreciated his professionalism on and off the field. "But football moves on and, just as we did last summer, we are looking forward to the challenge of finding new faces to strengthen the squad for the season ahead." http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=726 Following Sunday’s media speculation about Jimmy Bullard and his future at the Club, Roy Hodgson took time out from his schedule in Vienna to speak exclusively to fulhamfc.com to refute allegations that Jimmy isn’t part of his plans for the forthcoming season. "I was shocked when I was told of what was reported in a Sunday newspaper," he said. "Jimmy’s importance to us after his return to fitness can not be underestimated. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=725 David McNally, Managing Director of Fulham Football Club, has today commenced six months notice of termination of employment, and will meanwhile cease all his duties and responsibilities with immediate effect. Pending the appointment of a new Managing Director, Mr McNally’s responsibilities will be shared between a number of senior employees, under the day-to-day direction of Chris Bailey. The Club would like to thank Mr McNally for his efforts and contributions over recent seasons, and wishes him every success in the future. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=724 Fulham FC is delighted to officially unveil the new Nike 0809 Home Kit and announce that it will be available to pre order shortly. The kit will be officially launched on 15th July when it goes on sale in the Club shops and online. However if you pre order| before July 4th you will receive your kit before it goes on sale, in the week commencing July 7th. The shirts are made with Nike FIT performance fabrics and have been designed with a complete layering system to keep players comfortable in a variety of conditions. Feedback from the squad has been extremely positive and we are sure that it will be a big hit with the supporters. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=723 Brian McBride has informed Fulham Football Club of his decision to leave the Club. The American striker, who has made over 150 appearances for the Whites and scored 40 goals, bid farewell to the Club’s staff after discussing his future with Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson at Fulham’s Training Ground. The American striker, twice named Fulham’s Player of the Season, spoke exclusively to fulhamfc.com on Wednesday afternoon and explained the reasons behind his decision to move on to pastures new.