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=968 Fulham Football Club has today confirmed the appointment of Mark Hughes as its new Manager on a two year contract. Hughes begins his work with the team immediately, following their return from pre-season tour, and will take charge in the dugout for the friendly fixture against Werder Bremen on August 7, and will be officially unveiled to the media at a press conference on Tuesday August 3. Mark Hughes’ managerial career began with his appointment as the Welsh national coach in 1999. He remained in charge for five years and came close to qualifying for Euro 2004. In their qualifying group Wales beat Italy, but were denied a place in the final tournament after losing to Russia in the playoffs. Hughes resigned from the Welsh national side in September 2004 to take charge of Blackburn Rovers in the F.A Premier League, the club he finished his playing career with. His aim on appointment was to keep Blackburn clear of relegation which he succeeded in doing, whilst also taking the club to an F.A Cup semi-final for the first time in over 40 years. In his second season, Blackburn finished in the top six of the Premier League and qualified for the UEFA Cup, beating teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal during the campaign. After just missing out on the League Cup final, his team sealed their spot in Europe by defeating champions Chelsea 1–0. During the 2006–07 season Rovers finished 10th and reached the FA Cup semi-final for the second time under Hughes’ tenure, but were defeated by Chelsea 2-1. In June 2008, Hughes left Blackburn Rovers and was appointed as manager of Manchester City, and finished 10th in his first season with the club, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. During this period City’s home form was among the best in the league. He remained with Manchester City until December 2009, losing only two league games that season, prior to his departure. The Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed, said: ‘I would like to welcome Mark Hughes to Fulham. I know that he understands my vision for the Club, and believes in what we want achieve. ‘We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue. I am confident that with his Premier League and National Team successes, Mark will be a great guy for the job.' Mark Hughes commented: ‘I am happy to have joined Fulham following much speculation regarding the appointment of a new Manager. I have discussed my aspirations with both the Chairman and Alistair Mackintosh and believe that we are aligned in our aims for what can realistically be achieved here. ‘I am joining on the back of two of the most successful seasons in the Club’s history, and that in itself brings with it the challenges of expectation and ambition. I am confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this Club forward in the right direction. ‘I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season’s campaign and we will work hard to achieve that. I’m looking forward to working with the squad as soon as possible, and in making sure the on-pitch preparations are complete before the first competitive ball is kicked in August.’ Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/July/NewManager.aspx#ixzz0v9FMgHZX http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=967 On Thursday morning, following talks with Ajax, the Club can confirm that it has ceased negotiations for the release of Martin Jol from his contract with the Dutch Club. Although Fulham had agreed personal terms with Martin Jol, Ajax were not willing to allow him to leave under any circumstances, and have held him to the terms of the contract he signed last summer. When Fulham commenced negotiations with Martin Jol, the Club was informed that an exit clause existed in his contract with Ajax. Subsequent negotiations revealed that the clause was no longer valid and Ajax position remained steadfast in their desire to keep their manager, therefore dialogue between the two clubs has now ended. Since Roy Hodgson indicated that he wanted to leave Fulham, a short list of potential managers was identified, and the Club is committed to ensuring that the right candidate is brought on board to continue the Club’s progress, in the soonest timeframe possible. The Chairman and CEO would also like to personally thank Ajax for their conduct throughout this very public process. Ray Lewington will remain in charge of all First Team matters as caretaker manager and the Club would like to thank Ray, his backroom staff and all the players for their patience and professionalism ahead of the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=966 Fulham returned to action for the first time since the Europa League Final, and Fulham's fans show up in force, as they shook off the cobwebs with their first pre-season friendly at Brentford’s Griffin Park. And the Whites showed no signs of a summer hangover as they dominated a one-sided game with cool authority. Backed by a very vocal turnout of travelling fans, the team created their first chance inside the first two minutes, Chris Baird curling a precise ball into the box. David Elm lost his marker and dived in to connect with his head, but his effort lacked accuracy and failed to trouble Richard Lee as it rolled wide of his right post. Knocking the ball around with crispness and urgency, Ray Lewington’s side carved out a second chance on seven minutes as Riise threaded a pass through to Eddie Johnson who outmuscled his marker, but saw his shot blocked as he bore down on goal. But the lively American was involved again when Fulham opened their pre-season account just before the quarter hour. Surging down the left, he stretched the defence wide before cutting the ball back to the edge of the area where Chris Baird was lurking. The Irishman found himself with the time to take a touch, before aiming a low shot into the bottom corner past the unsighted Lee. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=965 The Club is pleased to officially reveal the 2010/11 Fulham Home Kit from Kappa which fans can pre-order now! Kappa, a leading brand in European sportswear, has developed this innovative Home shirt for the Fulham Football Club squad at its Kappa R&D centre in Turin, Italy, to the finest quality and design standards. The new 2010/11 Fulham home kit from Kappa is set to be worn by the First Team during their pre-season campaign ahead of the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season. The new kit continues in Fulham’s traditional black and white, and incorporates the well-known Omini Kappa logo of the back-to-back male and female silhouette. Inspired by Kappa’s Kombat 2010 kit range and is characterised by attention to detail: 3-needle seam with covering, ergonomic cuts on the sides, customised embroidery and the new V neck that gives new personality to the shirt. These details along with the great stretch-fit enhancement and the hydro-way technology only add to the shirt’s functionality and elegance and allows it to reach the best aesthetic standards in the sports apparel sector. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=964 We have yet to see what this new sponsor will mean to us international fans but lets hope they grasp the Fulham brand and help us grow over the following three seasons while they are with our wonderful Club. From fulhamfc.com Fulham Football Club has today announced a new and exciting sponsorship deal with FxPro Financial Services Ltd (FxPro). FxPro, a leading global retail broker in FX and CFDs, will join the Club as its Main Sponsor from July 2010 on a three year deal. This will see the FxPro brand appear on the front of the First Team shirt until the summer of 2013. The agreement, which follows Fulham’s recent successes in Europe and its highest ever Barclays Premier League finish, is the biggest in the Club’s history. Integral to the agreement is support from FxPro for a variety of Fulham Foundation initiatives, with particular focus, and funding, for Fulham Deaf FC. Fulham’s outstanding media platforms, along with its enviable London location, were important factors for FxPro in the formation of a partnership. The high end hospitality offering, brand positioning, and well executed marketing initiatives reinforced the benefits for both parties in a joint long term union. Alistair Mackintosh, Chief Executive at Fulham said: ‘I am delighted to welcome FxPro to Fulham during a period of such success and optimism on and off the pitch. It is always a cause for celebration when you have an opportunity to work with a brand that shares your commitment and vision for success. 'FxPro already has global presence and, partnering another Premier League football club, will enhance this even further. Clearly this has additional benefits for Fulham’s global reach which, following the European success of last season and the recognition the Club received worldwide, is something that we are extremely excited about’. Denis Sukhotin, Director for FxPro added: ‘FxPro is delighted to team up with Fulham Football Club for the next three years. Fulham’s success during the last campaign in both the Barclays Premier League and in the UEFA Europa League saw the Club capture the imagination of football fans, not just in the UK but internationally. 'FxPro is committed to raising the profile of Fulham FC and supporting the Club as it seeks to replicate last season’s success in the domestic and European competitions during the period of our association.’ http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=963 The Club is pleased to give supporters a first glimpse of the 2010/11 Fulham Home Kit from Kappa which fans can pre-order now! Kappa, a leading brand in European sportswear, has developed this innovative Home shirt for the Fulham Football Club squad at its Kappa R&D centre in Turin, Italy, to the finest quality and design standards. The new kit continues in Fulham’s traditional black and white, and incorporates the well-known Omini Kappa logo of the back-to-back male and female silhouette. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=962 Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce its first signing of the summer after agreeing a 3-year deal for Swiss International, Philippe Senderos. The 25-year-old defender spent seven seasons at Arsenal after joining the Gunners from Swiss side Servette in June 2003. Born in Geneva, Senderos has been a regular for his national team since his debut in a draw against France in Paris in 2005. He was part of the Swiss defence that did not concede a goal at the 2006 World Cup and he also played in every minute of Switzerland’s 2008 European Championship. He helped Switzerland reach this summer’s World Cup with an inspiring qualifying campaign which saw him net a brace against Luxembourg last October and he has already amassed 38 appearances for his country. He has also added Italian football experience to his impressive CV, having spent the 2008-09 season with AC Milan. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=961 Following in the footsteps of Brian McBride as the Fulham faithful’s favourite American, Clint Dempsey looks set to extend another sparkling season in the white of Fulham with what could be memorable four weeks in the white of the USA. With eight World Cup finals already under their belt, this will be their sixth in succession, having topped the Hexagonal phase of the North, Central America and Caribbean zone with commendable efficiency. “We have come a long way,” reflects Clint. “When you look back at previous tournaments, perhaps we were just happy to make up the numbers. But that’s certainly not the case now. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=960 Watch the best 5 Fulham goals as vote by the fans here: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/GoaloftheSeasonResult.aspx http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=959 Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce Kappa as its new Technical Sponsor and Official Supplier of sportswear for the next three seasons. The deal will commence at the start of the 2010/11 campaign. Kappa, a leading brand in European sportswear, has developed an innovative Kombat shirt for the Fulham Football Club squad at its Kappa R&D centre in Turin, Italy, to the finest quality and design standards. Fulham Football Club will be the only Premier League team sponsored by Kappa next season and follow in the footsteps of AS Roma, Sampdoria, Dortmund, Copenhagen and Valencia who have all previously worked alongside the renowned manufacturer. The new kit will continue to be in Fulham’s traditional black and white, and will incorporate the well-known Omini Kappa logo of the back-to-back male and female silhouette. Next season. The home and away strips are due to be unveiled this June with availability to buy from July. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=958 Looking for a place to settle down on Wednesday afternoon (after you've snuck out of work of course) and take in the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Fulham FC? Here is a list compiled by our FulhamUSA members of places around the country showing this European Final. Atlanta The Brewhouse Café 401 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 525-7799 www.brewhousecafe.com/ Chicago The Globe 1934 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60613 Phone: (773) 871-3757 www.theglobepub.com San Antonio The Lion and Rose 5148 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-7673 www.thelionandrose.com http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=957 Following Fulham’s European heroics on Thursday evening, Roy Hodgson elected to give a number of players a much-needed period of recovery for the visit of West Ham. Fulham looked the more inventive early on when Bjorn Helge Riise fired a teasing low delivery across the face of the West Ham six yard box on seven minutes. West Ham’s forward line was manned by Carlton Cole and Araujo Ilan, they were up against Chris Baird and Chris Smalling in what made for an intriguing battle. Despite the clear disparity in height between Cole and Baird, the Fulham defender won more than his fair share of balls in the air. Whilst there was plenty of industry on show from both sides in the midfield area, neither side was able to craft an opening of any note as defences were most certainly on top in the opening 20 minutes. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=956 This match was another magnificent performance all around. Bobby Zamora created an early chance inside Hamburg's box with a nice turn and a well aimed shot toward the far right hand post. After Bobby's turn put him one-on-one with the keeper I thought for certain Fulham would take an early lead in the tie but Hamburg's keeper Frank Rost was up to the challenge managing to parry the shot away with his left hand. After the early threat from Fulham faded Hamburg began to enjoy the better of the possession but they could not manage to penetrate the Fulham defense from open play as ball after ball was cleared over the end line or touch line by Fulham defenders. As has often been the case this season Fulham found their scoring boots at the half. Needing two goals and a clean sheet in the second half Fulham continued to have the answer for Hamburg's offensive tactics and found a better offensive rhythm of their own. The offense really picked up the pace after Clint Dempsey was subbed on for an obviously struggling Bobby Zamora. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=955 So, leading up to the match, it was a happy Thursday for all of Fulhamdom. Everyone was preparing for the big game, leaving work early, maybe blowing it off entirely, getting the beer, getting the grub, getting pumped (or nervous) for the game, and generally just going crazy. Hey, it was only 130 years in the making. Why the hell not. I prepped for the game by setting the DVR for the 8:00 pm broadcast, avoiding all forms of media for the afternoon, and taking care of my sick 3 year old son who brought a case of the flu home from preschool. I got some chicken to cook for dinner, a hug for Mrs. SteveM19, some things I needed for work, and BOOM! I’m ready to go. COME ON FULHAM! BRING IT ON HAMBURG! Well, it wasn’t Hamburg that brought it on, at least in my case. My son basically said “Daddy, wouldn’t it be fun if I gave you the flu too?” http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=954 The Great Escape of 2007-2008. All of us remember it. It was this time that cemented my loyalty to what is certainly the greatest football club in the world. I remember waking up that sunday morning and rushing eagerly to my computer to check the score of the final game in Portsmouth. Unspeakable joy filled my soul when I found out about the victory. Surely there was nothing the club could achieve that would surpass that joy. I was proved wrong on April 29th, 2010. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=953 Due to the extraordinary level of interest in UEFA Europa League Final tickets, the full allocation of 12,400 tickets has now sold out. A limited number of Official Club travel packages are still available. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=952 Roy Hodgson was greeted with a round of applause when he entered the post-match press conference after Fulham’s historic win over Hamburg at Craven Cottage. And speaking after Thursday evening’s match, the Manager gave his post-match reaction: "After going a goal down against the run of play I think we made a major piece of history here in a very special atmosphere," Hodgson said. "I think lots of teams would have lost their discipline and shape, but we stayed strong. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=951 Terri, Atlanta, at her fav footy pub! I was late for the game. We were down. Jacob told me to bring the Pope John Paul II blessed rosary beads. Thought I had forgotten them. They were in my glove box. All good. Get to the Brewhouse. Very quiet. Chris gave me my Europa Semi-Final Fulham v. Hamburg scarf. I'm wearing my signed kit...become very tense. Tied it up...big hugs. Scared for Davies. He gets up **phew** Second goal...BIGGER hugs...go ballistic! Profess love for Gera. Longest few minutes of my life. Pray for whistle. Can't watch... WE WIN!!!!!!!! Stay for Liverpool v. Atletico...Liverpool fans are in the side room...loud and not very happy. They lose. We silently celebrate so as not to piss them off... The Scousers at The Brewy told us to eff off. Heeheeheeeee!!! http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=949 A pins and needles affair for Fulham fans ended with a huge collective 'Exhale' at full time on Thursday. After a grueling trip by coach for the away round, Fulham came out flat at the first and it looked not too good for the Whites. But, as has been the case throughout the Europa campaign, Fulham's defense rose to the task, flying back home needing only an unanswered goal at the Cottage to reach the Europa Final. While Fulham didn't get the sometimes important away goal, Hamburg didn't get the crucial home goal, either, and is surely disappointed to have not capitalized on their home ground. Now they can only look at Fulham's record at the Cottage and wonder if they misjudged the competition. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=948 Following Thursday night’s historic victory over Wolfsburg in Germany, Roy Hodgson made two changes for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield. Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were unavailable for selection due to injury so Hodgson opted for Erik Nevland and Jonathan Greening respectively. The big news for Liverpool was the absence of the injured Fernando Torres from Rafa Benitez’ starting line-up. A moving minute’s silence was held prior to kick-off in memory of the 96 lives lost at Hillsborough on the 15th April 1989. Liverpool got Sunday’s game underway and almost took the lead after just three minutes of play. A Steven Gerrard corner fell to Ngog six yards from goal but Bobby Zamora was alert to the danger and cleared the ball to safety before the striker could capitalise. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=947 Terri, Fulham Fan in Atlanta describes the scene at her fav footy pub! 1. I post on Facebook that I will buy beer for my friends if they come to the Brewhouse to watch match. Text friends to make sure they show up...beg, cry, beg some more (need numbers to guarantee sound) 2. I bring my rosary beads that were blessed by Pope John Paul II. I reclaim my Catholicism. I mean, PJPII was a Fulham supporter, right? I brought the same beads to the Brewy for the last few games of the "Great Escape" year...needed them to work their Pope magic again. 3. I get to Brewhouse an hour early to save seats. Asked the bartender if we can have sound on game...told "no" because Liverpool is on at the same time. **Puppy dog eyes** Bartender says that she might be able to get the Liverpool fans in one room, so we can have sound in the other, but no guarantees. Jacob offers two bottles of a "yet-to-be-released" Sweetwater beer to bartender. We get sound. Score! http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=946 Roy Hodgson admits Bobby Zamora can do no more to prove to Fabio Capello he deserves a place in England's World Cup squad after the striker fired Fulham into the semi-finals of the Europa League. The former Spurs hitman scored his 19th goal of the season just 19 seconds into tonight's quarter-final second leg to seal a 3-1 aggregate win for the Londoners. Zamora has yet to earn an England cap, but his beautifully taken winner will only increase calls for the Italian to give the striker a chance before Capello chooses his squad for South Africa. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=945 A glance at the standings had indicated Wigan Athletic required the points more than Roy Hodgson's band of continental travellers. However, the week in which Fulham will take a 2-1 advantage to Wolfsburg in their Europa League quarter-final second leg began perfectly for Hodgson with a win that lifts them to 41 points and the near certainty of Premier League football next season. For Roberto Martínez life is not so rosy as Wigan remain only four points clear of the drop zone. Still, his players offered enough encouragement here that they can stay ahead of the bottom three until season's end, though their supporters may have to wait until the final day to celebrate survival. Wigan were quietly impressive when they managed to retain possession. Hugo Rodallega, lining up to the left of an advanced three, has a wiry strength that complements pace and deft control. One mazy run early on took him past Fulham defenders into the area, and a later burst in-field worried the midfield. Worry deepened for Hodgson's men after the half‑hour during a spell which closed with Jason Scotland finally scoring a first Premier League goal for Wigan. Mario Melchiot stepped up from his right-back berth to deliver a hanging cross to Marcelo Moreno, and a cushioned header found Scotland. The forward ended his top-flight drought on his 29th appearance by skidding a left-foot finish beyond Mark Schwarzer as his backside hit the turf. Hodgson decided to remove David Elm at half-time for Stefano Okaka, and the impact was instant. Zoltan Gera drove into Wigan's area, his low ball found the on-loan Roma striker and the back-heeled finish beat Kirkland. Brede Hangeland's winner, the defender's first league goal this term, was simple stuff. Damien Duff stood up a corner and the Norwegian's header flipped in off the left-hand post http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=944 This UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final first leg got off to a cagey start with both sides looking evenly matched in the opening exchanges. The threat posed by Wolfsburg’s strike duo of Grafite and Edin Dzeko was evident early on as the pair looked sharp in possession. Fulham soon settled into the game and built a number of promising attacks in wide positions, with Damien Duff and Simon Davies on the Fulham right flank the chief architects. They were soon joined by Paul Konchesky who, as the first-half went on, started to venture forward with greater confidence down the left. Making his Europa League return following suspension, Danny Murphy was back in central midfield pulling the strings. However Mark Schwarzer was called upon to make the first save of the game when Christian Gentner managed to squeeze an effort through Fulham’s back line on 20 minutes. Zoltan Gera then forced Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio into an awkward looking stop a minute later when he hit a wicked swerving effort that momentarily wrong-footed the keeper. http://fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=943 Football can be such a cruel game, as Fulham found out to their cost last week. The euphoria created by the fantastic result against Juventus had barely subsided when the Whites were brought back down to earth with a home defeat by Manchester City and that was followed by their exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. In this episode of Inside Fulham Podcast we’ll hear from Manager Roy Hodgson about those two matches, plus the Whites are the latest top flight club to launch their "Premier League 4 Sport scheme, we’ll find out what the initiative is all about and John Pantsil is making a good recovery from injury, he tells us about his progress. Download today