fulhamish life

One to go

2011-08-20T22:16:00.004+09:00

EL play-off 1st leg

Fulham 3-0 Dnipro

Aaron 39
Clint 43
Clint 49

I'm really happy that Aaron scored
(long time no see! lovely!)
and realised I missed Clint so much.
Welcome back, Clint!

We were very solid at the back.
Matt and Kelly played well
and our centre-back pairing should be
Aaron and Brede, the Rocks.

While I'm pleased at the deserved win,
I think greedily I would be happier
if we had got more goals.
Yes I am a natural worrier...
But thinking about our away record,
is there a reason to worry about, isn't it?

Of course we don't have to win next week
or even draw.
But anything happens.
We all remember that match against Juve .

Alright, I shouldn't worry too much.
I should have faith in the lads.
Remember the great joy they gave me.
Yes...I will try.

But PL comes first.
Wolves away tomorrow.
PL is the priority, isn't it?
So break the curse of away nightmare!

New season, new resolution

2011-08-18T22:57:00.007+09:00

I will try my best to update my blog
as many as I can this season!
(no one cares...)

Fulham 0-0 Villa

You need goals to win.
We might have dominated
and one goal could have been enough.
As Jol, I was disappointed
and it makes me worry more now
about our EL play-off game
against Dnipro.

For a reason I don't know
we have to play the first leg at the Cottage.
For a reason I don't really know
I'm worried sick.
We need an advantage = goals and a clean sheet,
hopefully 3-0 ?
Or more...please.

I have to wake up at 3:00am next morning.
It means I can sleep for 3 hours( if I can sleep).
I couldn't care less
if the lads would make me smile after the game.

This is a football life I have chosen
and I'm really happy to follow
my beloved Fulham's european adventure again.
Hope it will continue as long as possible.

Just one transfer thought.
I love red hair...
Marcel Gecov, I really expect you to make us happy.

Premiership hangover?

2009-08-28T00:29:00.013+09:00

I'm writing this while we are playing.

Now we are playing Amkar Perm in Russia.
We won 3-1 at the Cottage
and of course it's an advantage
but by the text commentary by BBC
and some fans who can watch the game,
we are poor, very very poor.
Someone said we were shite...
No shot in the first half.
It seemed that it was a miracle that we didn't concede.
Everything can happen in those kind of games.
Roy, please let the lads awake!

I might be lucky I can't watch the game...

60m.
Somehow we can manage not to concede
and still no shot.
Mark is the busiest Whites player on the pitch.
Pants is booked.
Wow first shot is by Zol, saved by their GK.
10 minutes to go.
We defend brilliantly(...or desperately).
5 minutes to go.

It will be very nice to have a late goal...

Oh, a late goal from them.
1-0 .(2-3 on agg)
Come on you Whites!
Please hang in there!

Phew...

Full Time.
I don't like this, lads!

Amkar Perm 1-0 Fulham (agg 2-3)

Although we were awful,
we are through to the next stage in Europe.
Yes I'm worried sick to think about the next opponent
because of the way we played tonight.
But let's enjoy Europe games while it lasts!

European hangover?

2009-08-27T01:30:00.006+09:00

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

I'm so disappointed at the result
as I expected more from our Whites.
My expectation is higher than the last campaign obviously
and I thought we had a good chance to beat Scum
or at least had a good game.
But how could we have a chance
when we couldn't have a ball
and gave it cheaply so often?
And the substitution?
We don't have a big squad sadly
but we have to manage with it.

A bad day at the office, wasn't it?
I really hope so.
Duffer, I expected you could make
a great contribution for us.
We know you can.
Please don't let me down.

I don't care if we are in the Championship, League 1 or 2.
I love Fulham because they are Fulham.
When we lose, I can't watch other football games
even if it was my local club Sagan Tosu game.
And I really want to see our lads' passion,determination
and commitment.
Most of all , goals...

We can bounce back against Villa next week.
We Japanese fans will be able to watch the game
and it's live !(a la Martin Tylor )

New season, new joy, new worry

2009-08-21T22:32:00.007+09:00

Now that Finn has returned to the Premier League
(even if he plays for Pompey)
and we are in the Europa League,
I am fully awake.

Fulham 3-1 Amkar Perm

I'm happy as we won against an enigmatic Russian side,
but AJ was injured by the bad challenge
and we all know that our squad is not very big.
We don't have money.
So it's up to Mr. RH's ability as a manager
and with no reason, I trust him blindly.

It seems Duffer made a good debut.
He will make the Scum fans to regret to let him go on Saturday
(I desperately hope so) .

Well, honestly, I'm not worried about my Fulham very much.
I'm worried sick about Pompey and Finn.
They lost two games in a row
and Finn is injured now.
Their next game is against Arse.
Oh my ...

Burnley beat Man U,but...
I just hope they will show the determination, commitment
and passion.
And most of all I want to see Finn play ...

feeling better(a little bit)

2008-11-21T21:27:00.006+09:00

Fulham 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Nice try, Simon(thanks, Mr.Gomez).
Good goal, AJ.
It's always good to see our striker score
and all the more this time
as it was against Spurs!

I'm sorry, Jamie Perrett...

----------------------------------------

Espanyol 3-4 Numancia

Of course, I don't like the result very much
but Finn was back from the injury
and in the starting 11.
I have no idea how he played
because the La Liga review show in Japan
gave this game just ten seconds
and I can't read Spanish or Catalan.
But I'm sure he and his co-defenders didn't play well
as they conceded four goals from a newly promoted team.
They are at 16th now.
It's really worrying and I just hope
Finn will help his team to improve...
or he has to improve obviously!

You are too nice

2008-09-23T23:07:00.008+09:00

Blackburn 1-0 Fulham

I was disappointed very much.
Will our away day blues still continue this season?

We had some good chances and if only BZ knew
how to head the ball into the back of the net,
we could have won.

Another away game tonight,
away at Turf Moor.

I remember the night when Sean was sent off
and FFC Official site man cruelly used the picture of the gutted Finn
in front of the scoreboard which said 3-0.

We haven't won at Turf Moor for over 50 years
but there isn't any reason that we can't win this time.
I hope Roy has put some magic into our team to break the jinx.
And I want see Leon, Fred, Zubi or Toni
play to prove their ability.

By the way, I think Gentleman Jim was saying
that the away shirt was sexy
(my hearing ability of English is dubious),
do you think so?
I think it is fairy good but sexy...?

-----------------------------------------------------

Espanyol 1-1 Getafe

Finn made a debut for Espanyol on Saturday.
He replaced the injured left back Beranger at 79th minutes.
Some fans said on a message board that he was solid
and it made me feel relieved.

Their fans expect that Finn will be a big hit
as he has played at two CL finals
and was a regular RB for that famous Liverpool.
I hope the pressure doesn't affect him.

In Japan, the away match against Sevilla
will be on TV on Wednesday.
I want to see Finn play,
but at least to know his new teammates
I will get up early, at 4:00AM.

I don't really understand why the Spanish games
start at 22:00 even on weekend.
Culture shock, that is...

Finn the Perico

2008-09-18T01:19:00.005+09:00

Finn has been unveiled as an Espanyol player on Monday.
He will be wearing the number 15 this season.

It seems he is treated as a superstar, doesn't it?
When will I be used to see him in a Perico shirt?

They are top of the table now
and managers don't tinker their winning teams
unless he is Mr.Benitez.
I hope Finn will get a chance to play as soon as possible.

------------------------------------------------------

And our Fulham are 7th with a game in hand.
I was pleased to watch a good partnership of AJ and BZ .
I should not get carried away as the season is young
but I really like what I have seen so far.

What a summer...

2008-09-04T00:35:00.009+09:00

Our little Fulham beat Arse.
Well done, Brede and the lads!
I'm very proud of you.

Jimmy was called into the England squad.
Well done, Jimmy!
Go and get the medal.
Only the team with a Fulham player can win the WC.

We got Julian Gray on the deadline day(hehe).
Work hard, young man.

Antti has retired.
Thank you, Antti.
I'll miss you as I am a big fan of you
and was over the moon
when I heard that you had joined us.
You should have been our first choice GK
but for those injuries...

And Finn has gone to Spain.

I am still upset by the Finn's transfer.

As I have never thought he would go abroad,
when I heard the news I almost fainted...
I knew he would leave Anfield but why Spain!?

He could have refused it and I wanted him to fight
for the RB position at Anfield.
But it seemed that the Reds manager would
never play him again
and Finn refused to be rotten in the reserve team at Melwood.
Fair enough.

I can't see the bright side of this transfer yet
and I'm worried if he succeeds in La Liga
(a pessimistic part of me says he would fail)
but now that he chose the new challenge
(and the new team without that fat, bald Spaniard)
I will back him as a fan.

Espanyol is a kind of Fulham in La Liga, isn't it?
(though their stadium is not so beautiful.)
I just wish him good luck
and as far as the commitment and consistency is concerned
he'll never let me and the Espanyol fans down.

Training with the Ireland team in Dublin.
Lovely smile, isn't it?

Not yet...

2008-08-04T22:58:00.004+09:00

I hate this transfer thingy.
Especially this year.

Barry saga is still on and becoming to get complicated.
Barry wants to be a Red.
Villa wants ￡18m for him.
Liverpool doesn't want to pay it.
And Villa doesn't think Finn is worth ￡2m.

Yes I know that the balding manager
doesn't need Finn anymore
now that he has a young Swiss international right back.
I don't know why they want to use Finn
as a makeweight for Barry
but think if O'Neill wants Finn it would be good for him.

But some paper said that Finn was reluctant to join Villa
as part of the deal.
Fair enough.
He wants to fight for the place at Liverpool.
I will support him whatever he wants.
But Finn, when your manager doesn't want you,
how would you make him to play you?

I really hate this.
I hate Rafa B, very much.

Ca va?

2008-07-30T20:16:00.004+09:00

Suruga Bank Championship 2008 Osaka
took place in Japan tonight.
It is a match played between the league cup winners
of Japan and Argentine.
Gamba Osaka vs Arsenal FC.

I wasn't interested in this match.
But Gamba have my favourite GK(Fujigaya)
and right back(Kaji),
I started to watch the game.
I didn't know about Arsenal FC at all.

But lo and behold!
There was Sava, playing for Arsenal!
Facundo Sava, our Man in the Mask!

I was surprised and pleased very much
as I really liked him when he was playing for Fulham
and was very sad when he left.

He hasn't changed much.
He won every header and still had lovely mullet!

He had a good game tonight.
I was wondering if he had a mask in his sock
but I couldn't find it out
because he was replaced around 75th minutes.
It's a shame as he had a few good chaces to score
but I was happy to see him fit and well.

Gamba Osaka 0-1 Arsenal FC

Facundo won another title.
It is not a very big one,
but he and his teammates seemed very happy.
Conglatulations!

Comes-and-goes

2008-07-06T23:00:00.006+09:00

Long time no see (I know nobody misses it).

It may be a part of the off-season syndromes
as I didn't have a gut to talk about my beloved Fulham...
I have been in the mood of "I don't like football. It sucks!"
I needed a rest...

But the transfer rumours don't wait.

Fulham have got Gera and Andranik.
Alright.
But we lost Brian.
We know he would leave sometime as he wanted to go back to USA
but I am very sad, very very sad.
Who will replace him?
EJ? He might be , as a striker...
But who will be Captain?
Aaron? Bully?(will he stay?)

Rumour has it that Aston Villa want Finn as a part of the Barry deal,
so he doesn't seem to be back to Fulham.
Although Finn had declared to fight for the RB berth at Anfield ,
no one seemed to care, including his Manager...

Anyway, my beloved Fulham will go to South Korea
for the pre-season friendlies.
Very good chance to watch the Whites as I live in Japan.

Anyone out there (that has time to see my blog)
is going to the eastern country?
If there is someone, please let me know.
I need a White or two to go with and talk to.

Photo of the Season

2008-05-28T22:00:00.013+09:00

Sorry for my sentiment.

I don't care they will wear the same shirts (white, of course)next season.

A new Red, Philipp Degen seems to be confident
to get the RB place from Finn and Al.
Wao...
Let's see.

Off -season syndrome

2008-05-28T00:24:00.003+09:00

I'm feeling blue these days.

No football on Saturday.
No excitement, joy or sorrow on Saturday.
And those irritating, nerve-wracking transfer rumours!

We've got Schwarzer.
I know he is a good GK
but a bit disappointed that we couldn't get Jussi or Maik
if we really need a GK
as we already have two good GKs.
I didn't realise that our priority was a goalie.
But now that Roy thought otherwise,
I really wish Mark will do a good job for us
as I know we will need his heroics on some occasions.

As for the RB situation,
of course I would be happy if Finn would come back to us
( though I want him to fight for the RB berth at Liverpool to be honest ),
but why Mendy?
I've never rated him and I don't really like him.
He may be free but Paul Stalteri would be a better option, wouldn't he?
He has done a decent job for us and he wants to join us.
Please Roy, please.

Eight players were released.
I feel sorry for Boca.
He might have not been a great defender
(he was sent off vs Villa at Loftus Road and it was the first Fulham game I attended)
but he scored some precious goals for us.
Thanks and good luck to them who had to go.

So Fulham will go to South Korea for the pre-season friendlies.
Why not Japan?
Japan is the better place to play football apparently.
Of course it's because of LG.
Alright then.
I have to manage to join you the Whites fans.
Luckily, I live in a place called Fukuoka
where is very near to SK it will be cheaper than to fly to Tokyo.

Well, there is some good thing during the off-season!

Another interesting game to watch tommorrow.
England vs USA at Wembley.
Boca, Clint and EJ are in the American team.
I hope our lads will play well and beat England.
COYAW !

We are in the Premier League!

2008-05-12T01:43:00.011+09:00

Sorry, lads.
I just can't believe this.

Until Murphy scored, I couldn't see this.
We started very well but couldn't score
but neither did they.
We defended well, very well.
So I had a hope we might win and survive
even though other rival teams were winning.

We had to score and win to stay up, as simple as that.

And we did score!

76th minute, from Jimmy's FK , Murphy's header!
I haven't seen the Danny's header until this,
this really crucial moment .

After that we defended even better
and we got 3 precious points.
In my tears, I lost my words and I just praised our lads,
Manager and Uncle Mo.
Also the great applause to the brave people
who went to Pompey,
I could hear your chants and it made me feel I was not alone.

Alright, we must improve to win the title
(which Man U have just won)
but with this squad we will be more comfortable next season, I hope...

I believe in you

2008-05-11T07:07:00.002+09:00

Come on you Whites!

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2008/May/DayofDestiny.aspx

We will stay up!

2008-05-05T22:56:00.013+09:00

OK, Bolton won.
But most important thing is that we also won!

Fulham 2-0 Birmingham

I don't really understand what that means
but we "took the game to Brum", didn't we?
Every lad showed the will to win and ran all over the pitch.
I was desperately worried about their stamina.

But Captain scored!
I thought he would score when Si's FK flew goalwards.
Brilliant diving header.
He led by example.
It gave the teammates a boost apparently.

Nev(I mean Erik) scored the crucial second goal
and I could breath a sigh of relief at last.
I haven't seen him play much but he seems to know

where the goal is.

The final game of the season is at Fratton Park
and it will be a tough game, of course.
I'll give you all my best wishes to win the FA Cup,
Sean and Papa, so please give us some favour.
One or two own goals and some misplaced passes
would be nice.

I just pray.
I don't think our lads deserve to be relegated.
I want them to prove it.

I'm sorry for Maik.
You are a good GK, no doubt about that.
My dream team always includes you and Finn.
If Fulham need a new GK and a RB...

By the way, the refs were crap, weren't they?

What's wrong with us?

2008-04-21T21:58:00.004+09:00

I can't answer.

Finn played but didn't score an own goal.
Most importantly, Fulham didn't score, either.

Fulham 0-2 Liverpool

We started well enough to give me some hope
but Keller should have done better.
Of course the rest of the lads could have done better.
I wanted to see commitment, passion, and a desire to win
from the Whites but I couldn't.
We couldn't take advantage of Finn's misplaced pass.

Actually I've been speechless for some time now
and don't want to think about the last three games.
Somehow Bolton won...ooh...

And I didn't want to see you celebrate Pennant's goal
with your teammates, Finn...

Don't get carried away...

2008-04-18T22:40:00.006+09:00

Sunday morning, I woke up to find a big smile on my face.

Reading 0-2 Fulham

First away win in 33 games and our two strikers scored!
Just 4 points from the 17th place.

I felt very positive when I checked the rating of some press
and very pleased when I watched the Review Show.
It's a shame that we hit the woodwork three times.

But I had a lump in my throat and shed some tears
when I looked at the photos on the Official site.

I don't know why
but they may show the unity, spirit and determination
or something which lacked before.
I'm not sure.
I don't think the players hadn't fought until this
but...maybe I've become very vulnerable these days.

Now Liverpool next.
We've had some encouraging results against them
at the Cottage.
As they will play Scum on Tuesday(or Wednesday?)
and the fourth place seems almost to be secured,
Tinkerman might rest some key players
(Captain G is injured).
I don't mind if Finn will score the first OG
in his career for us
as long as he plays(...not really).

Thanks, Captain!
His message for the fans.
And the staff of the Official site made a moving vid again.

Great news

2008-04-04T00:14:00.004+09:00

It seems Jimmy Bullard will stay with Fulham
if we are relegated.

I have no idea that whom he has told it
and who revealed it to us, but at least,
on the official site he paid tribute to the fantastic support
from the Whites fans
and said that he and his teammates owe them.

Of course, the lads don't want to go down
and they will fight to prevent it.
I hope they are determined to give us something to cheer about.
A win. Or two. Or three.

Sunderland at the Cottage on Saturday.
A must win game.
We must win.

David Healy was presented with an award on 26th March
in recognition of his record-breaking
Euro 2008 Qualification campaign goal tally .
Congratulations, David.
If only you can score for Fulham.
Yes I know you haven't had many opportunities
because of the reason I can't see.
But if only...

Well done lads

2008-04-01T00:38:00.005+09:00

and lasses.

Derby 2-2 Fulham

I was devastated and I can't say any more
with my poor vocabulary to express my feelings properly.
So I'll give the big applause to those
who went all the way to Derby
and had to come back broken-hearted.
I could hear their chants clearly.

fulhamfc.com's Man of the Match

The Finishing Touch

2008-03-28T00:03:00.005+09:00

Newcastle 2-0 Fulham

I have been very ill for a while
so I might have seen the match with my weary eyes and mind
but you, the lads, made me feel worse.

I thought we could beat them.
I didn't want to give that man (a man called King Kev)
his first victory.
And you DID!

Is it Fulhamish?

But, even with my black & white coloured spectacles,
I couldn't see that we were the better side.
What's wrong with us?
Away day curse?
Or are we REALLY not good enough to be in the Premiership?

Yes, we are good enough to survive.
I always wonder why we can't win with this squad.

And I found belatedly this video on the Official site.
Uncle Mo says he believes we can survive, and so do I.

Now we have got seven games to play.
Anything can happen.
We can make it happen.

By the way, whose song is it?
That song makes the video even more emotional.
I shed some tears ...to be honest.

There's only one Jimmy Bullard

2008-03-13T22:43:00.003+09:00

Blackburn 1-1 Fulham

Jimmy has done it again!

I didn't think we played badly in the bad condition
(though BBC thought so), so I was very disappointed
at the way we conceded the goal.
It might have been a foul against Stalteri
but CBs should have dealt with that cross and the player.

Have you seen the Sky's Premier League best?
Simon and Jimmy were chosen in Team of the weekend.
Jimmy was the Player of the week and his goal was Goal of the week.
And Pedersen's goal was Controversy of the week.
Is the man in charge a Fulham fan?
Or suddenly the press come to like Fulham?

Now it is six points from the 17th spot.
We can stay up.
...I hope we can...

---------------------

CL best 16 2nd leg

Inter 0-1 Liverpool (0-3)

Somehow they won.
Finn had not recovered from the groin injury.
I wonder whether Rafa would have picked Finn if he was fit,
though, as Carra played as RB when Arbeloa was available.
Good saves by Pepe and a great goal from Torres.

Four English clubs are in the quarter final.
Like everybody else,
I hope Reds will play Schalke 04 in the next round.
They are Volzy's boyhood club, aren't they?

...

2008-03-02T23:59:00.001+09:00

Fulham 0-3 Man Ure

Go away butterflies!

2008-03-01T09:44:00.004+09:00

I am already nervous about tonight's game.
I've seen Fulham beaten ManUre not long ago.
Of course, the team were the different ,
but still I hope they have the same spirit.

Leon is suspended but Bouazza will return.
Giggs will not play because of injury...
yes, it might be a good news
but they still have a plenty of great players.
I didn't know Healy was a ManUre player.
Old boys (Healy and Nev) will let them know what they have missed.
I hope...

They have TWO former Fulham players.
(We are a feeder club to ManUre?)
Edwin has played pretty well this season, I think.
Are you happy, Louis?

Thanks, Mr.Webb

2008-02-27T00:12:00.013+09:00

Fulham 0-1 West Ham

Gutted.
Really gutted.
I don't know other words to describe my feeling...

As I haven't watched the game again(I have no guts to do so)
and didn't visit the TIFF site,
so this is my very instinctive and might be a biased view
but we were so unlucky. Very, very unlucky.

It was a foul against Antti and a definite handball by Solano.
Otherwise,I can't understand why Leon was sent off for the protest.
He might have said exactly the same words I uttered in front of my TV screen.
We have seen the less contact was penalised.
Is it because we are Fulham?

So now what should we do?
Are we not good enough to be in the Premiership?
I don't think so, of course.
We can beat ManUre.
We know that.
It will be fulhamish if we beat ManUre, won't it?

No one likes us

2008-02-22T22:55:00.004+09:00

We don't care.

Surprisingly, J Sports
(a CS channel who broadcast the Premiership games
in Japan)
have chosen Fulham v West Ham game this Saturday.
Usually they only broadcast games by so-called
the big four clubs
but somehow they have picked this game.

As you suspect, West Ham is loved by Japanese pundits.
They love big names and clubs who have great histories.
They don't give a s**t to Fulham
and I don't care as long as I can watch my beloved
Fulham game.
I wish Fulham to upset those Japanese pundits.
We can beat anyone.
We are Fulham!

But just one problem for me...
At the same time, Liverpool will play Middlesbrough
and of course they broadcast the game.
I'm not sure if I can stay away from the Reds game
as I'm really worried about Finn.
He had a good game against Inter
but he is very inconsistent this season.
I just hope that fat Spaniard to tinker.

Who is as kean as mustard?

2008-02-20T20:56:00.007+09:00

Cookie has become the manager of Coventry City.

Welcome back to English football, Cookie and Keano!

Coventry are now 20th in the Championship,
4 points above the relegation zone.
Their Chairman rates Cookie highly
and said they have a five-year plan(sounds familiar?)
and he's got the right man.
As other newly recruited managers,
he said good things about his new club,
but I would be happier if he didn't talk about Fulham.
Please sign Pearcy if you want, Cookie.

I really look forwards to seeing him and his team
to face Fulham in the Premier League,
not in the Championship.
Mind you, Fulham lads!

Just wondering...

2008-02-11T20:12:00.000+09:00

What would I feel IF Fulham get relegated?

Boro 1-0 Fulham

Sorry, I am so disappointed with the result
that I can't think of a positive thing
as I just watched the last 20 minutes of the match.
Some said that we conceded because of an awful defending.
The Review Show will be on TV tonight in Japan.
I can't wait...not really...

IF Fulham get relegated,
we, Japanese fans will not be able to
watch a Fulham game on TV.
Watching a defeat by 5-0 against ManUre is better than nothing.
I have no idea if we can watch Championship games online.

Alright, it is too early to worry about such a thing.

I have to have faith in Manager and the lads.
I like them. I really do now more than before
(I mean Sanchez era).
In Roy we trust.

Please forgive me for quoting the words
by Scrumpy on TIFF board (Thanks Scrumpy).

WE ARE FULHAM. LONDON'S OLDEST CLUB.
WE WILL NEVER SURRENDER!

The Great Escape

2008-02-05T23:46:00.000+09:00

At last we won!

Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa

The win against the in-form Villa side is a pleasure
but I am more pleased with the lads' gutsy performance.

They gave their 110% for the team
and showed the will to win
which had been missed for a long time.
And the great goals from Simon and Jimmy
(Aaron's one was not so bad)!

I think Nevland did a decent job as a lone striker
and I like what I saw.
Jimmy was everywhere and I was worried
that he would not be able to last for 90 minutes.
But he could and scored a splendid FK!
What a player!
I just hope that no setback will occur to him
as he touched his thigh during the game.
And I am really pleased and relieved to see
Brian playing again.
Welcome back, Captain!

I couldn't scream as my family were asleep at 3AM in Japan,
I just had tears of joy in my eyes when the final whistle blew.

Now that Captain is back
and the new players have played very well,
I don't have to worry about the relegation, do I?

But one thing to worry about is...

Billy the badger.
Please behave yourself.

Clean sheet!

2008-01-30T21:26:00.000+09:00

Bolton 0-0 Fulham

Brede looked very good in the heart of the defence.
Leon also looked lively and nearly scored his first goal.
RH was happy with a point and the team's performance.
I don't think Bolton played very well
and a bit disappointed with a draw
but I hope we only improve from here.
It was good to see us passing the ball well.
Ball never gets tired, right?
All we need now is a goal scorer or two or three.
We have EJ, Nevland, Brian and Kamara
(I didn't know Kuqi had gone) .
Where are the goals coming from?

-----------------

Fulham DFC play in the quarter final of
British Deaf Cup tonight.
I didn't know they had won two times.
Good luck to the lads, and bring another silverware
to the trophy cabinet
which has only one Intertoto cup (We won it one time!)
and some won by the ladies' team.

FA Cup aside

2008-01-29T00:42:00.000+09:00

=Fifth round fixtures=

Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Man Ure v Arse
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Brom
Scum v Huddersfield Town

How lucky Scum are!
Liverpool will give another great day
to the travelling Barnsley fans.
I think Blades always have a good cup run.
We should have had Saints at home...

I felt sick when I heard that one Reds fan described
Finn as their own Titus Bramble.
I understand how he felt as I was also disappointed
by his mistake.
But it's unfair. He has a short memory
and he doesn't remember a couple of Finn's
decent performances for his loved club.
Maybe he is not good enough to wear a red shirt.

Oh, I just remember that they had a left back called Traore!

-------------------------

We must win at Reebok on Tuesday.
Murphy talked about the new lads
and of course he talked only good things.
But his comment on Brede sounds encouraging.
"Brede at the back reminds be a bit of Sami Hyypia
because everything seems to land on his head.
He blocks things, he looks brave, and looks like
he's desperate to defend and stop the ball going in the goal.
Of course that sounds like an obvious thing,
but he’s really impressed."

As Steph is suspended, Brede could start.
Or Baird in, at last, his proper position?
Or Boca?

Leon is sporting the famous white shirt.
I really expect him to be our great hit.

FA Cup Romance

2008-01-28T01:12:00.000+09:00

FA Cup 4th Round

Liverpool 5-2 Havant & Waterlooville

Reds had to come from behind twice to beat
Havant & Waterlooville and reach the FA Cup fifth round.

Finn was a culprit for those two goals, it seems.
I didn't watch the H&W's first goal
but second one came from his mistake.
He was not in-form to be honest.
But he played pretty well in the second half,
sending a couple of good crosses and almost scored
with a looping shot, though no Reds fan mentioned it.
He made a great block in the dying minutes.
But no one mentioned it.
Their fans remember only his mistakes.
Alright he made some mistakes, but your Captain has,
hasn't he?

Rant over.

Well done H&W!
You gave the PL elite some scare and took your goals
very well.
You deserve the respect
and you let me know what the FA Cup magic is like.
If only my Fulham have your determination and
nothing-to-lose spirit...

Sad day for Eire

2008-01-25T23:53:00.000+09:00

Or is it just for me?

Steve Finnan announced his retirement from
international football on Tuesday.

I knew he would soon hang up his international boots
and I thought I was ready for it, but......I am sad, very sad.
Isn't it too early to retire as he is just 31?
I think he still has a lot to offer his country.
It was revealed that he had said about his frustration
being often played as LB and I fully understand that.
But a new Ireland manager might be wiser to play his players
at their best positions.
Caretaker boss Don Givens says that he hopes
Finn reconsider his decision.
So do I, Finn.
I like Kelly and O'brien and hope they will have their chances
but it's obvious who is still the best RB for the green shirt.

The squad was named to face Brazil in next month's friendly.
Who will play LB now that they lost Finn?
Ian Harte is not included. Kilbane, maybe. Or O'Shea?
Let's wait and see.
Oh, by the way, who will be the next Ireland manager?

50 caps 2 goals

This photo was taken after Finn scored his second(and last?)
international goal against Cyprus
(it was an equaliser in 90th minutes).
He seems like a man who scored an own goal.
Fulhamish, isn't it?

Rafa welcomes his retirement,
so he will play Finn in the FA Cup tie
against Havant & Waterlooville out of gratitude(or won't).
Finn used to play for Welling Utd and he knows how they feel like to play at Anfield...

PL you're having a laugh

2008-01-23T08:49:00.000+09:00

Better team won, it seemed.

FA Cup 3rd round replay

Bristol Rovers 0-0 Fulham (AET)
Bristol Rovers win 5-3 on penalties

Desperately seeking the positives...
Jimmy got 120minutes(and a saved penalty kick)
under his belt.
Tony made a couple of brilliant saves(so did their GK).
Stefanovic was sent off and will be suspended.
The manager and the players have time for the game
on Tuesday against Bolton(I'm not sure it is enough).

Alright we have to move on!

IN

Leon Andreasen has joined.
I can't believe this but am happy of course.
I hope he and other new players will gel quickly
and improve the team for the great escape.

Poor Togo

2008-01-20T23:32:00.000+09:00

Fulham 0-3 Arse

If only Togo qualified for ACN...

But we didn't seem to score.
The stats says there was no shot on goal for Fulham.
4-5-1 with Clint as a lone striker?
I don't know what to say.
Clichy had been handful for Volzy
and Seol was nowhere to be seen when needed.
No one could handle Adebayor properly.
I have to admit that we looked like a team to be destined
to be relegated.
I wish I am wrong.
Can we bounce back?

Hangeland was in the stand and he might have regretted
his decision.
So was Super Mac and was smiling before the game.
I eagerly want to see his smile and a kiss on his ring
on the pitch.

I haven't visited TIFF and other football sites yet.
I couldn't, to be honest.
My mentality is getting weaker and weaker ...

I am watching Birmingham v Scum game(recorded one)
while writing and I am impressed by the Blues'
(northern one, of course) performance.
I don't know the result and I'm just happy to see
Maik is having a good game so far.
I have a soft spot for Brum as they have Maik and Kelly
(he should be next Finn for Eire) now
and Brum is the club Finn made his professional debut for.
If they beat Scum...I'm not sure if I should cry or laugh.

Well... I'm Fulham till I die!

Cookie is tough

2008-01-19T13:19:00.000+09:00

Cookie was sacked.
Rumour has it that he may join Kevin Keegan's
management team.
I don't really know about KK except that he bought Finn
from Notts County and he's done some unlikable thing to Fulham.
Finn is recognised as one of the best right backs
in England now (although he hasn't had many good games
this season to be honest)
but I'm wondering that it was KK who improved Finn
or was it JT?
Some kind Fulham fan, shed light on this, please!
Anyway I hope Cookie will have some more experience
to be, one day, a great Fulham manager.

=Transfers=

IN Welcome to the Cottage!

Brede Hangeland

I was impressed by his performance for FC Copenhagenand
am really pleased to hear him joined us.
I hope he is the answer for the problem we have had for several seasons.
As he was born in Houston, Texas, he might feel at home in the 'locker room'.

I thought the King's deal has already been done
but it seemed he had failed the famous Fulham medical...hum.
Heidar, won't you come back?

And I like Leon Andreasen.
I'm not sure if he is better than what we have
though I have a soft spot for Scandinavian...

Singing in the rain?

2008-01-16T07:35:00.000+09:00

The FA Cup replay against Bristol Rovers was postponed
because of a waterlogged pitch.
I woke up at 4:30AM this morning to find this.
The first thing I thought was that it was good for
Jimmy and Antti.
Then I felt for the supporters who had travelled
all the way to Bristol.
Now we should prepare for the Arsenal game!
We can beat them. We know that. We can beat them.
We can beat them.

And what about the transfer things?
Van Buyten will come to Fulham?
I liked him when he played for HSV in Germany
but can Fulham pay his wage?
Eddie Johnson's deal has done?
I don't really know him
(except that he is a young and tall striker)
but he will have his international teammates around him,
it will be benefit for him.

By the way we were beaten by Hammers
by 2-1 the other day
though we had a lead with a Simon's free kick.
Half time champions !

I miss you

2008-01-11T23:57:00.000+09:00

Brian returned to First Team training!

He will need another few weeks(hopefully)
to play a competitive game
and I'm worried about his skinny left leg,
but it's a very encouraging picture to see.
I love him so much. We need him so much.

Cupset

2008-01-08T21:48:00.001+09:00

That is a new word someone at BBC football site has created.
They might be happy as there were Cupsets all over the place.
I enjoy those upsets as long as Fulham are not involved.
But we almost joined the losing Premiership sides.

Fulham 2-2 Bristol Rovers

I was relieved to see that we could come back
from behind twice and score two good goals
but very disappointed at the way we conceded two
against a League One side at home.
I was listening to Gentleman Jim's commentaries.
It sounded that we played pretty well and dominated for most of the game.
Of course it was not enough and we only forced a replay.
Let's win it and we'll face Swindon Town or Barnet.
(great draw, isn't it?)

Here's a good news.

Arse res. 0-2 Fulham res.

Jimmy played for 90 minutes unscathed.
Cook seemed to play well for 60 minutes.
Tony kept a clean sheet!

Sami Hyypia might join Fulham.
Lily Savage has gone to Derby.

And a bad news.

JA Boumsong and S Henchoz might join Fulham...

And also...

Luton 1-1 Liverpool

Finn let me down, though most of his teammates didn't play well
and it wasn't he that scored an own goal.
But I can't stand that Finn is criticised by the Reds fans.
Now are Rafa's days numbered?

£6m flop

2008-01-05T00:40:00.000+09:00

I found this on the Yahoo sports site.

Flops of the Festive Season

Craig Gordon (Sunderland) - 28.3
Brett Emerton (Blackburn) - 27.8
Ryan Nelsen(Blackburn) - 26.4
Ibrahima Sonko (Reading) - 25.9
Hermann Hreidarsson (Portsmouth) - 26.9
Fredrik Ljungberg (West Ham) - 26.4
Dwight Yorke (Sunderland) - 27.5
Alexander Hleb (Arsenal) - 27.7
Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa) - 27.6
Alan Smith (Newcastle) - 27.2
Diomansy Kamara (Fulham) - 25.7

I'm not sorry for Kamara, you deseve it.

And this.

Team of the Season

Robert Green (West Ham) - 33.5
Steve Finnan (Liverpool) - 32.1
Sol Campbell (Portsmouth) - 34.3
Martin Laursen (Aston Villa) - 33.7
Joleon Lescott (Everton) - 33.87
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester Utd) - 34.7
Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) - 34.9
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - 34.9
Mikel Arteta (Everton) - 34.8
Wayne Rooney (Manchester Utd) - 35.6
Carlos Tevez (Manchester Utd) - 33.9

I'm very surprised to know that Finn is in the team to be honest
but I'm really happy with it.
Keep on working Finn, if your gaffer allows you to do so...

A Happy New Year?

2008-01-03T22:32:00.000+09:00

New year.
New manager.
The same result.

Fulham 1-2 Scum

It took three days to recover from the disappointment
for me to write something about football
(I know nobody expects my posts).

The scoreline looks decent.
It seemed we somehow could get a result.
Volzy looked lively in the midfield
and I saw some good passes from Murphy
and when he was about to take a penalty,
I was sure he would score.
Then again...
Everybody knows Ballack is a diver.
Clint should have known better.
And poor old Liverpool didn't do us a favour.
(Finn made their only goal. 1 goal out of 11 shots on...)

The transfer window has opened and there are some rumours.
But I wonder I would be happy if we get Lily Savage... please, no!

By the way we Japanese watch Premiership games
on a CS channel called Jsports
and Aaron and Healy wish us a Happy New Year on it!
I don't know why Jsports chose Fulham players to send us
New Year's greetings but I am one of a few viewers to be happy to watch them.
Now you should make me happy with some wins.

Aaron wishes us a Happy New Year
at Craven Cottage on Jsports.

Finns anyone?

2007-12-29T22:56:00.000+09:00

Roy Hodgson was appointed as Fulham manager.
The only thing I know about him is that
he is a very experienced coach and
he recently almost led Finland to Euro 2008 finals.
Good luck, Roy.
You'll have my backing until you let me down.

I don't really mind you bringing some Finns.
How about Jussi J or Hyypia or Tainio or Koppinen
or Vayrynen or Forssell... but no Enckelman, please.
Or Finn?

Rams to the slaughter

2007-12-29T00:06:00.000+09:00

Not really.

Derby 1-2 Liverpool

After the Fulham game I watched this.

Dean Leacock and Eddie Lewis(aka American Beckham) played for Derby.
I've never seen Lewis playing for Fulham
but I think Deano played some decent games in place of Finn.
Finn came back from injury and had to take care of Lewis.
Very interesting, it seemed.

Finn might not be 100% fit but I think he had a so-so game
(I'm demanding as far as Finn is concerned)
and Liverpool somehow got three points.
Lewis took a very good free kick to score the equaliser.
I could catch a glimpse of (American) Beckham.

I feel for the Derby fans.
In the second half, Derby showed the spirit which we lacked.
They showed a desire to win and fought for a win which they almost nicked.
I applaud the players and their fans.
If only our Fulham ...

Now we play Birmingham on Saturday.
Who will score?
Can we score?
Of course we can. I'm sorry, Maik.

Sorry

2007-12-27T23:33:00.000+09:00

I was wrong.
We didn't go up.

Spurs 5-1 Fulham

Where were spirit and effort?
No desire to win?
We are not just good enough?

Baird and returning Volzy were terrorised by Steeeed
and he is in the Skysports' team of the week.
How fulhamish...
I hope Junior will be fit for the Birmingham game.

A very merry Christmas

2007-12-24T22:31:00.000+09:00

To you all.

Come on you Whites!

Spirit and effort

2007-12-24T01:15:00.000+09:00

Fulham 1-1 Wigan

As I couldn't watch the game online,
I listened to the commentary by Gentleman Jim.
He feels the same as me (you all know)
and he says "Oh, no!" in the depressed voice
when we concede goals
before describing how it happens.
I heard it in 70th minutes.

All right, we conceded again.
From his commentaries I thought we improved
and had a good game.
Under a caretaker manager and being in the bottom three,
the lads have to feel the urgency and have to perform.

Then came 78th minutes.
Clint scored.
I felt Gentleman Jim was almost weeping like me.
His voice was trembling
and I was really really happy to have a commentator like him with us.

It's a shame to get only a point against Wigan.
But if I believe what Ray Lew said(no reason why I doubt)
there were spirit and effort.
We are 17th now and we will only go up.

LS was sacked

2007-12-21T23:09:00.000+09:00

At least one step forward, I hope.

Ray Lew and Billy McKinlay will be in charge for the tomorrow's game.
I really want to see our Super Whites play an attractive passing football again.
Who will be our saviour?
For another few days I will be having butterflies...

Wigan game is a must-win game
and I desperately hope our players to show their desire and determination.
I'll get behind the lads like all the Fulham supporters as always
and the lads have to realise that.

Just a reminder...

CL last 16
Full draw:

Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla

(Ties to be played on 19/20 February and 4/5 March)

Lucky Scum...

Dream on, Milucra!

2007-12-21T09:47:00.000+09:00

John Collins resigned as Hibs manager.
I heard that Jean Tigana was at Craven Cottage the other day
and so was Lee Clark.
JT, JC and Clarkie...what a fantastic management team!
Sorry, I'm just dreaming.

I have to go now and
I'm not sure if I can concentrate on work.

And can anyone explain about this, please?

(around 9:30 this morning)

deflected in off...or

2007-12-20T21:50:00.000+09:00

"Deflection" is a fairly familiar word
for Japanese football fans
because Japanese commentators often use the word
in their commentaries.
They might have said
"Lampard no shoot wa Carragher ni atatte deflection shimashita"
when they saw the goal by the Scum's captain.
But they would have been too polite to say
"How many deflected goals has he scored this season? "
"Most of them, I think"
Unlucky Carra and Itandje...
But not unlucky you Crouch!
That was not what most Reds fans wanted from your long legs.
Did Mr.Benitez think they could win
with the team he selected against the strong Blues side
or he just give up?
It is only the Carling Cup some might say
but it would have been the only winnable silverware this season.

OK I don't really care about it.
I'm just worried about Finn's injury.
It didn't seem to be so serious when N'Zogbia stamped on his shin.
Or it might be a different injury or Manager is thinking something.
We all know he thinks a lot...

By the way I found this example in my dictionary.
"deflect from one's duties"

...no golden sky

2007-12-16T05:03:00.000+09:00

Fulham 0-1 Newcastle

Improved performance from our Mighty Whites.
Well done, lads!

...the above was what I was writing around 80 minutes.

But now I am so disappointed that I can't say anything meaningful.
(OK, I know I don't say anything meaningful anytime.)
Junior was having a good game but one rash challenge ruined his 19th birthday.
Penalty kick by Barton of all people...(I really hate him)
in the added time...
It may be a cruel lesson for him but for Fulham it could be crucial.
If only our attacking players could (should) have scored this and that...
At least we deserved a draw.

Now we are in the relegation zone.
What will LS do? Or Uncle Mo...
Last few seasons (from 2002 I mean) I never had been worried about the relegation this much.
I don't have a faith in LS, it seems...

But how cruel football is...

At the end of a storm...

2007-12-10T00:12:00.000+09:00

Everton 3-0 Fulham

I don't want to talk about the match.
I'll just give a big applause to those who travelled to Merseyside in the pouring rain.
I could hear their voices.
But their journey back home must have been miserable...

Now the Fulham game was over around 2AM here in Japan
and the Reading v Liverpool game started soon after that.
I thought that Finn could comfort me but lo and behold!
He wasn't playing and even wasn't on the bench.
I knew he had a calf injury but was it that serious?
Or was he rested for the CL game?
Nobody gave me a slightest idea about it.
Nobody cares about him.
"All right then" I thought,"I don't care as long as they win"
...you all know the result.

Reading 3-1 Liverpool

I went to bed about 4AM and woke up 7AM to go to work.
What a terrible night(or morning) it was...

These are my wishes, Mr.Santa Claus.

courtesy of Runo
http://nuno-runo.blogspot.com/

Fit Super MaC.
Fit Bully (glad to see him with the team yesterday).
Fit Volzy.
Some wins.
Decent manager.
Passion, determination and commitment from our players.
At least one medal and a decent manager for Finn.

And unlucky Maik...
Antti is in the Sky's team of the weekend.
How is it like to be a goalkeeper, I wonder?
A very interesting article by Aki Liihilahti (ex Crystal Palace midfielder)
about a goalkeeper. Worth a read.

Well done!

2007-12-04T22:22:00.000+09:00

Antti.

He made some fantastic saves to make the scoreline look decent.

ManUre 2-0 Fulham

I think Junior had a good game and so did Aaron.
I forgot that Murphy was a great player for Liverpool.
He reminded me that last night(this early morning, actually).
If only he could score... and Kuqi, you should have scored!

Their two goals were avoidable. I didn't want to see the soft goals.
And especially by that cheat of all people!
I don't mind a goal by Rooney or even Saha but not that c**t.
I was really pleased that the crap,
sorry Mr.Ref gave him a yellow card for diving instead of sending off Antti.
Sir Purplenose moaned about it but everybody can see
that the cheat tried to get a penalty and didn't jump over our precious keeper.
We played some neat football but no real threat in the final third.
Deja vu?
Where will we get points from?
I don't know. I just hope...

Draw kings

2007-11-29T14:30:00.000+09:00

Fulham 2-2 Blackburn Rovers

Why can't we win?
Why did we throw away a win yet again?
Because of a crap ref, Lawrie?

I'm not sure if I appreciate Lawrie Sanchez.
As you all know that I'm a newbie as a football fan, but I am sometimes dubious of his team selection, subs and even his new players.
Of course under Cookie, I've felt the same but at least I really liked his purchase.
I often felt Cookie read my mind and bought the players(Bonnissel, Super MaC, Antti, Bully,
Simon Davies, Tony).
I know that at every club players come and go and I've become to like new players and support them as ours, so I don't know why it's not the same this time.
I was happy when I knew Aaron joined but other than that...
Please prove me wrong lads and I'll eat humble pie!
One thing for sure, I really don't like Kamara's goal celebration ...good goal, though.

--------------

Reserves 3-0 Portsmouth

It's nice to see Volzy back and Smertin also played. (match report)
I'm wondering why LS doesn't play Alex in the first team.
2 goals from Wayne Brown, 19 years old midfielder, one for the future I hope.

His nickname is Browny.
He must be a hard tackler...

The end is so predictable

2007-11-24T17:24:00.000+09:00

...so says Peter Perrett

Spain 1-0 Northern Ireland
Cheats 0-0 Finland
England 2-3 Croatia

It's a shame that NI and Finland couldn't qualify.
Great performance from Jaaskelainen
and I really, really hate Portuguese footballers.
England...well... sorry.
Anyway a few manager's jobs are available now.
I hope FAI will choose a good, experienced one this time.

By the way, the very unpredictable thing happened.
Peter Perrett reformed his legendary(and my favourite) band the Only Ones.
While I had been worried about football things,
he had survived another drug addict and already played several gigs.
I've found it just in time as they'll come to Japan next April.
Peter is a Spurs fan and if I can meet him
I don't think I can resist reminding him of the great comeback by Fulham in 2002.

no peace for the wicked...

Bring on Savage!

Boring international break

2007-11-21T00:28:00.000+09:00

In a way.

Finn and his teammates have nothing to do on Wednesday.

But I'm very excited about Northern Ireland's prospects to qualify for Euro 2008.
I know that to win against Spain would be a big task
but they have a record-breaking goal scorer
and a decent goalkeeper.
They seem to have improved under LS and Maik Taylor says they are still improving.
And he has no plan to retire!
Maik in goal in somewhere in Switzerland,Austria or South Africa...fantastic.

How about Finland?
Away against (cheating)Portugal...well...
Shefki's goal and unscathed Antti would be nice.
But we all know something unpredictable will happen in football matches.
I eagerly want to see that cheat(you know who)crying.

We've got a right back

2007-11-19T22:51:00.000+09:00

I found Steve Finnan in 2002 when he played for Ireland
at the World Cup finals in Japan.
I didn't know about football then (and still don't know well)
but he impressed me a lot.
Thanks to Inamoto, we Japanese could watch every Fulham game on TV during his stay with the Whites.
Finn invited me to ride the Fulham roller coaster
and I became a Fulham fan.

How gutted I was when he was sold to Liverpool ...
I can't say I really like Liverpool but I can't help caring about them because of Finn.
You may understand how frustrating it is to care about them!
But at least their fans made a chant for him, at last.

This doll was made by a friend of mine Runo the dollmaker.
Lovely, isn't it.