I meant to post this several days ago. Apparently the FA assessor at the controversial Mark Clattenburg Chelsea vs Man Utd match went by the name of Nick Cusack. I'm not sure whether it's the same one, but it can't be that common a name. I always liked Nick Cusack, who (for younger readers) we signed as a striker and who seemed to get better and better as we moved him further and further back - first to midfield then to sweeper. Just how good he would have been if he'd ever made it to goalkeeper, we'll never know.
Nick Cusack is a rare bread - A footballer with a degree. So I looked him up, and it's the same person. http://www.thepfa.com/members/contact/StaffPopup?guid=3baf3dfd-c5cd-474f-bb52-fa01a173a5dd Nick joined Leicester City in 1987 after leaving university and graduating in politics. He was a professional footballer for 15 years making 535 league appearances and scoring 90 goals, playing for Leicester City, Peterborough United, Motherwell, Darlington, Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Fulham and Swansea City. Nick was a member of Motherwell’s 1990 Scottish Cup winning squad. He also captained Swansea City to the Division 3 championship in 2000 and as Vice Captain played in every game but one in Fulham’s promotion season 1996/1997. Nick served as a PFA Delegate, was a member of the PFA Management Committee and became PFA Chairman during his playing career. Nick also had a brief spell as player manager at Swansea City and after his retirement in 2002 he joined the PFA as a full-time Executive. Nick became a qualified financial adviser and initially worked in the PFA’s Financial Management Department before moving across to the PFA Delegate Liaison Department in 2007. Nick holds the position of Deputy in London and has responsibility for the PFA’s political work as well as having extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with clubs in Administration. Nick also specializes in representing players at FA disciplinary hearings as well as internal disciplinary meetings at clubs. Nick sits on the FA Work Permit Panel, Compensation Tribunals and is a member of the Premier League Medical Care Committee. Nick has also been a Premier League Match Delegate for several years. In addition to his Degree in Politics, Nick has recently graduated with a Degree in Law and also holds the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies. He is also an FA Licensed Players’ Agent and holds the UEFA ‘A’ Licence Coaching Badge.
Althuough not apparently at his his brillliant best, Steed had two assists at the weekend to help his side go top of their League. The first a clinical cross from which Gomis scored at the second attempt, his first shot hitting the bar, and the second an exquisite defence-splitting ball to send Lisandro clear to score.
Paul Peschisolido has a nice article on the webby - I didn't realise he was managing Burton Albion up until this Summer. http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/22/the-ex-files
Super guy when on song. Hope he gets the Canadian job although there's still the question of what Ms Brady will think about that. Here's a reminder of that left foot, although the video clip comes with a warning - it does have some content from Captain Morgan which may cause distress : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJVn7GzDbLQ
Ex-Fulham striker Stefan Payne joins Macclesfield Town http://menmedia.co.uk/macclesfieldexpress/sport/football/macclesfield_town/s/1598299_ex-fulham-striker-stefan-payne-joins-macclesfield-town Not exactly 'Golden' or an 'Oldie' it would seem. However he was one of Roy's 'big' signings. Does anybody remember him? Here is an article at the time -
Nine years ago today we agreed to sell Louis Saha to Manchester United please log in to view this image An now nine years on he's been released by Sunderland and is looking to keep his career going in South Africa. Louis Saha is considering a move to South African side Bidvest Wits. The 34-year-old has been told he can leave Sunderland and was considering retirement. However, the Johannesburg club have a tie-in with Sunderland and are keen to exploit it in the hope of luring the former France striker. Sunderland continue to streamline their squad as they look to fund a move for Swanseaâs Danny Graham. Manager Martin O'Neill told the Sunderland Echo that the club are willing to cancel the ex-Manchester United and Fulham man's contract this month. He said: 'As of today, we have told Louis is free to speak to other clubs and to leave if he can fix himself up somewhere." The full story is here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2264181/Louis-Saha-considering-South-Africas-Bidvest-Wits.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490 And just as a reminder - [video=youtube;xGg1x9pqoOA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xGg1x9pqoOA[/video]
And of course we know who came to replace Louis Saha - "Fulham look set to soften the blow of losing their top scorer Louis Saha to Manchester United by sealing the signing of USA international Brian McBride. Skysports report that the West Londoners' late bid to snatch the Colombus Crew striker from under the noses of Premiership rivals Blackburn Rovers, as reported on Friday, will be successful. Graeme Souness had been confident of landing McBride, who has already proved his ability to score goals in the English top flight with Everton, but will be forced to look elsewhere after Chris Coleman bettered the terms on offer at Ewood Park. It is believed a deal will be struck with MLS to take the imposing centre forward to Loftus Road, where he is due to link up with fellow US international Carlos Bocanegra. Widely considered to the be the best American player ever in the air, he is one of the USAâs most accomplished forwards. He has the ability to maintain possession with his back to the goal as well as distribute and ranks fourth on the all-time U.S. goal-scoring list. His six goals in World Cup qualifying are the second most in U.S. history" Source: Skysport 19th January 2004 I just cringed at the Skysport reference to âLoftus Roadâ. And here is a reminder of our greatest ever No.8, Brian McBride [video=youtube;P9H5HizGLvU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=P9H5HizGLvU[/video]
Thanks for that 58. I don't buy Fulham shirts (I have a training ground black polo shirt) as I'm no longer at 'that' age but were I to buy one in the future I would seriously contemplate having McBride on the back. Such an honest and model professional. Spoke well, handled himself cordially on the pitch (no diving, swearing, berating the referee) and an absolute soldier. My heart sank when he went off on that stretcher in his last season for us. Some of the goals in that clip were absolute quality!
Liam Rosenoir please log in to view this image âHull full-back Liam Rosenior is determined to show he belongs in the Premier League after signing a new two-year deal with the Tigers. Rosenior helped Hull secure promotion from the Championship last season and will remain at the KC Stadium until 2015. The 28-year-old has previously played in the top-flight with Fulham and Reading and believes he can still hold his own against the top attacking talent in the country.â Source: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11714/8795580/Liam-Rosenior-signs-new-contract-with-Hull
Carlos Bocanegra has gone back to the MLS, joining Chivas USA please log in to view this image “Bocanegra was freed from his contract with Rangers on Saturday and became a free agent, and he has elected to return to the league where his career began back in 2000 as a member of the Chicago Fire. He bolted for Fulham in 2004 and spent four years at Craven Cottage followed by spells at Rennes, Saint Etienne and Rangers. He spent last season on loan from the embattled Scottish side at Racing Santander in Spain's second division.” Here is a link to the full story and details of his International prospects: http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2013-07-01/bocanegra-mls-chivas-usa-transfer-rangers
John Pantsil is currently training with Millwall. please log in to view this image "Ghana defender John Paintsil has started training with English side Millwall in a bid to keep himself fit, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report. The right-back, who was recently left Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel Aviv, will train with the club as he fights to get a team. The move is meant to keep the defender fit as he his agents continue to trawl the market for an opportunity for the Ghanaian to sign for a club. He has not been offered a trial at Millwall but just a mere chance to keep himself fit in case a club should ask about his fitness. Pantsil will train with Millwall’s first team until he gets a club." Source: http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/exclusive-former-fulham-star-john-pantsil-trains-with-english-side-millwall/ Not sure why we couldn't offer him the same hospitality - we did for Luis Boa Morte last season. Anyway, given all his recent off-field troubles hope things turn round for John.
Eddie Johnson please log in to view this image "U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann took advantage of the new Gold Cup regulations that allow roster additions for the knockout stage, and Eddie Johnson replied with a goal on his first touch in the 5-1 quarterfinal rout over El Salvador. It was the latest feat of Johnson's big comeback for the USA, which meets Honduras in the Gold Cup semifinals on Wednesday (TV: 7 pm ET, FOX Soccer, UniMas). Johnson entered Sundayâs quarterfinal in the 60th minute, replacing Chris Wondolowski, with the USA holding onto a 2-1. El Salvador had launched several dangerous forays pressing hard for an equalizing goal. Then, after being on the field for about 14 seconds, the 29-year-old forward connected with a Landon Donovan cross from a corner kick, sending a powerful header that Salvadoran keeper Dagoberto Portillo could do nothing but watch find the back of the net." Here is a link to the full story, extolling the virtues of 'our' Eddie with a hint or two that it was all Fulham's fault that he didn't shine in the premiership: http://www.socceramerica.com/article/52814/eddie-johnson-delivers-when-klinsmann-calls.html
Barry Hayles please log in to view this image "Arlesey Town have signed former Fulham and Stevenage striker Barry Hayles. Manager Zema Abbey is delighted with the capture and had a lot of praise for Hayles. He said: “Everyone associated with the club is delighted he’s here. Barry's someone we know and are aware of through his time at St Albans and Truro, and he knows the level well which is a big thing for us.” Hayles scored 44 goals in 175 appearence at previous Premier League club Fulham and made more than 10 appearences for the Jamaican international side." Source: http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/sport/football/former-fulham-striker-hayles-signs-for-arlesey-1-5327048
I see an ex ffc loanee, none other than wayne bridge yesterday, getting petrol in oxshott, he said how he would love to go back to ffc, he only had nice words for ffc, not bad for a ex scummer
David Elm came on as a second half substitute for Elfsburg in their Champions League match against Celtic this evening. please log in to view this image Unfortunately his team could only manage a 0-0 draw and went out 1-0 on aggregate.
