12.20.13
ASN Morning Read: Deuce Returns to Fulham?
It appears as though Clint Dempsey is on his way back to the English Premier League for a spell, but confirmation hasn't been forthcoming; a few of the dudes go running; Josh Gatt is gunning for a return.
BY
Jesse Yomtov
Posted
December 20, 2013
8:48 AM
Fulham defender Sascha Riether posted a picture on Instagram with Clint Dempsey, captioned “Welcome back Clint Dempsey.” Riether promptly deleted it, but that seems to confirm Dempsey will be joining the Cottagers on loan. Or, you know, since it's a Daily Mail story it could mean literally anything.
Brian Sciaretta caught up with Josh Gatt, who has been sidelined since suffering an ACL tear at the end of June. Gatt was allowed to do his rehab in Michigan and was recently cleared him for limited dynamic moment. The 22-year-old is eying preseason training with his club Molde in January.
Alex Labidou’s scouting series at ESPN FC continues with Mix Diskerud. A Champions League scout gave his analysis of the 23-year-old, pointing out that Diskerud’s experience in Norway may not translate to higher levels. "You can see when he joins up with the national team that he isn't accustomed to the speed of play at the international level at times," the scout said. His comparable is Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky.
Though he’s usually deployed at right back for Stoke City, Geoff Cameron could see time in the center of the defense tomorrow against Aston Villa if Ryan Shawcross can’t play after being substituted with an injury in the Capital One Cup this week. "It's no problem, but I think Ryan will be fine," Cameron said. "It was more a precaution, but if the gaffer needs me to step in that's fine." We won’t complain if Cameron gets some work in against Christian Benteke.
After plenty of consternation, FIFA confirmed that vanishing spray for free kicks will be used at the World Cup. "For the discipline of the game, it's good,” Sepp Blatter said. “I was skeptical at first but after talking to referees who used this system, they were all happy with it." What is this logic and reason?!? It’s currently being used at the Club World Cup in Morocco, and apparently Pep Guardiola approves.
The New York Times has a good story on Premier League managers, who spend every day on the hottest seat in sports. One-quarter of the league’s managers have already been fired this season.
Omar Gonzalez, Brad Evans, and Graham Zusi are running in Hawaii. What are you doing to get ready for Manaus, huh Portugal?
