Friedel denies Fulham link

10 August 2010 14:36
Aston Villa's Brad Friedel has dismissed reports a possible move to Fulham was one of the reasons behind Martin O'Neill quitting the club.[LNB] The American keeper became the first Villa player to comment publicly on O'Neill's shock resignation 24 hours ago.[LNB]Friedel was surprised that O'Neill chose to quit after taking training yesterday.[LNB]There was speculation that Friedel was being allowed to join the Cottagers in addition to James Milner going to Manchester City.[LNB]But Friedel told Sky Sports News: "That story was made up. I've never had contact from Fulham or with Fulham.[LNB]"I never had a conversation with Martin O'Neill about Fulham. I really don't know where that came from."[LNB]Friedel insists the focus is on gaining three points against West Ham this weekend and believes caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald will have the respect of the players.[LNB]He said: "We are all surprised (about O'Neill leaving). Yesterday was training as normal and I was just sitting at home with the kiddies when the news came up on television.[LNB]"Today we had our meetings about going forward and it's down to us now to do the right thing for the club and get three points against West Ham.[LNB]"We were just told Kevin MacDonald is taking charge and it's just our duty as players to get ready for West Ham. We trained as normal.[LNB]"Kevin is well respected by all the players and training was good this morning.[LNB]"All the lads really put the work in. Hopefully it won't be an issue and we can get the three points."[LNB]Out-of-favour central Curtis Davies has claimed he was one of several players not given a fair crack of the whip by O'Neill.[LNB]Davies was one of six players made available for transfer this summer.[LNB]He said: "I was shocked about Martin O'Neill going. I got home, got a text that the gaffer resigned, and it was true. I didn't see it coming to be honest.[LNB]"But a lot of players have been frustrated by not having a fair crack of the whip and I'm one of them.[LNB]"There is no guarantee whoever comes in is going to play you or not play you.[LNB]"But if you feel you have got a chance, then you are happy. As long as someone who comes in who is fair, I am sure people will be happy. I felt I didn't have a chance."[LNB]Davies admitted: "It is not an ideal situation four days before the season, not to have a manager, but you've got to deal with what you've got.[LNB]"You've got good players at this club and Kevin MacDonald (caretaker manager) is a good coach.[LNB]"Hopefully he has got enough time to put his stamp on us and we can pull together for him."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk