Andrew Young writes from Fulham FC in the EPL.

Canberra's Andrew Young is on the management team at Fulham FC. Andrew is well known in Canberra and Australia for his playing abilities and later his physio and conditioning work. (He was the fitness and conditioning coach for the Socceroos at the Asia Cup.) Andrew ran a private practice in Canberra for many years; from here he moved to Fulham where he sits on the bench each week at some of the biggest grounds in England. This week Fulham play Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby.

Andrew has kindly agreed to send an occasional report from life in the English Premiership. Here's his first sent from Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC.

Andrew Young writes:

"Well, it's that time of year again. As you may have noticed, after a short summer break, the English Premier League is underway again. On a personal point, I am entering my third season working with Fulham Football Club as a Physiotherapist/Performance Coach. It has been an enriching professional experience and a wonderful opportunity to work with some of the best footballers in the world.

As it turned out, I didn't actually get much of a summer break as I was away working with the Socceroo's in their Asia Cup campaign during July. Although, the team's results were not optimal, it turned out to be a great learning experience for players and staff alike. It was also really enjoyable working with the likes of Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka ..... although they assure me that they will definitely not take it easy when their respective teams next play Fulham this season!

Fulham's new manager, Lawrie Sanchez was very busy in the off season bringing no fewer than 9 new players to the club at a cost of over 70 million (Aust) dollars. And that's not including their weekly wages! The new boys have settled in really well and we are confident of a good season.

We have not had the greatest start to the new season having only won 1 of our first 4 games including a last minute 1-2 loss away at Arsenal on opening day. However, a home win against Bolton and a workman like 1-0 win away at Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night has restored some confidence.

A big game awaits us this Saturday when we face Tottenham Hotspur at home. London derby games are always passion filled for both sets of fans and both sets of players will be desperate to get all 3 points leading into the International break next weekend. Spurs coach Martin Jol's tenure is already under threat and a loss could, according to the London tabloid newspapers, make him the first coaching casualty of the season.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Socceroo's good luck in their friendly international game against Argentina on September 11. Unfortunately, my Fulham club committments will prevent me from coming back for what should be a great night at the MCG. The opportunity for young kids to watch the likes of Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi & Mark Bresciano live should not be missed!

Good luck also to all the local Canberra teams as they head into their respective finals series next month. And finally it is great to see that my old team mates at Monaro Panthers remain undefeated in State League 3 ..... keep it up boys!

Cheers for now from London,

Andrew