Dempsey returns to old club Fulham on two-month loan deal... and Cottagers bring Curbishley in as Technical Director too

Fulham have completed a double signing after United States captain Clint Dempsey returned to his former club on a two-month loan and Alan Curbishley was brought in as First Team Technical Director.
The 30-year-old Dempsey is currently with Seattle Sounders FC and he will spend the Major League Soccer off-season at Craven Cottage in what will be his second spell at the club.
Meanwhile, former Charlton and West Ham manager Curbishley will work closely with head coach René Meulensteen as the club seek to retain their Premier League status for a 14th consecutive year.

Sounded out: Dempsey left Craven Cottage for Tottenham, but failed to fire and moved to Seattle in the MLS

Dempsey spent five and a half seasons at the west London club having first signed a permanent deal in January 2007 from New England Revolution.
In his first spell with Fulham Dempsey scored 60 goals in 225 appearances, among the most memorable was the fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Juventus in the Europa League which completed a comeback over two legs as they made their way to the final in 2010.
The midfielder also scored the only goal of the match against Liverpool at Craven Cottage in May 2007 which secured Premier League football for the club the following season.
He was voted Fulham's player of the season two years in a row, the last after the 2011/12 season after which he signed for Tottenham in August 2012.

Re-signed: Dempsey has returned to Craven Cottage on a two-month loan deal

Dempsey moved to north London in a £6million switch, despite having been heavily linked with Liverpool and Aston Villa, but he spent just a year at White Hart Lane before returning to the United States and the Seattle Sounders.
Dempsey joins a Fulham team second from bottom of the table and clearly hopes to be part of a squad that will improve under Rene Meulensteen.
The looming World Cup in Brazil - where he will guide the United States - was also a consideration.
In an interview aired on Fulham's official website, he said: 'It feels good to be back.
'This has always felt like my home in Europe.

Win them back: After 50 goals in 157 league games Dempsey forced the Spurs move and disappointed fans

'I am excited to be back and be a part of this team and play in this league.'
Of his reasons for returning, Dempsey added: 'A lot of different things.
'I just wanted to be back playing at the highest level, get back to top form and get back to helping the team where they are not where they want to be in the table.
'Going into World Cup year you want to get to that top form and carry that forward, so hopefully have a good showing.'
Curbishley returns to football after a five-year absence following his resignation from Upton Park in 2008 and head coach Muelensteen is excited to call on his wealth of experience.

Experience: Alan Curbishley will work closely with Rene Muelensteen to preserve Fulham's league record

The Dutchman said: 'I'm very happy that Alan has joined us as I know his expertise will be invaluable as we enter the remaining months of the season.
'Following Martin [Jol's] departure I discussed with both Alistair Mackintosh and the Chairman the challenges we face, and I was delighted that they supported the idea of additional support within the coaching team.
'Alan has a proven track record in the industry and understands full well what it takes to succeed. I look forward to sharing ideas and listening to advice, to ensure Fulham Football Club remains where it belongs: in the Premier League.'