Considering Fulham had such an up and down season last year, they still managed to finish the season in 8th place, which was a fantastic achievement for the team. However, in very acrimonious circumstances, Mark Hughes left the club this summer, which i have to admit was a big surprise. He achieved very respectable results with Fulham, especially considering so much of last year they were without their main striker, Bobby Zamora. But as with every single club, times move on and the appointment of Martin Jol as Hughes' replacement should have settled a lot of fan's down. Jol has got a great reputation for his previous work at Spurs, when some said he was unfairly dismissed and is a very respected manager in the game.
It will be interesting to see what money is available for Jol to to make signings this summer, as it is always important for a new manager to bring some new faces into a club to put his own stamp on the team. Their is often some money available for the previous managers at the club, and some has already gone on John Arne Riise, the experienced left back signed from Roma. This to me is a very good signing. Riise has a lot of experience and can certainly help steady the team defensively and offensively with his powerful left foot that he was most famously remembered in his time at Liverpool. More is definitely needed at the club and we should watch this space to see who else is brought in.
I also hope there will be no repercussions for the club after the way Zoltan Gera left the club, seemingly fuming at being forced out. He was a key player in the 2009/2010 campaign for Fulham that saw them reach the Europa League final, but has deteriorated since. Jol will desperately need some more creative players to be brought back into the team to give them a much needed attacking threat.
Fulham fan's would love to hear your comments on your teams chances for next year?
Hey James,
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Fulham had a very good season last year, but they could have finishing higher up, as they had a lot of ties in games they should have won. So I am very happy they made it to the Europa League. As you, I was also very surprised when Mark Hughes left the club, as we had several coaches in the last couple of year and were confronted with Roy Hodgeson leaving the season before. So I was hoping we would not get another Sanchez.
Martin Jol has done a very good job at Tottenham and in Hamburg and I think he is a good fit in Fulham.
I also agree that they need to sign a few more players as playing in the Europa League in addition to league play and cup competition takes its toll. I remember Fulham having over 60 games in 2009/2010. I said that Fulham needed a deeper roster 2 years ago, but they did well despite having a small roster. I think they can do well this season if the key players stay healthy.
I do feel with Zoltan Gera as he is an above average player and always gave everything for Fulham, however he never really managed to play consistent and often found himself benched. I think we can do better.
This makes me wanting to visit a couple of games at Craven Cottage. Unfortunately I can't.
See you soon.
Bjorn
Thanks for your comment Bjorn, always nice to have a view from a Fulham fan and I appreciate all your points too.
ReplyDeleteI like your points on Zoltan Gera too and I believe you are probably right with your views about consistency. This is crucial for the premier League teams and it is vitally important that players can achieve a level of consistency for their teams to become successful.
I'm sure Martin Jol will help bring in some new fresh faces and I like the route he's gone by bringing Riise in. Seems like he's looking for some stern experienced players.
Just get those creative players in and I believe Fulham will have a good season this term.