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Fulham
Posted by Tom Wille on 07/06/2009

It seems like just yesterday the 2008-2009 Premier League campaign finished up, but Fulham are already back in pre-season training down under in Australia. In fact, the Cottagers first friendly will be played on Wednesday against Australian side Gold Coast United. It will be the first of three friendlies the club plays down in Australia. The other two friendlies are against Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory.

The real action for the Cottagers will begin on July 30th when they begin their Europa League campaign against a yet to be determined opponent for a home and away tie. That means the Cottagers are going to have to be in fine form much earlier than in past seasons if the club wants to have any success on the European level.

It would be a shame if Fulham were knocked out of the Europa League before the Premier League season even begins. Thus, this preseason trip to Australia is very important for Roy Hodgson and his team to get on the same page and be ready to go come July 30 for a match most supporters are eagerly anticipating.

With that being said, it is important that if and when Fulham make a splash into the transfer market that it can be done in time for the new signings to participate in the Europa League come the end of July.

The latest rumours have Fulham showing interest in Peter Crouch, Marc Antoine Fortune, Jozy Altidore and others. There seems to be a clear indication from all the rumours throughout the summer that the Cottagers would like to add some depth to their strike-force.

Peter Crouch would be an excellent signing if it were to happen. He has shown from back in his days at Southampton that he can score goals and cause loads of problems for opposing defenders with his tall frame. It remains to be seen if Crouch will leave Portsmouth and what the asking price would be. I have heard the price would be somewhere in the £10-14m range. Is that a price you would be willing to pay for Crouch?

This leads to me to my question for all of you.......over the next three weeks leading up to the July 30 Europa League match, what would you like to see done in the transfer market and what players would you like to see Fulham get? Do you think Crouch is a good fit? What about Altidore?

I personally feel both players would do well for the Cottagers. I have already mentioned Crouch and how he has already proven he can score in this league. Altidore does not have the experience in a league like England, but his strong build and the skills he displayed in the Confederations Cup lead me to believe that he can and will succeed in England in due time.

Lastly, I think it is important to not forget about the midfield. Fulham were extremely lucky last season in not having to deal with all that many injuries. The chances of that happening again this season are not very good. Thus, the team needs some cover for Danny Murphy and others in the centre of the park. Simply adding to the strikeforce will not be enough.

Roy Hodgson has proven to work magic in the transfer market and I expect him to pull a rabbit or two out of his hat before the windown shuts in August. I would prefer he get his new signings in before the Europa League begins but in Roy I trust. He has shown me over the last year and a half, that he knows what he is doing and the decisions he has made have been fantastic. I expect more of the same this offseason.

I will keep everyone posted on things over the next few weeks leading up to the beginning of the Europa League.

Comments
Posted by Gordon Kane on 07/06/2009

Tom - are you as concerned as I am that the transfer efforts seem to be progressing at a snails rate?
Three weeks before our first foray into Europe and we have the same tiny squad that we used last year.
Many great names have been put forward - Van Nistelroy, Jo, Crouch etc., but none seem to come to fruition. Many times it seems that wages (not transfer fee) is the stumbling block. Surely we have to look at the "complete" cost of a player.
I think it is terrific that we want to add striking power to the team but I concur that midfield is critical. Danny is getting along in years, and I fear that Clint (who looked tired at the end of the season) must be exhausted now - and, there is rumor we may lose him.
Bottom line - we need two strong - proven - midfield playmakers who can service our front line. I would like to see Camara and Andy get some back up also - but I dont see us paying.
I am getting concerned about our Premier run - we need a bigger/stronger squad - NOW!
Thanks.

Posted by David on 07/06/2009

I think one major concern should be how are they going to keep the assets they have. Hangeland, Schwartzer, and Dempsey are all rumored to leave and it seems based on the fact that they have not received improved contracts. The club should first take care of the players that got them into Europe and then get some reinforcements. I agree that central midfield is place of concern. As much as everyone wants additional strikers it seems to me the area where the squad has the most cover, as they never lost a step at the end of the season when Zamora and Johnson went down to injury. If anything you have the 4 currently on roster, plus Dempsey can play up top. If anything they would have to sell someone if they did bring in another striker. They need at least 2 additional midfielders for cover and probably another solid central defender.

Posted by Kevin on 07/06/2009

There's two ways to be looking at the transfers - one) improve the team from last year and two) provide added depth for more games due to Europa.

Everyone would like to see improvement just to better progress in the league and/or hold ground as others around Fulham improve.

However, does Fulham really need to add depth to deal with more games? Not unless it actually advances out of the first 2 qualifying rounds - which happen Jul 30/Aug 6 and Aug 20/27. Notice that the qualifying rounds are complete before the close of the transfer window on Aug 31.

Therefore, I would argue that Fulham doesn't need to add significantly in depth unless it advances past Aug 27. So it can afford to move somewhat slowly and just do the normal squad improvement of adding 2-3 quality players in addition to replacing any that are lost.

Then, do the tracking and necessary preliminary work to pull the trigger on 2-3 more transfers if they advance into Europa group play.

Posted by Taylor Pickett on 07/07/2009

I agree, I have recently become quite worried at the lack of activity that we've shown over this window. But at least recently, the transfer rumors are heating up and include Luis Garcia from Athletico Madrid. So at least that's a positive.

I like the Kelly signing though, because it adds more depth to the backline (which will be needed with the extra fixtures). At this point, I do believe the midfield should be our biggest concern. I'm upset though because I feel that it wouldn't be as big of an issue if we were able to keep Barnes and bring him off the bench next season.

But alas, Fulham have shocked me before, so I'm hopeful a few quality signings can be made in the next few weeks.

Posted by Colin Spring on 07/07/2009

I'm afraid it's going to be a long and difficult season. We really can't compete on much of a level in this transfer madness/market and this Europe adventure is really going to stretch things. Coming from a wonderful display last season it really is going to be back to basics this time around. If the supporters realise this then we are in with some sort of a shot of staying up.
There is a great possibility that we could loose Brede Hangeland to Villa. With any funds made available through that sale a defender, a midfielder or two and at least one striker(if we loose Zamora)is required.
Roy has done a remarkable job since his term commenced. This along with our fair share of luck and lack of injuries has held us in good stead. This is the year when all the cards are on the table. The club somehow has to keep looking after itself financially and compete with others who are throwing money around like there is no tomorrow. Well done all at the club and good luck from 'Down Under'.

Posted by Kevin on 07/07/2009

Well, Fulham will not be signing US defender Onyewu - he just signed for AC Milan.

Posted by Dave on 07/07/2009

As a newly adopted Fulham fan...from my host family in London...I've really become obsessed with the game. I'm a former baseball player in the states, so to me global football is absolutely amazing....

That being said, Altidore would be a strong signing, and what about Michael Bradley from the U.S? He might help out Murphy in the mid, and would be a hardnosed high energy player that Roy would like to use. I'm not sure the Americans have too many EPL quality guys, but they have more than people think as Onyewu just signed with A.C.

Just a thought.

Posted by BadgerDawg on 07/07/2009

I thought Jason Scotland might be a good fit at a much lower cost but he's going to Wigan apparently.

If Crouch comes on board then that means RH believes he's a good fit. For the right club he can be very good and I would be thrilled as a result, even if I'm not a big fan of his.

I still believe midfield depth is the most important thing we need now. Even if my man Dempsey stays we've only got one quality sub in Gera. Given the extra matches we need at least one and probably two more.

The forward issue is more of a quality than quantity problem. AJ was disappointing and Zamora was awful. If Kamara and Nevland stay my main concern is having one truly quality player up front. I thought that was AJ, maybe it will be next season. I was more impressed with the subs than the starters and if we can sign a couple more mids Dempsey might be our best pick up front, even though it's not his best position.

Posted by Lee on 07/07/2009

After watching the confed cup, a couple of footballers stood out as players I would like to see in a Fulham kit. The first is Michael Bradley. He is a really good defensive midfielder and has a great shot from distance. The second player that impressed me is South Africa's Teko Modise. I think Fulham could use an energetic attacking midfielder. I would also like to see them make a run at Steve Sidwell.

Posted by Theodore Bennett on 07/07/2009

I place my confidence in Sir Roy and financial trust in Mohamed Al-Fayed. I believe that Mr. Al-Fayed is willing to do what is required to raise the level of Fulham FC. That means diligently going about the business; buy low and sell high. More than that, secure what you already have.

I am sure that Sir Roy has his list and eyes on the right talent with the right character to advance upon last season's gains. I think rightly the comments of no need to hurry should be well taken.

I will be watching how Fulham grows...

Posted by RH on 07/08/2009

Nuno Maniche is currently unattached.

Posted by Jason on 07/08/2009

Tom,

Why Altidore and not Donovan? Is it that he's not available? Of all the US talents, he's clearly head and shoulders above and would be a great winger for Fulham, who are a bit weak on that front. I would love to see his speed and tenacity added to Fulham!

Posted by Tom Wille on 07/08/2009

To answer a few comments.....I like Altidore better because he is bigger and more physical. While Donovan is fast, I do not think he would hold up in the rugged Premier League.

As for questions about transfers moving slowly, I am not too concerned about it. When the time is right we will get the players Roy feels we need. In an ideal world all of our transfer business would be done prior to preseason but that is never the case. With Fulham playing in the Europa League it would nice to have some of the new signings playing on July 30th with the team, but we have to sign them before they can play.

Posted by BadgerDawg on 07/08/2009

Jason, midfield depth may be a problem, but quality is not. Quality is severely lacking upfront and that's why an Altidore may make sense. Of course, he would have to up his game to consider him quality but he's only 20 and still has serious upside.

Donovan would likely be on the bench behind Davies and Dempsey if he came here. I'd like to have him but because we need midfield depth and not because he's going to dramatically change the club. The only for him to have an immediate impact would be if he played upfront but as Tom said he's probably too small.

Posted by Steve on 07/08/2009

Is Paul Scharner still in the mix? I think he could play anywhere on the back line and in some selected spots in mid-field. That might be an added incentive to him. He seems to have a strong spirit. I have also heard something to the effect that the Romanian Razvan Rat might be willing to move. Dario Srna sort of over-shadowed him, but he's got all the tools and is a great crosser. Most important, though, is help for Danny Murphy and I think management should make that their first priority and break the piggy bank if necessary. A supplemental central mid-field player should also be brought in sooner, rather than later, to mesh with the team.

Posted by Mark Ramirez on 07/09/2009

I agree with you that I would like to see some players come into the team in time to play and train a couple times before the Europa League starts... that would be very nice. I don't disagree that Altidore has the size and power to make it in the Premier League, I just think his technical ability is a couple years away. If Crouch comes in, I'll get behind him, but he certainly would not be my first choice... I don't think he's really a hold-up forward, which is one thing that Zamora did very well last year, even if the goals didn't come easily or frequently. I would like to see Sidwell or maybe Tom Huddlestone come in to serve as an understudy for Danny Murphy. I think they could develop leaps and bounds with the Fulham coaching staff, and having Danny to learn from would be a great opportunity. In my opinion, we need another centerback, a central midfielder and another winger; and quality players at that. From there we can add squad depth.

Posted by sarah on 07/09/2009

I agree that we definitely need to add some depth to the midfield--one injury and we're done for. It would be great to have a more physical player up top that will just run at goal since there's rumor about Zamora to Hull. Altidore would be a good choice, and maybe of the younger players getting a chance in preseason will step up and fight for a midfield/striker spot.

Posted by Theodore Bennett on 07/09/2009

In my opinion, it may be wise to move slowly and deliberately in this inflated market. After all, last year's squad earned the right to compete in the Europa League and that, in itself, should be motivation for a variety of players at varying points in their careers to take a serious look at Fulham.
Is Simon Davies recovering 100% from his surgery? Is Mark Hughes the best central defender to team with Haggeland? Can we find players of value, either because they are younger, lesser known or less expensive OR because they come from countries where currency is multiplied in value because they lack a strong currency, like Africa and Central/South America and Eastern Europe??
I think the team could benefit from a splash of talent that plays a little outside the box of predictable English style football, like Etuhu brought at a crucial point last year.

Posted by Joshua on 07/09/2009

With Murphy's ability to put it in good crosses a substantial target like Crouch or Altidore would be nice. It seems like Dempsey was the only real target for headed balls last campaign since Zamora was MIA. We were so solid defensively and if Hangeland stays then we should continue to be tough to break down. It is definitely attacking options that we need to explore along with midfield depth. There are some guys out there who may fit the bill. We'll see.

Posted by Jeff on 07/09/2009

Get Jozy or talk Brian McBride into another campaign. Fulham need some ability in the air. Clint is awesome but he can be inconsitent in the air. I still think McBride could poach for us at a high level.

Donovan could add depth to both the strike-core and the midfield. Donovan would also give options at the 10. Donovan has excellent pace, great dead-balls and he has decent to plus leadership abilities too.

I worry that Fulham is becoming the US National Team East but it makes it fun for us Yanks on Saturday/Sunday mornings.

What do we have on the horizon at keeper?

Posted by Dave on 07/10/2009

I'd have to agree with the comments about Donovan. While extremely fast, I've never been impressed with his overall quality. Speed and Power are need in the EPL...he just has speed.

I agree with everyone that Altidore would be a great addition. Crouch seems much like Donovan, in that he's extremely tall but just can't utilize it to his advantage.

While not too knowledgable...I'd be curious to see if there is some young quality talent in some of the smaller European leagues...

Posted by KenC on 07/10/2009

Sure, Fulham need strikers and depth all over the field.

The the poster who said Donovan would play behind Dempsey and Davies, are you nuts? Dempsey is great, but Donovan is better. Davies is good, but his 2nd half of last season was a letdown. The problem is that Fulham does not have a big budget and I don't think they can afford many of the players mooted. Certainly not a Crouch as long as they have Johnson. Andy, I mean, not Eddie.

Posted by Chicago on 07/10/2009

There must be a lot of Americans on here. I agree that Altidore would be a very nice fit for Fulham. I'm a big fan of Bradley, too, and think he'd be a nice addition to the midfield.

Fulham's priorities should be:
1. Sign current players who deserve raises or are coming to the end of their contract;
2. Strengthen midfield depth;
3. Sign another quality striker;
4. Work on the academy.

Isn't it nice this summer to be worried about a player here and there, a little depth, and how to handle Europe rather than how to avoid relegation? Roy has done such an amazing job and deserves a great deal of credit for where the Cottagers are this summer.

Posted by AF on 07/10/2009

Altidore is to LAZY to play for Fulham. His work rate is non existent. He would end up with Eddie Johnson on the bench of a Championship club. Look what happenned in Spain.

Donavon can play central (attacking) midfield as well as on the flanks. He has skill as well as speed, something that is lacking from most Fulham players.

Posted by feldman on 07/10/2009

I am an American who is also a Fulham Season Ticket Holder who went to every home game and 1/2 o fthe away games. first off---Donovan SUCKS, can't be physical and plays scared. next we need to dump Zamora and get a go to guy up front and two or three midfield players. gera was awfully streaky and his crappy play eventually gave Dempsey his shot at playing--don;t forget that!

Our keeper is old and we need not forget that.

The second half of the season we were tired and played very lithargically, we need some depth in the midfield and some players upfront who can hold the ball. We also don;t have anyone upfront who can play with their back to the goal and distribute and also be a decent striker (this is where Zamora fails).

We must sign Brad, keep Dempsey and Pansil. We should think about moving Davies and Johnson as they are both getting long in the tooth and won;t survive many more EPL seasons at thhis pace!

Would love to see owen as a pick up if he comes REAL cheap.

Thank

Posted by Cathie Nelsen on 07/11/2009

I really like the idea of Michael Bradley in Fulham's midfield, but, in spite of wanting to see Altidore develop, I have been repeatedly underwhelmed by performances for the U.S. team. Big and fast won't get it done unless you put yourself in the right places and develop better skill on the ball.He often seems lost out there. Fulham's strikers last season were weak, and I don't think Altidore would be any improvement.

Posted by terence on 07/11/2009

I am not a Fulham fan, but i believe that the club will benefit from having an extra striker. Zamora is far too inconsistent, while there's always a concern that Andrew Johnson would be injured again. Altidore is of the Heskey type, which i doubt can help Fulham in terms of goals. Marcus Berg of Sweden would be a decent capture. His recent exploits in the European Championship is proof of that.

Another department Fulham can strengthen is the goalkeeping. Schwarzer is getting a little old, and no doubt he is good, but to be too dependent on 1 keeper alone is suicidal. Diego Lopez or even Sebastian Viera would be a good deputy.

Posted by Steffan on 07/11/2009

Goal keeping is in good shape. Schwarzer is one of the strongest keepers in the EPL. Zubi and Stockdale seem decent back-ups. Defense is also in good shape, but we can't lose Hangeland. Midfield is a big question mark. Dempsey is a must as he comes up with big plays when we need them most. I would like to see more of an attacking midfielder - Donovan could be an option. People give him lots of sh*t but he's held his own on the international stage time and time again and he is a very strong finisher. He simply needs to drop his whiny attitude. Another option would be Tranquillo Barnetta from Leverkusen. Get rid of Eddie Johnson - he's deadwood. I would have liked to see Charlie Davies join Fulham. A true work horse, very fast and always dangerous. Unfortunately he signed with Socheaux. Altidore needs to work on his touch before moving to the EPL. I would suggest Eric Hassli (FC Zurich). Phyiscal, fast and a sniper when it comes to execution. Also coming off a break-out season.

Posted by TCF on 07/13/2009

Fulham needs at least two midfielders, and i like the idea of Bradley in a Fulham-jersey. Another midfielder to look out for is the young norwegian Skjelbred. He's a very good player, and would probably be very interested in joining his national team-buddy Hangeland in London.

Altidore is, as mentioned by AF, not nearly mobile enough to play in the Premier League. Sure, he's big and strong, but it takes more than that to succeed at this level. The idea of luring Darren Bent away from a Tottenham-team where he will find himself on the bench more often than on the pitch is an appealing one indeed. He is a proven goalscorer, and that's what we need.

Posted by Fred on 07/13/2009

Donovan really doesn't suck. He's actually quite good. Thanks for giving us your credentials as a Fulham fan, though, Feldman.

Posted by Theodore Bennett on 07/13/2009

This is what I like. With all our discussion, the gaffer has had his eyes and nose in the right places. Dikgacoi may well be the signing to beef up the midfield. Now what else does the gaffer see? I am sure we all will be surprised. But what I see is a wily manager who knows how to rightly go about his business. He makes it his business to find value.
Now this season I don't care if the team adopts it's conservative tactical approach particularly away, yet I am hopeful with the right players, the team will learn to burn rubber in the other teams' penalty areas and find the net. Of course an attacking style would be more pleasing.
If we can sign Dikgacoi, we still have work to do. If Simon Davies is not fully mended, we may need another midfielder. We need a star striker. I am not yet fully impressed with Mark Hughes and think we need a better central defender.
In all cases, go Fulham!!!

Posted by Feldman on 07/14/2009

Fred,

The wrap on Donavan is that he is neither strong, nor mentally tough enough to play in the EPL.

He doesn't go to goal like Dempsey or ohers; he looks to dump the ball off to avoid getting hit or into a physical altercation.

I was also a Chicago Fire season ticket holder and can tell you that Donovan cannot cut it in the EPl, it is 10x harder than the MLS.

For Donovan to make it here, he needs to bulk up a bit, go straight at the defenders and go to goal. His shortcomings are the reason why no EPL (including Hull who are desperate for a goalscorer) and he german league won't sign him.

I owuld like to see Fulham sign some stronger players who will go for goal and create havok up front. We will suffer next season if we think we can get by on the 1-0 and 2-1 games. We need to put some balls in the back of the net and Donovan won't do that for us.

just my opinion!

Come on you Whites!!!!!!

Posted by Justin on 07/14/2009

Donovan may not suck, but it does need to be pointed out that at no point in his career has he shown he can play in Europe. When given the opportunity he has rarely seen the pitch and I don't know why they would change at this stage in his career.

Jozy is going to develop into a pretty good striker, but he is probably a year or two away. However getting him now when his fee may be low would probably be the best option. As an American who became a Fulham fan thanks to guys like Brian McBride I would have no problem with Fulham signing more top Americans and HOPEFULLY giving them the minutes they deserve that other clubs are reluctant to give. Bradley in mid or Charlie Davies at the front would both be or would have been nice pickups. Some other names I think are interesting for Americans are Benny Fellhaber or Maurice Edu. In January if we are in a position like last season we can always make a run at Beckham.

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