First up, I firmly believe Fulham have come through the summer with a stronger squad than we finished last season. The transition from Roy to Mark seems to be pretty seamless, the hiatus over our on-off move for Jol all but forgotten. The players find training sessions under Hughes more enjoyable, the body language I saw in two matches last week speaks of a happy and close-knit squad. Pre-kick off the team all huddle, high five and fire each other up.
Only one first-team member has gone in Konchesky. In return for cash, we also get two 19 year-olds from Liverpool's reserves, a winger and a striker. Time will tell how hot these prospects are (one a Finn, the other Swedish) but both were being tracked by Barcelona and Ajax and word is they have real potential. Also, in Salcido we have Mexico's current international left-back to replace Konch with a 5 year stint at PSV on his CV - and good business at £1.5 million.
Schwarzer didn't get his dream move, though Fulham wanted to trade. Arsenal are unlikely to come back in January still offering £4 million, but with Stockdale injured, Given snubbing us and interest in Federici and Speroni (there may have been others) not leading to a deal, Hughes had to hang on to his no.1 keeper. Full marks to the boss for playing hardball, interesting to see now what reception the big Aussie gets from the fans. I wouldn't be surprised to see Stockdale back in once fit.
Roque Santa Cruz wanted to come on loan but City blocked it, Eidur in the end preferred Stoke, but hey, AJ is running and due back by the end of the month. That means with Kamara, and the new wunderkind Dembele, we are if anything top heavy on strikers.
Despite all the talk about Napoli and a host of top European clubs from his agent, nobody made a move for Deuce, nor Gera, though Hughes reveals there had been offers (for big money) to lure Bobby Z away from SW6. Hangeland too, surely the perfect fit for Roy's rebuilding of a failing club, still shows his commitment to the Whites.
So our great club must be doing something right. In a perfect world, and we fans are never satisfied let's face it, the one rumour I cannot verify - but would have loved to have seen happen -was David Bentley from Spurs on loan.
Recent posts back it up - we are a direct winger and a midfield general away from being genuine top 7 contenders. If Hughes can blend the new signings with those who served us so well last season, the only way is up. Let's start with 3 points off Wolves next game.
So how do you think FFC conducted business in the transfer window? It was the quietest in 5 years with spending way down, so the only guys not happy with life are those parasites of the game, the agents. Watch out for more insights on that issue coming soon!
Keep the Faith Fulham FC, London's oldest football club.
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