After a downbeat week and two dismal displays let's press the happy button in the build up to Saturday's trip to West Ham by reminding ourselves Fulham and Man United are the last two unbeaten sides in the Prem as we enter October.
Hughes says the club have already adapted to the loss of BZ - as a former striker himself the gaffer will no doubt be working overtime on the training ground to get the Whites goal-scoring machine ticking over again. In games to date Hughes has reacted quickly to changing things around when he felt we've been struggling, in contrast to Roy's approach. He's been talking up Eddie Johnson too, suggesting he just needs an injection of self-confidence to get among the goals. I remain sceptical, but can't fault the psychology. Meanwhile, friendlies behind closed doors are being arranged to facilitate the return to match sharpness of Andy Johnson and Kamara.
Six weeks into the season and Hughes says he's still to learn things about some of his squad. For all their respective qualities every astute observer has posted how the Gera-Dempsey axis just does not work. I reckon Mark too has got the message by now. With the back four looking solid Mark can concentrate on matters further up the pitch. Our unproductive front players clearly need more creativity from the midfield, while up front let's be bold and take a gamble. I fancy Mark has the character to do just that.
From our official web site comes a profile of young Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle. Out there this week also a feature on young Italian prospect Marcello Trotta. Are these boys ready for a taste of the big time? - both certainly have a lot going for them.
Lauri is 6 feet tall and a centre forward of great promise. He had a spell with the Inter youth team in 2005, atttracted interest from Chelsea in 2007 and scored freely for the Liverpool youth side, including a 30 minute hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup last January. "I am a centre forward, and one of my biggest strengths is my ability to get into good goal scoring opportunities. I have always scored goals and like to think that I can make a difference. I always try and think a move ahead of my opponent - often that can be the difference in scoring a goal."
Whizz kid Trotta has already had a season with Fulham, unlike Lauri who only came down from Liverpool in the summer. He bagged 30 goals for the under 18 side last season and this graduate from the Napoli youth system has also been called up to the Italian U-19 side. "English football has toughened me up to add to the skills I learnt at home. I'm really happy with my progress so far at Fulham, adding speed and power to my game."
If there are to be changes up top it's likely David Elm will be the first in line given a run out, but perhaps it won't be too long before our teenage talents find a way on to the bench. With one of the oldest squads last season the Fulham new wave - to which we must add Moussa, Matthew Briggs, David Stockdale and Rafik Halliche, gives us all grounds for optimism while we count off the days to Bobby's return.
Should the boss actually decide a major overhaul of Roy's Europa League warriors is needed, I wonder if Clint from midfield might be the trigger to unlock opponents? On current form I would take Duff out of the side until he gets his appetite back, Davies and Murphy may not be far behind. A role out wide for Dembele on his return (hopefully for Spurs on the 16th) would be my preferred option. One thing our young brigade won't lack for is the hunger to make an impact.
The future's bright - but it's not orange (sorry Blackpool). Follow me via my Twitter account @fulhamphil
Fulham FC - holders of the Fair Play award 2009-10
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