Yes folks, it's that time of year when editors get frivolous and allow the hacks to spin out their highs and lows of 2010. We're no different.
From 2010 I guarantee nobody in the Fulham camp predicted the rise and fall in club fortunes over the past year. Last Christmas saw us basking in a 3-0 demolition of Manchester United with enough points on the board at the mid-point in the season to laugh off any suggestions of relegation. Bobby was building his reputation week on week to the point where England recognition became compelling, and while Roy maintained an ultra-conservative approach to away matches, we were a very tough nut to crack at home.
Into January we picked up injuries to Clint and BZ that saw us putting out a makeshift side for a while and at the Lane by the end of Jan we were poor on a freezing night. Spurs this New Year's Day will be tougher still - the big difference this time around, Fulham now sit in the bottom three. And who would have predicted that at year's end after the euphoria of the Europa League run? Had we lost at Stoke we would now be rock bottom!
But there's no sentiment in football. It's a school of hard knocks where rewards are great but the spectre of failure is often only the width of a crossbar away. Has Hughes just been an unlucky manager with his last two teams or is he really not up to the mark? Despite that outrageous win at Stoke we soon find ourselves back in the relegation places - indeed of the two holiday fixtures to date the West Ham debacle was far more significant, indicative of a team that has lost its way. We remain a toothless tiger up front, with no evidence Hughes can reverse the downward spiral for a few more weeks yet.
Inspired signings quickly are crucial. And they need to make an immediate impact, which mitigates against the introduction of players new to the Premier League. All in all, the pressures on Mark to keep his job beyond 3rd round FA Cup day remain immense.
So what would be your highs and lows from the past 12 months? Without stating the obvious, give us a different slant on the Europa League campaign. I can't imagine it was easy following the nights of high drama at the Cottage against Shakhtar, Juve and the Germans during normal U.S. office hours for a start!
One final thought before the club start throwing money around in a panic. If there aint much quality out there, let's get creative with loan signings. Jamie O'Hara for starters (if fit) or Matt Taylor. If we've £2 million to spare lure Charlie Adam down from Blackpool to run midfield, I'm sure he can be tempted away from Holloway's rigid wage structure.
And talking of Blackpool - the board please take note. In the last year of published figures the Tangerines laid out £45,000 in agents fees, Fulham £2.2 million (and they call us a 'little club').
Tell the sharks to get lost...it can be done.
COYW - a point v Spurs at least please!
Twitter@fulhamphil
Comments
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Posted by roughneck1 on 12/31/2010
Unfortunately, Fulham have too many weaknesses to get all of them fixed during transfer window. Certainly, need a forward or two. AJ is not the answer. Midfield also needs a remake. Not enough pace and control from midfield. Dempsey needs to move back to the midfield. Outside defenders need remake as well. Baird's scoring spree is most welcome, but not certain he is the long term answer in the back.
Schwartzer is solid, we need to build from the back.
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Posted by BadgerDawg on 12/31/2010
If Charlie Adam can be had for 2M they should do it tomorrow. Murphy needs to go, maybe even more than the strikers. I was thinking Ireland would be a great fit but Adam would be a cheaper option. I agree Dempsey needs to move back to mid, perhaps centrally to get Murphy out if we can't bring in anyone but ideally out on the left with Gera on the right. This can only be done if Dembele and Zamora are in though. AJ EJ and Kamara can't do the job.
Blog Central: Can't argue. When your main man loses it teams need ruthless management to stop the rot. Charlton, Boro, Pompey all went down sticking too long by played out has beens.
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Posted by Owen on 01/02/2011
Anyone know what's gotten into Salcido these past couple weeks? I was really impressed with his first several appearances, gave us that pace down the left that Baird just doesn't seem to bring sometimes.
I agree Murphy needs to ride the bench for a while or leave. Although he's been one of very few players to look for the splitting pass through the defence. I look at Zamora's return with mixed hopes but with Dembele back wide right with Davies and Dempsey fallen back to midfield, things should look up!
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Posted by Brandon on 01/03/2011
I think it has become apparent to Hughes that Salcido is a defensive liability. As much as Salcido contributes to the attack with his deep runs and crossing, he is a poor defender of the long ball. He's been beaten too many times and it has resulted in giving up goals (Aston Villa, West Ham). Salcido prioritizes attacking over defending.
Unfortunately, I could say just about the same thing for Paintsil - but without Salcido's quality service into the box.
Posted by ben on 01/03/2011
2 roughneck1
what do you think about José Francisco Torres? he is young and has a bit of pace and could put some great crosses into the box for the new strikers coming in this transfer period. The only problem (big problem) he has very little experience, but if we get him pretty cheap could help the whites out..?
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