Or, with our season on the cusp of being transformed, we could in May go and lift the FA Cup? That's the fascination of sport - the only thing predictable being its unpredictability. When you consider the abject performance from Boxing Day, less than a month past, who would have dared foresee maximum points from the two Stoke games, four goals scored and none conceded?
We've all had plenty to say on this forum about the side's shortcomings to date, myself included. The beauty of the internet of course is it's a charter for cowards. I suspect more than a few of us would have quickly become tongue-tied had we by chance found ourselves in a one-to-one chat with Mark. In the very early days of the al-Fayed era, the small knot of us journos who were covering Fulham then for local press and radio, had the temerity to question Ray Wilkins tactics after a poor display at Gillingham. 'Gentleman' Ray ruthlessly cut us off at the knees.
We know the ship was rocked by Roy's abrupt departure for Anfield in the summer and Hughes came into pre-season both under-prepared and aware he was not Fulham's first choice for the job. Within the first month he'd been double-whammeyed by the loss through injury of both his England striker and new star signing. A drop in form by some senior players compounded by a small and lop-sided squad led to four months of struggle.
Whatever else was going on behind the scenes up to Christmas, the player's reaction to that shock win at Stoke showed they believed in the boss. I was reminded of that this weekend as pundits broke cover to reveal the Liverpool players, having no faith in Hodgson, had simply not been performing for him. In effect, they got him the sack.
Hughes has at times perhaps been his own worst enemy in not courting the fans. More passion and a less phlegmatic response to our poor form would have gone down well - it was all in stark contrast to Roy's fatherly and inclusive approach to embracing the Fulham ethic. Some still maintain Hughes is only using us a staging post for a return to higher things.
But enough of the conjecture and back to facts. Seven points from nine now makes the table a much easier read. We've inserted a little daylight between us and the bottom sides, our GD is vastly superior to other strugglers and we've now joined up to the mid-table pack, with all the signs we are well capable of rising further up the table. Why, I even fancy us getting something from our trip to Liverpool this week.
What made the latest win significant was questions being asked repeatedly of Stoke all over the park. Duff looking his old self, Dembele teasing and neat, AJ full of threat and running - playing with a swagger and a smile. Brilliant play to create the opening goal for Clint. Dependability across the back, Danny in control of midfield, a terrific probing pass forward leading to the penalty (at last!). And can you really drop Stockdale again when Mark returns?
So, for the first time perhaps in months, I am delighted to post nothing but positives from the evidence of Saturday's game. To conclude, there is one factor to acknowledge that perhaps got overlooked during our dark period. I am happy to put it right.
Clint's contribution has been immense over the first half of the season. Shouldering much of the responsibility in attack, never shirking to go in where it hurts, his goals alone have kept our heads above water. Now with nine for the season, surely the Texan, at the top of his game, must be an early candidate for player of the season.
Congratulations to the side for their hard work and commitment. Very soon now it will be time to say welcome back Bobby and hallo Phillipe - while Hughes I hear is still looking to add another striker this month. Let's hope from here on, the only way is UP!
Keep the Faith - Fulham F.C. founded 1879, London's friendliest club
Twitter@fulhamphil
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