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Fulham
Posted by Phil Mison on 05/12/2011

Just two games to go and after being so desperately close to relegation ourselves in 2007 and 2008 Fulham fans can relax and leave the nail biting to others.

In fact, as we contemplate a decade in the top flight, our modest 'little' club has largely evolved into a reasonably solid mid-table side. We try to play the game in the right way, we can be pretty entertaining on our day at home, and I can't think of any finer ground than Craven Cottage to enjoy my Premier League football. Only mid-week games, especially in winter, can be a bit of a chore - London traffic and the necessity of a long walk up to the ground being a small price to pay.

With Mark Hughes yet to confirm his long term commitment to the club, the summer could be full of surprises - perhaps pleasant, or not. Today marks the anniversary of our Europa League final match in Hamburg. Few streaming away from the ground that chilly German night would have been contemplating Roy's departure before most of us had even hit the beach. That left us heading for a summer tour of Sweden last July managerless with the CEO on a fruitless mission to Amsterdam.

The only strange thing about football is that stranger things don't happen more often. It's a game Nietzsche would surely have embraced. Sturm and Drang is the currency on a weekly basis. Equilibrium in the workplace rarely the order of the day, even more so in the modern era of player power and freedom of contract. With more than 30 professionals on your books at any one time your executive is probably juggling a third of player contracts, with all the attending third party haggling and brinkmanship that entails.

So before we get down to the basics of previewing our away trip to Birmingham, just for fun it's time for you dear readers to stand up and be counted. Below a simple Q & A:

a) Who is your Fulham player of the season?
b) The budget allows a contract for either Zoltan Gera or Eidur Gudjohnsen. Who gets it?
c) Who would be your keeper to start in August - Schwarzer or Stockdale?
d) Are you happy to see Hughes extend his contract?

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Comments
Posted by David on 05/12/2011

a) Clint Dempsey
b) Neither, Hughes doesn't rate Gera and Gudjohnsen while he has his moments is probably past it. Fulham could probably do better thing with the money.
c) Stockdale, but they would have to sell Schwarzer because he would be a shadow looming large on the bench.
d) Yes, the club and the squad need some continuity in managerment. He has done well especially given the fact that their was no striker force for half the season.

Posted by TonyTX42 on 05/12/2011

a) Player of the season has to be Dempsey, right? I'm not just saying that as a fellow Texan/American. His work rate has been outstanding all season and he scores game-changing goals. Second place probably goes to our two center-backs, Hughes and Hangeland.
b) Gera, although he hasn't gotten much run recently by Mark Hughes.
c) Stockdale. As much as I love the Aussie, it's time to sell him, bring in some midfield speed, and let the youngster settle himself between the sticks.
d) Yep. While his starting XI selections are sometimes odd, I like his tactics and I think he's a good fit for the club.

Posted by Ben Reed on 05/12/2011

A: Chris Baird
B: Eidur Gudjohnsen
C: Schwarzer
D: Yes of course.

Posted by Anders - @MotspurParkFFC on 05/12/2011

A. Chris Baird(inho) - He has really made the right back his own with reliable performances and a never-say-die attitude. Very underrated and probably a surprise choice for some! Followed by topscorer Dempsey and the solid Hangeland.

B. I would say Zoltan by a mile, but I won't hold it against him if he leaves, because in this stage of his career he needs to be playing. Gudjohnsen is average and ageing - we have enough experienced players.

C. I think we should give Stockdale a chance, otherwise he could seek new pastures. Schwarzer is still solid though (not mentioning the Liverpool-game) , so I can see the dilemma. But Stockdale definitely is the future!

D. Yup! His approach is starting to pay off, so I'm happy to see old Sparky stay!

Thanks for a top blog Phil!

Posted by Duncan on 05/12/2011

a) Dempsey. I shudder to think where we would be without his contributions.

b) Gera (provided he wants to stay in white).

c) Stockdale. Time to sell Schwarzer.

d) I gotta be honest, I'm conflicted. The team has been much better since everyone has gotten healthy, and no one seems to be grumbling over management COUGH*Mancini*COUGH. But some of the lineups decisions have been....interesting (to put it kindly). However, we are in the top half, so it's hard to be too pessimistic about Hughes returning.

Now, on to St. Andrews!

Posted by Rob on 05/12/2011

A) Aaron Hughes
One of the most underrated defenders in the EPL.

B) Neither.
Money spent best elsewhere.

C) Schwarzer.
Might be a tossup between how they play during preseason. Can't keep David on the bench forever though and Mark is no spring chicken.

D) Yes.
Besides the positives of managerial continuity, Hughes deserves a chance of a full preseason and summer transfer window to put his stamp on the team.

Posted by Vegard on 05/12/2011

A) Clint Dempsey
B) Gudjohnsen
c) Stockdale
d) Yes, ofc

Posted by Joe on 05/12/2011

A) Duff

B) Gera

C) Schwarzer

D) Yes

Posted by colin on 05/12/2011

Thanks for all of your great articles Phil. You've helped make a rough season a little more enjoyable.

A) Dempsey
B) Gera
C) Stockdale
D) Unfortunately no, I tried.

Posted by Scott on 05/12/2011

a) Dempsey, without his goals Fulham are probably in relegation
b) Gudjohnsen, even though his performances have not warranted a contract
c) Stockdale, nothing wrong with getting more experience...but it will probably be Schwarzer
d) time will tell...right now, yes, but only because I am not entirely impressed with many of the other managers available

Posted by Jonathan on 05/12/2011

a) Dempsey; he's been a vital part of keeping the team, especially the attack, strong after Zamora went out to an injury.
b) Gera, by far
c) Schwarzer, with Stockdale loaned out to somewhere where he'll start for 6 months; then, we can reassess during the winter break.
d) I am. I hope he gets a chance to develop some continuity and develop his system.

Posted by Aussie John on 05/13/2011

Phil,

A) Clint would be my player of the year
B) Gudjohnsen by a very small margin
C) Even though I am an Aussie in Australia I would strat with Stockdale and have Mark ready if Stockdale plays a few bad games in a row. I would drop him only for several games just to get his confidence back.
D) I would give him another year. Hughes has higher ambitions than Fulham. It may also be overseas.

Your thoughts Phil?

And lets hope we finish the season with a further 4 points in the last two games.

Posted by Jonathan on 05/13/2011

A: Player of the season is a hard one for me, as it seems no one has been able to completely string together a solid campaign. However, there's really only one obvious answer...Clint Dempsey. I can't see anyone else winning it.

B: There's no point attempting to sign Zoltan Gera...Hughes has decided he is surplus to requirements. It's probably the only thing I dislike about Hughes...at the moment anyway! I don't know what Gera said to him, but I would really like to ask the gaffer why he never gave the winner of the last season's Player of the Season a chance! Gera is a really good player; the support he gave Zamora in the Europa League was sensational. I'm sure that Gera still as something to offer. However, it likes like it's going to be Gudjohnsen...unfortunately.

Posted by Jonathan on 05/13/2011

C: Schwarzer...and not just because I'm an Aussie. Everyone has their off days, and I know Schwarzer has had a couple this season, but we still boast a superb defensive record (if you erase the Liverpool debacle). I believe he still has something to offer the club. We should just be grateful we have a capable back up in Stockdale, something we have lacked in past seasons. Anyway, if Spurs persist with Heurelho Gomes, then we surely can persist with Schwarzer.

D: Quite simply, yes. I was skeptical of his management earlier in the season, especially with how things were going around December, and of course with the way Gera was treated. However, despite changing several things, we have still managed to play a solid season. Perhaps more importantly, we haven't gone backwards from where the great Roy Hodgson took us. Let's hope Sparky keeps up the good work.

Finally, I would like to say thankyou Phil for doing a brilliant job with the blog, your dedication has been admirable.

Posted by magnus on 05/13/2011

a) Dempsey
b) Eidur Gudjohnsen
c) Schawrzer
d) yes

Posted by Ian Taylor on 05/13/2011

a) Clint Dempsey-imagine if he'd been injured as well as Zamo etc.
b) Gudjohsen-no point keeping a player the boss won't play.
c)Stockdale-the future
d)Yes-if not, O'neil

Posted by Leon Gore on 05/13/2011

a) Hangeland
b) Gudjohnsen
c) Schwarzer
d) Yes

Posted by Scott on 05/13/2011

A) Has to be Dempsey. Just consistent, clutch, and the leading scorer in the Prem

B)I'd keep Gudjohnsen if I have to... just because I think Gera deserves to go play regular football in the Bundesliga or something. He's got talent and I want what is best for him, and apperantly it won't be at the Cottage.

C) Stockdale. We should have let Schwarzer go so Stockdale could have already had 1 Prem season under his belt.

D) Yes... pending how he reshapes the squad to replace all of the aging players (especially midfield)

Posted by shane on 05/13/2011

a)Dempsey
b)gudjohnsen
c)Stockdale
d)yes

Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 05/13/2011

a) Dempsey

b) Only because of the chance of Europa League, I pick Gera.

c) Stockdale

d) HUGHES OUT!

Posted by Jessica on 05/13/2011

This is why you are the best blogger ever: you actually want to hear from us, not just listen to yourself pontificate. I hope YOU sign a long-term deal to keep up the good work.

a) Somewhat selfishly, I'll pick Dempsey as player of the year. Without his timely goals and versatility where would we be? Second place vote goes to Hughes/Hangeland (I consider them to be one unit) and third place to the great Bairdihno.

b) I would pick Zolly every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

c) Stockdale. He has patiently waited and now it's his time for club and hopefully country.

d) I would be indifferent to an extension for Sparky. If there was someone clearly better available out there, maybe...

COYW!!

Posted by Joe S. on 05/13/2011

A) Clint, w/Bairdinho a close second.

B) Zolly has more to offer, but not to the gaffer, so Eidur.

C) Schwarz, but keep the spot open for competition.

D) Yes

Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 05/13/2011

OK... It has to be somebody, so I'll be the jerk.

Now, I voted for Dempsey, which I think is hard to dispute. That being said, I couldn't begrudge anyone who opted for Hangeland or Hughes as they are far & away our most consistent performers & the key to our success in recent seasons.

But, Chris Baird?!? Chris Baird?!? He's a utility player, at best. Had Pantsil not gone in the tank so fabulously, leaving the useless Stephen Kelly as the only competition, Baird would've rarely seen the pitch this season. In the past, Hodgson only used him as a regular starter when Pantsil or Etuhu were injured.

It might be more appropriate to label his "never-say-die-attitude" as "constantly chasing & routinely out of position."

Baird is great to have around as he can fill in across the backline & defensive midfield, but he's a perfect example of our tendancy to make due with cheap alternatives.

Sorry, but Baird, Salcido & Grandpa Murphy are our weakest regulars.

HUGHES OUT!

Posted by Cathie Nelsen on 05/13/2011

1) Clint Dempsey, not only because he's versatile, tough, and fun to watch, but because he had a big impact on the team
's place in standings with his goals.
2) I like Gera. Gudjohnson hasn't impressed.
3)not sure
4) Keep Hughes

I really enjoy your blog too!

Posted by Levi on 05/14/2011

a) Dempsey
b) Gera
c) Stockdale
d) Yes

Posted by fraught_with_peril on 05/14/2011

1) CD23;
2) Probably neither. I don't think either can be more than a role player. I like Gera, but, realistically, I think most of his heroics last year were in Europa and that he really hasn't ever been a great Premier League player for us with any consistency. WRT Gudjohnsen, he seems very, very late-career to be any kind of regular goal-scorer in the Premier League.
3) Stockdale. It's probably time to invest in the future or at least have genuine match-to-match competition for the gloves. Schwarzer was phenomenal two seasons ago (2008/09) and seems to have re-traced to merely good the past two seasons. If we get into Europa, perhaps we can feel like we're looking at a 55+ match season and would be able to give both a lot of games.
4) Let's see what Hughes can build. I don't doubt that he would leave for a bigger, better job, but there aren't many of those in the Premier League anymore (maybe 7-8 and would he get one of those?). And is he likely to go to the continent?

Posted by Pete on 05/14/2011

"OK... It has to be somebody, so I'll be the jerk."

Nothing new under the sun there! Nobody asked you to critizise the other choices Vital_Teddy_KGB. Is it possible for you to respect other preferences? Remember it's fellow Fulham-fans, you are dissing.

1. I agree, that Baird has had a brilliant season, but I would probably point at Hangeland though.

2. Gera and Gudjohnsen are both in the past this summer. I respect Gera hugely, but cannot see a future for him under Sparky.

3. Schwarzer for a bit, and then Stockdale to take over from New Years. We should be careful not to make Stockdale disillusioned with life at Craven Cottage.

4. Let's keep him on! It will be exciting to see, what he has in store for us this summer.

Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 05/15/2011

Pete, my boy, I do respect other's opinion. I just don't agree with them, and as such, I decided to voice my dismay with their proclamation of Chris Baird as player of the season.

And btw, am I commonly a "jerk?" I didn't think I was, but perhaps I've become so at ease with my own accuity that I've failed to realize that there are so many who don't know what the hell they're talking about & when confronted with a fair assessment find it easy to condemn honesty.

You're correct that no one asked me to criticise the choices of others, but I feel that charity is important, so I endeavor to provide wisdom where there is none. Remember... "Blessed is he, who in the name of charity & good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper..."

And to you, noble Sir Pete (defender of the daft), I say, the earth is indeed flat, frogs are indeed born of the mud, & Chris Baird is player of the season. (Now, you can call me a jerk.)

HUGHES OUT!

Posted by Scott in VA on 05/15/2011

I'm still recovering from last Monday's performance... I was truly hoping that FFC could get 3 points off LFC. Schwarzer looked like he didn't want to be on the pitch particularly during the 2nd and 3rd goals. I'm still (unrealistically) hopeful that we can get 4 points out of the next 2 games. Let's see how the players react today at St. Andrews against a B City team that is fighting for its life. This match should tell us whether Hughes has locker room so to speak or not.

Phil, what do you think the points total will be by next Sunday night?

A. Dempsey (Aaron Hughes a close second; by the way, who was that Hughes impersonator on Monday?)
B. Eidur - 1 season contract only
C. Stockdale - the time is now for this keeper
D. Hughes stays - he came to the team late last summer, has not had a chance to truly bring in his players, and he has the club at mid-table!

Posted by 'Sota Dan on 05/16/2011

1. Dempsey
2. Eidur (but is there an option "c" someplace?)
3. Stockdale. As everyone else has said, let's get something for Schwarzer now.
4. Sure. I say give the guy a little time.

Posted by John on 05/16/2011

1. Clint Dempsey. Lead goal-scorer, intense, fiery, and fun. Probably what a player of the year should be for this club.
2. EG is a player you purchase to play, not sit. ZG can have his minutes increased, while still being satisfied with being a super-sub. ZG would miss being in the Prem. If i were the gaffer, I wouldn't keep either, though, as younger, more expensive options need to be considered for the midfield.
3. Young Stockdale is on the rise, but the club should keep Schwarzer another season, especially if the Europa League is ahead. The Whites will need all the assets it can muster.
4. Aside from Sparky's appalling team selection against Liverpool, I'd like to see what a full campaign looks like from start to finish. Initially, I disliked Hughes because I thought he thought himself too good for Fulham. He has proved himself to settle in at the Cottage. If he does have higher ambitions, it will make him a better gaffer in the meantime....to our advantage.

Cheers, Phil!

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