ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Fulham- Marking Time

Posted by Phil Mison on 06/02/2011

Ten months was enough for Mark Hughes. The man admits he's itching to prove his worth in top flight management, Fulham it seems have served their purpose.

And that leaves us for the second summer running scouting the horizon for a new management team. A quote from the chairman will be interesting when it comes. You can't stand in the way of any individual's ambition, but Hughes departure inside a year after a fine first season is sure to leave a sour taste. There's no escaping the impression that Fulham have just been used as a stepping stone.

The early quotes coming from the Hughes corner that his decision has 'not been influenced by any third party' should be taken as mere window dressing for the benefit of lawyers. Who leaves a highly paid job on a whim, without knowing where they're headed next? Sky's been working themselves into a lather ever since Lerner caught sight of Houllier's cardiogram and called him a cab pronto, but I've had a hunch for weeks that Sparky was stalling on another contract in the hope Chelsea came calling. I blogged it in fact. Let's see if the packed bags indeed make just a short hop across the borough, rather than being put on the train up to Birmingham.

Aston Villa fer chrissakes??!!! Airheads keep popping up to say Villa are a big club with tradition. During the time of the Kaiser maybe. Get real. They fluked a European Cup win in 82, and came 2nd behind Man U in the inaugural Prem season of '92. They've not threatened since, despite huge support in Britain's 2nd city and a revenue stream lesser clubs can only dream of. Is Hughes really destined for a club that wound up below Fulham in the league, are about to lose their outstanding talent in Ashley Young, and have a number of old men in the side? Oh, and don't mention the Europa League.

But let's concern ourselves with what matters. The future of our great over-achieving club. By luck or design Hughes leaves us in pretty good shape on the playing front. There will be no shortage of quality candidates eager to inherit what's been built up over the past 3 seasons. Fulham represents a great challenge to tempt even the most illustrious of names from world football. By my reckoning the club should be raising £10 mill in the market from deadwood to be cleared out over the summer, and with the placement money for coming 8th plus the additional revenues arriving with another European campaign, it's feasible to see the new gaffer wrangling the same amount again from the chairman to strengthen the squad.

OK, a £20 million pound transfer kitty barely raises a ripple in the Prem pool of bigger fish. Man City I believe have earmarked a similar amount to account for Balotelli's parking fines and silly hats, but if invested shrewdly, could well see Fulham marching on to even greater heights. My estimation? We need a proven goalscorer to supplement BZ. Take a chance on Shane Long or Craig M-S (the P'boro lad)? We must plan now for the midfield playmaker to fill Danny's boots. If Adam is out of our league go for O'Hara. Probably gonna need another left-back.

What nationality our new manager has will have a bearing on where we find our fresh blood. It's inevitable, should it be Jol, expect a few Dutchmen. But I don't think Jol will be asked a 2nd time. We'll see, and feel free to let me hear your suggestions. No votes for Avram Grant please!

Hughes only has to look towards Hodgson's embattled time at Liverpool in the run up to Christmas to realise how quickly all his dreams could turn to dust. Regular Fulham commentator Tony Gale has already flagged this up on Sky Sports. We've learnt more about Hughes today with this decision than we did throughout his 10 months at the helm. Enigmatic and often downbeat, there was indeed passion and a heart beating beneath the red tracksuit. But it was the desire to see Mr. Mark Hughes make the bigtime in management, rather than the quixotic dream of lifting a European trophy on behalf of Fulham that motivated Roy.

And to think I was planning a blog today on the shenanigans at Fifa. That can wait. After all, what have we learnt from the past week? As events unfolded it reminded me of the Great Train Robbery in 1963. No sooner had the gang got the loot back to their farmhouse hideout, than they started falling out with each other. As Fifa itself is such a den of thieves, it was inevitable once someone started blowing the whistle, the game would be up. If Blatter thinks he got away with it with his unopposed re-election, he's wrong. The world media who witnessed his erratic press conference will hound him from here on. Having the 88-year-old Henry Kissinger along will help him not one bit - unless Sepp opts for the nuclear option...

Keep the faith Fulham fans. Have trust in the board to make the right appointment, and let's go into the new season with confidence. To finish - here's hoping we see the majestic Zamora in action this Saturday. If so, I shall be blogging again (this is supposed to be my off-season too)!

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Comments

Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 06/02/2011

Hughes still isn't over his dismissal from City & since they've gained silverware & CL spot, he's out to prove something & thinks he needs a 'big club' to do it. I don't blame him for leaving for a better opportunity, but as of this post, I've seen reports that he's not in the frame at Villa, so who knows what's going on.

As you can imagine, I'm not terribly bothered by Hughes departure, but I am concerned for the club as it'll be a second summer of searching for a manager, & this time with an early Europa League campaign looming.

I'd like to see Martin Jol brought in as manager, though I wouldn't be too bothered by Martin O'Neill. I'd be a little concerned giving Poyet or Hughton a shot; good managers, but Fulham is a delicate balance of finances and ambition.

RB - Alan Hutton
LB - Liam Ridgewell
CM - Charlie Adam and Thomas Hitzlsperger
ST - Demba Ba

ALT - Nathaniel Clyne(RB), Paul Konchesky(LB), Jamie O'Hara(CM), DJ Campbell(ST). Seb Larsson is also available (free).

Posted by Michael from Laramie on 06/02/2011

I have no clue who will follow Sparky, though someone should come in quick. But the short time frame between now and our second European adventure has to complicate things. We've got to bring in a manager and start assembling a squad. Who will want and accept the challenge? Perhaps, if nothing else, our last three years have opened the minds of some, and the European Vacation awaiting mind lure in others. But it will be interesting to see what happens, as indeed, there is a short window with which to act.

As to Sparky, I was hoping he'd stay, but if he's only interested in managing a big name, good riddance. He had a pretty good gig here, and it was a great opportunity to build and-- more importantly-- solidify his reputation. But, the arrogant b*stard has clearly used Fulham, and has not an inkling of loyalty in his blood.

Posted by Drago on 06/02/2011

Not sad to see Hughes go at all. His team selection was awful all year long. I don't know who replaces him, only that the philosophy should not be radically changed. A stalwart defense is our surest chance of staying in the Prem.

Posted by pelty on 06/02/2011

How many European Cups have Fulham "fluked" you nitwit! Plus, check the average Premiere League finish of the Villa as compared to Fulham. Go back to your sorry, pedophiliac-loving ground and shut your gob.

Posted by Chrissy Coleman on 06/02/2011

lol @ Fullam excuse-mongering. Fact is, Sparky had the club at 8th, way over their heads. That's your ceiling. Good luck getting back there.

Posted by ddaii on 06/02/2011

Bring back Roy. His foundation is what allowed Fulham to finish where we did, not Hughes. Dempsey stay or go? Worth a decent amount of money...

Posted by Mass on 06/03/2011

I think he is mad. You guys are playing in Europe next season, he really could have put Villa's interest in him to good advantage by putting the matter in the line with Al Faed and ensuring that reinforcements to compete successfully in Europe and surve the EPL were brought in. I agree with some of the players on Vital Teddy's wish list above, Thomas the Hammer and Charlie Adam are fantastic prospects but join the queue with those choices. As for Sparky, Villa versus Fulham in Europe? Give me a break, a sideways move at best. Sparky needs to be careful he doesn't end up the way Sam Allardyce has gone...remember the words of Dorothy from Oz, "there's no place like home".

Posted by chimike9607 on 06/03/2011

Time to go Yank, Fulham. Bring in Bob Bradley or Jason Kreis. Have them bring in Landon Donovan, Eric Lichaj, and Juan Agudelo.

Posted by Sean on 06/03/2011

Though I guess I'm not surprised overall, it came as a bit of shock that he's stepped down with the Europa opportunity at hand. I think "the quixotic dream of lifting the European trophy on behalf of Fulham" of Roy is a perfect way to distinguish between the two.

I still have a dream of Danny at the helm as manager. Am I crazy? It may be early for a head managerial position, and player/manager does not look as appealing after his drop off this year, he has a great head for the game, is an outstanding skipper and bleeds black and white.

I don't see Danny ever leaving us high and dry after guiding us to a Europa spot.

Great stuff, Phil. Comforting to read during this strange time. Let's go BZ, Dempsey and the rest of our internationals this weekend!

Posted by Jonathan on 06/03/2011

Where's Woy?

Posted by peter on 06/03/2011

Hughes like that other over rated ex red Bruce is a journeyman manager. He will never win a thing wherever he goes. What has he won? Nothing with Wales, nothing with Blackburn, disaster at city and mostly a mess at Fulham. Somehow his PR man doesa good job lettign it be known that Hughes is a bright young manager, are you kidding hes almost 50 years old. No loyalty from managers so how can they prech loyalty to players? disgraceful.

Posted by Tad on 06/03/2011

Nothing wrong with having aspirations... but good riddance! He rode the wave of Hodgson's good work for a season. Now the trophyless wonder is still trying to wring out the last remains of mass British xenophobia and pity after his City dismissal. Most managers hardly get a 6mos let alone 1.5 yrs when they aren't quite up to expectations and are only capable of attracting 20 million quid rejects to the richest club around. For all the criticism and outrage, I don't know a single person who would've thought twice about showing Sparky the door if they were in City's shoes and shelling out that kind of money to fast track a team that would contend with the big boys.

Anyways... Hughton might be a good gamble for Fulham for young and promising. Curbishley is also a good but unlikely option.

Posted by ari on 06/03/2011

Yeay I hope Gera will sign new contract. He will get more games surely and stockdale too.
Left back Wayne Bridge or Jose Enrique might help Briggs to mature. In replacing Murphy, I think someone like Joe Cole could help if he is willing to take the pay cut or else just try and have a look at some young players in Bundesliga such as Holtby. Dj might be good but I think someone like Doyle or Long could make things more interesting.

Managers: Jol or Di Matteo might get my vote, Zola or Lee Clark might give us stability and do decent job. and yessss NO to AVRAM

Posted by carlosbocanegra on 06/03/2011

to echo a previous comment, i would have liked to see mark stay, if for nothing else than to maintain consistency. this will be the second year in a row we are heading into the summer without a manager. this leaves us in a precarious position. also the board is put in the position of selecting another manager that fits. this is not always easy.

i have not personally heard a name that i like except jol or hodgson, and i doubt either will get asked. not a fan of houghton, poyet or oneill.

i am however optimistic that the board will select the right candidate as i agree with you phil, there will be plenty of candidates lining up for the spot.

COYW!

Posted by m on 06/03/2011

Fulham is a good club but Villa is a bigger club without debate - if Lerner decides to open his wallet and hold on to young and downey then the ambition to break in to the top four is there.. it all comes down to money -- it always does -- the top payrolls finish in the about the same order every year.. manu and mancity are set for top four - chelsea and arsenal are vunerable next year if players depart -- liverpool & tottenham and whoever spends money next year will be vying for the third and fourth spot.. its really that simply

Posted by Jessica on 06/03/2011

Good news first: Congratulations to Clint for being voted Player of the Season and to Mousa for Goal of the Season.

Now, I have no idea where to turn next. I kinda like the idea of bringing Bob Bradley over, but not until Jurgen Klinsmann agrees to manage the US team. If Bob comes, we'd surely get his son in a package deal, and he's had his moments in midfield so that wouldn't be all bad.

I'm going to do as you suggest and trust in management to make the proper decision. Let's just hope they do it post haste.

Posted by Eric on 06/04/2011

@ chimike9607
I would gladly welcome Bob Bradley !
Disappointed with Hughes' exit, but then again we were all heartbroken with Woy's exit, and we had a good season this year.
I'm confident the right person will step in.

Posted by Michael in Laramie on 06/04/2011

Bradley? Might as well put us directly into the Championship and allow Blackpool to play in our place if he's the guy.

Its not going to happen, though, thank God. If anyone, I'd take Jol at this point. He's available, but I am not sure he'd take it. Hughton? Not sure about him. He did OK at Newcastle, but doesn't seem to have that extra something.

Posted by Colin on 06/04/2011

Jol.

All's well that ends well.

Posted by Tito on 06/05/2011

@chimike9607
No doubt you are joking, perhaps playing upon the old Fulhamerica moniker. Bob Bradley is not the answer (though his son would be a nice addition). He's too set in his ways, and those ways aren't great. It's enough that he finds ways to misuse Dempsey ten times a year, imagine if he could do it week in and week out. In addition, the defense on team USA is laughable at times. There's a reason they have to score so many exciting late equalizers. Jason Kreis, on the other hand, might have something to offer. His work at Salt Lake has been impressive, but no one is going to take that chance. O'Neill might just be a replay of the current situation, considering the way he left Villa. Jol might be the best bet at this time. He wanted the job last time only to be thwarted by Ajax who forced him to stay so they could sack him later. One thing I have noticed is that Rafa is not being linked with any club. Can anyone imagine him at FFC?

Blog Central: The club will not be looking to the USA for its next manager. The dilemma we face with any candidate of stature will be the level of financial commitment the club undertakes for fresh transfers. Seems this may now have been the motivation for Hughes decision to throw in the towel. He certainly travelled to Spain to take a look at Osvaldo. Did the board fail to back him when it came to making a bid? If in fact the board have been the villains in this and not Hughes, the likes of Benitez and co. will all get the message.

Posted by 'Sota Dan on 06/05/2011

I don't think it is a realistic concern, but "no" to Bradley.

Jol or Hughton. I thought Newcastle played some decent football under Hughton.

Posted by Seth on 06/06/2011

No way to Bradley. He is an awful manager and the only consistency he will bring is underachieving!

I fear that we are getting a bit old in certain spots and we need our manager so that we can start our succession planning in certain positions. We must get younger in the midfield.

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