Monday Fulham Stuff (31/07/17)...

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Fulham 0-3 Wolfsburg: Slavisa Jokanovic wants more signings and other things we discovered from Craven Cottage

After a poor performance and an interesting post match press conference from Slavisa Jokanovic, here's what we discovered from the 3-0 loss to Wolfsburg

Despite losing 3-0 to Wolfsburg yesterday in what was a poor display by all accounts, it's Slavisa Jokanovic post match comments that everyone is talking about at the moment.

He discussed at length the club's transfer policy and how his list of potential recruits had been ignored, going on to talk about his worry that Sone Aluko will be sold by the club's recruitment department.

A week before the season starts, this is the last thing you either want or need at Fulham .

There were a lot of talking points thrown up in the game - here's what we discovered from the final pre-season friendly of the campaign.

Jokanovic wants more signings
This was fairly obvious from the manager's post match comments - he wants quality added to the squad and he wants that quality added sharpish.

So far the recruitment team have added Marcelo Djalo, Ibrahima Cisse, Oliver Norwood, Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon to the squad, but that ever important striker still alludes them.

Jokanovic is delighted that Kalas and Piazon have returned and he has said as much while Norwood looked a class act in the middle of the park yesterday, but you get the impression he is not comfortable with Marcelo at centre back.

There was only six subs on the bench yesterday, two of those keepers, and with Tom Cairney, Neeskens Kebano and Kevin McDonald all out injured the depth in the squad looks a bit worrying with less than seven days to go until the season opener.

David Button doesn't look happy at Fulham
Booing him before he came on, booing him when he was on and sarcastically jeering when he punted a ball forward is going to make any keeper a tad nervous, but especially when it's your own.

The former Brentford man looks like a man trapped in his worst nightmare at Fulham and he does not look happy whatsoever - I wouldn't be either if my supporters sarcastically cheered when I launched the ball over the Riverside Stand and into the Thames.

Button looks nervy when playing and was caught in possession once again, this time by Mario Gomez, and although he recovered to pull off a good save you have to wonder if his unhappiness at the club has now gotten the better of him and is transferring through into his football.

A solution needs to be found for this situation and it needs to be found soon, whether that be helping Button's mental side or by signing a new goalkeeper for the season.


Watch out: David Button is dispossessed by Mario Gomez (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Clubs are circling for Sone Aluko
We learned from Jokanovic's post match comments that he is worried about losing Aluko, with GetWestLondon understanding several bids have been rejected for the forward.

The Fulham manager clearly holds Aluko in high regard, naming him as captain for the pre-season games Tom Cairney has missed and he does not want to lose him.

From a business sense, Aluko signed on a free last summer so a bid of £4m odd would mean £4m profit, which is nothing to be sniffed at.

But that isn't Jokanovic's world, his world is football and you don't get promoted by selling your best players to rival clubs.

He obviously feels Aluko is a big part of his Fulham side and how he wants them to play, and with the lack of signings coming into the club at the moment selling Aluko just before the season starts would be a bad move in my books.


On the ball: Sone Aluko (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

The pressure is on already
Fulham will have to perform a hundred times better than they did against Wolfsburg next week against Norwich to have any hope of taking the three points in the Championship opener.

They played some decent stuff for periods, but for a lot of the game they were starved of possession and couldn't get near the Germans.

John Brooks' opening goal was a poor one to concede - the marking was non-existent and it was such a simple goal to give away.

The teams that will get promoted this season won't be giving those type of goals away.

Mario Gomez is a class act, but for his second goal he lost Marcelo too easily in the Fulham box, allowing him to nod it past Button with ease - it looked like the Spaniard didn't have a clue where the German was at any stage during that attack, allowing him space and time eight yards out from goal.

Fulham know they need to do better next week or it'll be a slow start to the season once again.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-0-3-wolfsburg-slavisa-13405542

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Fulham Boss, Jokanovic: I'm 'Fighting' To Keep Aluko

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic says any plan to sell Nigerian forward Sone Aluko will be detrimental to the London-based club, hence his spirited 'fight'to keep the Nigeria international.

Reports has it that Aluko, who joined Fulham from Hull City last season, is attracting interests from different clubs.

Among clubs showing interest in Aluko is Championship club Reading managed by Manchester United great Jaap Stam.

Commenting on talks about Aluko joining another club, Jokanovic stated that he had to personally get involved to prevent it from happening.

"I have to fight for Sone Aluko, because around me is some news that we are thinking about selling him," he told Sky Sports.

"If we do this, it will be a big mistake for my team."

Aluko was in action for Fulham who lost 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday in continuation of their pre-season games.




Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fulham-boss-jokanovic-im-fighting-keep-aluko/#qksW0jDYyK25UD3Z.99

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Nottingham Forest continue to track impressive Championship midfielder

Nottingham Forest are still hopeful of concluding a deal for Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald, according to respected journalist Alan Nixon.

The Scottish midfielder has long been admired by Forest, and now the Reds – armed with cash following the sale of Assombalonga – could well make a big money move for the Scot before the end of the transfer window.

McDonald has become one of the most consistent performers in the Championship since making the move to London from Wolves last season, and Forest manager Mark Warburton would no doubt love to add a player of his quality to the ranks at the City Ground.

The 28-year-old central midfielder has been in England since 2008, where he played for Burnley before making a move to Sheffield United and cementing himself as one of the best players in League One. Wolves then picked him up in a bargain deal from the Blades, and he would go on to help Wolves win the League One title in his first season with the club.

Forest are in the hunt for new players following a summer which has seen them once again lose one of their star names, and McDonald appears to fit the bill of exactly the sort of player he wants to bring into the City Ground.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/nottingham-forest-continue-to-track-impressive-championship-midfielder/

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Fulham boss Jokanovic issues transfer message as new season

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic issued an interesting message, as per Get West London on player recruitment and squad depth, as the start of the new Football League season approaches next weekend.

Having finished off his side's pre season preparations on the receiving end of a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage against Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, Jokanovic moved to talk about his side's transfer window so far and how he feels about the squad he has at his disposal going into the new season.

As the former Watford manager seeks to guide his side to a better things than their impressive sixth placed finish last season, where they were knocked out of the play offs in the semi finals by Reading, he is part of a recruitment structure in West London, whereby he does not appear to have the final say on transfers.

American Craig Kline is the man who is in charge of new arrivals at Craven Cottage and Jokanovic said that his own list of targets has been 'ignored' this summer, which has seen Fulham fail to bring in a striker to replace Chris Martin and Cyriac, who both returned to their parent clubs at the end of last season.

Jokanovic has said that he expects 'quality' players to arrive at Craven Cottage, in order to try and achieve his side's goals for next season, as well as stating that he is fighting to keep Sone Aluko at the club.

The Verdict:
Fulham simply have to back the man who guided them to an unexpected play-off place, playing attractive football and getting the fans back onside at Craven Cottage, overhauling an aging squad in the process.

There is a place for data analysis in football, but it should work in conjunction with the manager's targets – he should not be left without the players he wants, or worse, handed players he does not need or ask for.

This situation has been brewing for a while and there is a serious risk it will undermine Fulham's season if it is not resolved and if they do not sign at least two strikers before the transfer window closes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/jokanovic-issues-message-as-new-season-approaches/

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Former Fulham, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot Town and Welling United defender joins Leatherhead

Guildford-born full-back joins Isthmian League Premier Division side Leatherhead.


Tom Richards Of Aldershot Town (Image: Surrey Advertiser)

Former Fulham, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot Town and Welling United defender Tom Richards has joined Isthmian League Premier Division side Leatherhead.

The Guildford-born full-back left Fulham in the summer of 2015, signing a one-year contract at Aldershot, which he described at the time as "the best move for my career right now".

"This is the best move for my career right now," said Richards, who had a loan spell at AFC Wimbledon 2014, told the Aldershot website in 2015.

"Barry [Smith] had a lot of good things to say when we met last week, and I think this is my best opportunity to get game time. He's good pals with my old coach at Fulham (Peter Grant), they've been talking about me, and he's said good things about Barry.

"Some people have told me that I'm better than National League level, but here is the best chance for me to play regular football. The most important thing for me this year is to play games – as nice as it was being at Fulham, I want to be playing first-team football.

"I'm only 20 years old but I do have a bit of experience, and I can't wait to get started. Even when I came here last season, I felt that we were much better than our league position suggested, so I definitely think that we should be challenging for the play-offs."



http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-afc-wimbledon-aldershot-13406429

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Nottingham Forest plotting swoop for Fulham midfielder

Nottingham Forest are plotting a swoop for Fulham's Kevin McDonald according to a report from journalist Alan Nixon.

Last season came very close to being a disaster for Forest. They only narrowly avoided relegation from the Sky Bet Championship on the final day of the season and the club are desperate never to be put in that position again. And so with head coach Mark Warburton having his first summer in charge of the club, he is looking to seriously strengthen the squad to get them at the right end of the table.

And the latest player that Forest have been looking at is McDonald, a 28-year-old midfielder currently contracted to Fulham. He signed for the club last season and quickly became a key player for the squad, being an integral part of the team as they surprised everyone by reaching the Championship play-offs. Even though the Cottagers would end up losing out in the end of season lottery, it was still seen as an impressive year for the club and McDonald was a big part of that.

But if Forest do end up following up their interest with an offer, Fulham may end up selling McDonald. This report suggests that their head coach Slavisa Jokanovic will not have any say on transfers, meaning that a good offer for the player could see him heading for the exit door. This would be very frustrating for the West London club as they looking to once again challenge for the play-offs but this can sometimes be the price of success.



http://the72.co.uk/88584/nottingham-forest-plotting-swoop-fulham-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby should join the race for Fulham forward Sone Aluko

Derby County are keen to bolster their options out wide and they should consider making a move for Fulham's Sone Aluko.

Derby County should make a move for Fulham forward Sone Aluko to help them become a serious promotion candidate in the Championship this season.

The Rams are looking to get back among the front runners of the league following a disappointing campaign last time out.

Derby boss Gary Rowett has recruited wisely so far after securing the signings of Curtis Davies, Andre Wisdom and Tom Huddlestone this summer.

After selling last season's star man Tom Ince to Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town, he will be keen to strengthen his side's options out wide.

The sale of Ince has the team lacking in the way of goals in the wide areas. Ince scored 13 goals for the Rams in the Championship. Fulham forward Sone Aluko is a player that has the potential to help fill this void.

The 28-year-old moved to Craven Cottage from Hull City last summer and scored nine goals in 50 appearances during his debut season, helping the Cottagers reach the play-off final.

As reported by the BBC, the Nigerian international has been the subject of multiple bids from an unnamed Championship club.

Fulham will be keen to keep a hold of Aluko after playing such a pivotal role in Slavisa Jokanovic's side. Despite this, the Rams would be wise to see if they can tempt him into making a move to the East Midlands.

Aluko played predominantly on the right wing for Fulham last season but can also played as a centre forward and behind the striker. This would make him an ideal recruit for the Rams who are likely to play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations this campaign.

The potential signing of Aluko would also fall in line with Rowett's eagerness not to splash out large transfer fees as he bids to help balance the books at Pride Park.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/30/rb-derby-should-join-the-race-for-fulham-forward-sone-aluko/

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Sone Aluko: Fulham talk about new deal for striker after rejecting bids for player

Sone Aluko joined from Hull and scored nine goals in 50 games during his debut season at Craven Cottage

Fulham say there are moves to extend the contract of striker Sone Aluko and confirmed "multiple bids" from an unnamed club have been rejected.

In a statement, Fulham said they "understand his true value" after boss Slavisa Jokanovic spoke about Aluko's future following defeat by Wolfsburg.

Aluko, 28, joined from Hull last summer and has scored nine goals in 50 games.

"All I can do is fight, around me there is news we're thinking about selling him," Jokanovic told BBC Radio London.

"If we do this then it will be a big mistake for my team."

Following Jokanovic's interview after Saturday's 3-0 pre-season defeat by Wolfburg at Craven Cottage, Fulham told BBC Radio London: "Ultimately, it looks likely there could be a contract extension.

"The club have had multiple bids for him and have rejected them."

Speculation about Nigeria international Aluko's future comes a week before the Cottagers start their Championship season at home against Norwich City on Saturday, 5 August.




http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40764092

[WhiteJC]

 

Who put the ball in the Carlisle net? Exclusive interview with Rodney McAree

by Lydia on July 30, 2017

I had a very embarrassing moment as a Fulham fan last season. I was fortunate enough to be given some freelance work for the BBC contributing to Final Score NI and this sometimes involved getting the post-match reaction from the managers for use online and on BBC Sport NI's Irish League Show. It was a fun but nerve wrecking experience so I suppose I can forgive myself for focusing so much on what I was doing that I didn't fully appreciate who I was talking to on one particular evening.

I was sent to Ards v Dungannon Swifts in April. I had covered both teams before and had had the privilege of interviewing both managers on a couple of occasions but unfortunately my 'fully focused on the job at hand' mind at the time meant that I missed out on an important detail. When the Dungannon manager made a joke with me about supporting Fulham, I hadn't quite realised what had happened. It took me to the day after and a series of texts for me to realise that the local lad who was the Dungannon Swifts manager was also Fulham cult hero, Rodney McAree!

Have you ever been subconsciously aware of something but just weren't able to make the connection at the time? That was exactly what had happened here. I knew the name, of course, but I assumed that I recognised it because of my interest in Irish League Football, not because I had actually sung his name as a Fulham fan from time to time. As you can imagine, I was a little in awe and got ridiculously excited about being on first name terms with someone who had a real impact on the history of my club. If you are of the younger generation, you might not be fully aware of what was happening at Fulham just over 20 years ago, so let's have a very brief history lesson. Fulham were very much in danger of dropping out of the Football League altogether but player-manager Micky Adams guided the club to safety in 1996 and then had them battling at the top of Division 3 the year later.  McAree's moment came in the April of 1997, just over 20 years ago, when he blasted Fulham to a famous victory against league leaders Carlisle that all but assured us of promotion to Division 2. Below is a video of the goals from that game, and don't be afraid to sing while you watch, "Who put the ball in the Carlisle net..."

Being the gentleman that he is, Rodney was willing to have a sit-down interview with me when South Belfast based club Lisburn Distillery took on his Dungannon Swifts side in a preseason friendly about his time at Fulham and about his ambitions in management. We started right at the beginning of his Fulham career in 1995.

You came to Fulham after a spell at Liverpool and then Bristol City, is that right?
That's right, yeah, I was released after four years at Liverpool and then had an opportunity at Bristol City. I made my debut for Bristol City in the Championship and was doing quite well but the change in management and maybe a poor attitude at the time went against me so I found myself without a club again. I actually came home for a few months and played for Dungannon Swifts but then got the opportunity through Micky Adams and Ian Branfoot to come to Fulham and it all started from there.

When you came Micky Adams was actually player-manager. What is that dynamic like, trying to play for someone who also wants to play?
I probably came in just as Micky decided that he wasn't going to play anymore and was making that transition, walking away from playing and trying to educate himself on the coaching side of football. Micky was a good guy and great to work for. We still keep in touch, I speak to him quite regularly and he was just a good guy to be around.

Although you got games under Adams, that was probably the most difficult time in the club's history as you were down at the bottom of Division Three. What was the atmosphere like at the club then?
The atmosphere was actually quite good. I enjoyed the effort that we had to put in to try and get ourselves out of the situation that we were in. It was a great group of boys, we had to bring our own training kit home and get it washed for the next morning, trained on probably poor enough facilities but it was a good atmosphere. It was Micky Adams and Ian Branfoot who I worked for at the beginning and those two guys put a lot of hard work and effort into it and managed to bring good guys in around the club who wanted to socialise with each other which you then reap the benefits of on the pitch. They were good times. Coming from Liverpool with great facilities and even Bristol City, it made you appreciate what you had before and how hard you had to work to try and improve things.

In 1996 you survived quite dramatically and then fast forward a year you are sitting third in the table and in a promotion push. What was that like, going from relegation battle to promotion push so quickly?
When we were battling for survival we were very close to actually dropping out of the Football League and going into the Conference, which is a scary thought when you think of the big teams who actually have slipped out of the league. So to look at where Fulham were then and now is incredible. The promotion season was really enjoyable to be part of. We had such a great group of boys and a great coach in Alan Cork who had a real way about him and his way with the players. I'm absolutely delighted that I was part of it. For me I got injured early on in the season and missed three/four months but then I came back towards the end of the season and got a few games then at Mansfield away I managed to fracture my cheekbone and missed the end of the season! I maybe didn't play as much as I would have but to be in the group and up around the top of the table, going to games expecting and wanting to win was memorable.

What were the fans like then?
We had great fans. Fulham is a great place and a lovely part of the world and the fans at that time were very supportive. They followed us home and away. I always remember the Fulham fans following us away, they made good noise and the amount of support that they took to Carlisle that day was phenomenal. That was a great occasion, I think there was about 12,500 at it which was a Third Division match at that stage which showed the importance of the game and was a great game to be involved in.

Talking about the game at Carlisle then and that goal. It's 1-1 and the ball drops to you about 30 yards from goal. What about that moment made you hit it?
When I look back on it, it seems as though there was a bit of fate involved. I had been out for a long time and hadn't played a lot of games since coming back and I went to Carlisle in the squad fully expecting to be on the bench. My father was actually away with Dungannon United Youth in the Preston Tournament and he was actually driving back up the M6 to come home and was going to stop and watch the game but I told him not to because I wouldn't be playing. Then at 1:30pm, I'm sitting there a bit gobsmacked realising that I was playing! So, when you look back on it maybe it was meant to be. It was a good ball in and it was laid off for me perfectly and I thought why not have a go. Whenever you look back on it you think that things maybe happen for a reason. Micky could quite easily have went with Martin Thomas that day in the middle of the park but he went for me and obviously it's a memory that will live with me forever.

Is it strange knowing that you name is still sung at Craven Cottage?
It is but there's a lot of other people who did a hell of a lot more in terms of what they have contributed towards Fulham but I am hugely honoured to be remembered for that goal and to hear the song being sung is something special.

Obviously you work in football so it is hard to get over to Craven Cottage but when was the last time you were able to get to Fulham?
It's very difficult but Fulham actually brought me over a couple of years ago and I was special guest and went onto the pitch at halftime. It was very nice of them and my wife was over with me so it was nice to go over and experience that. They were playing Spurs that day, unfortunately the result went against them but you score a goal in the Third Division to help towards promotion and then to go back to see the club play in the Premiership against Spurs a short time later, to see the progress was incredible!

Just before we talk about your move back to Northern Ireland, let's talk about the changes around the club. Al Fayed bought over the club and wanted his own men in charge and Micky Adams was unfortunately sacked. What is that like as a player? Is it unsettling or exciting to see the changes at the club?
When Al Fayed came in you knew that there was going to be a lot of changes. Before he came in I think Paul Watson was the last signing and I think the club had to pay about £20,000 for him. So to see that and then to see one of the first signings under Kevin Keegan in Chris Coleman come in for about £2million and to see the players that the club were able to target showed that the club changed dramatically overnight. We all knew, or at least, I knew that everyone there at the time would start to be dwindled out. I think the only one who lasted to the end was Morgs (Simon Morgan), Captain Fantastic, which he deserved. He really worked very hard and was one of the players who you knew would continue to fight for himself and continue to stay in the frame. I think it was important for Fulham to keep someone like him because he was able to bring things back down to earth and keep everyone grounded because of the career that he had had up to that stage.

I suppose that, although having someone come in like Al-Fayed was great for the club, there are difficult parts to that as well when you have guys who have worked their socks off for the club told that they will be replaced by a more expensive model but is it just part of football?

Unfortunately for us it was. The club went from very workman like run club to a business. But that's football, people want to invest money. What Al-Fayed did for Fulham was second to none, what he contributed to the training facilities and what he provided in terms of the revenue for the club was absolutely fantastic. Fulham definitely wouldn't be in the position that they were if it wasn't for Al-Fayed and you have to give the man a lot of respect for that but it didn't work out in our favour at that stage.

After that did you go straight back home?
Well, I went to Chesham United were Alan Cork was managing and played a few games there and then ended up playing a bit for Crawley but then things in a personal life made me make a decision. I had two options; either I could stay over there and look for a job or I could move back home, be with family and friends and try and get a footing back into the game. It was the best option for me and I'm very happy because I have really enjoyed myself since I came home.

When you went home you spent a bit of time at Glenavon before moving to Dungannon Swifts. Are they your home town club?
Yes, I only live less than a mile from the ground and grew up with a connection there. My father was the bar manager and first team manager for years so ever since I was able to walk I was travelling to games and was going here, there and everywhere over the North of Ireland following Dungannon Swifts. When I started playing I got my opportunities here playing for the school boys before moving across the water. But coming back home and playing here has been a great experience. As soon as I came back to Dungannon Swifts I just felt at home and at ease and started doing well on the pitch and enjoying my football again. Then I moved into management with them.

What are your aspirations as a manager with them?
I think for me it's about trying to develop our own players and trying to develop our own style of play that is good on the eye. We try and play a good style of football. It's very difficult because Dungannon Swifts have such a low budget, maybe the lowest in the league so it's a case of trying to get the best out of them that we possibly can. We have a great bunch of players and I really enjoy working with them and taking training. I get a good vibe back from them and it makes you look forward to going to your work and delivering something that you know they are going to enjoy.

I am also a director within Dungannon Youth. My father was the one who was the founder of it as such and we now have 13/14 teams and I try and help them develop as players and it's very enjoyable.

I suppose when you just love the game, this sort of thing just comes naturally?
Yes, I am 42 years old now and relatively young and am as ambitious as a coach as I was a footballer. I want to go and achieve things whether that is with Dungannon Swifts or maybe an opportunity elsewhere. If I ever got the opportunity to work as a full-time coach in a full-time set up I would love that, but there is a lot of learning and educating to be done and I just have to keep working hard at it.

Would you ever move back across the water?
Absolutely. To coach and be involved in football as a full-time coach would be special.

I finished our conversation by presenting a signed Fulham 16/17 shirt to Rodney that the club sent over to mark 20 years since his goal and our promotion to the Second Division. What an experience it was getting to talk to someone who was present during a defining part of the club's history and it was a pleasure talking Fulham and generally all things football with him. Make sure you keep an eye on the happenings of Dungannon Swifts this season. They play great football and the hard work and dedication put in by Rodney and others at the club make it move in the right direction.

Finally, I just want to thank Rodney for taking the time to chat. What a legend!

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/who-put-the-ball-in-the-carlisle-net-exclusive-interview-with-rodney-mcaree/

[WhiteJC]

 
Paddy Davitt verdict: Norwich City better get used to not having it all their own way

Adversity appears the central theme of Norwich City's pre-season build-up.

Daniel Farke spoke again after this Brighton finale about the need for togetherness, to fight their way out of tough situations and to overcome setbacks - like another cheap concession in the manner of Brighton's opening goal through Pascal Gross that serves to temper rising optimism.

A new head coach, many new players, and the old guard desperate to impress, was a challenging enough environment for Farke before the departure of some big personalities and then a cruel injury twist that has denied him Alex Pritchard and Timm Klose for the opening weeks. Add in a disrupted pre-season for another pair of influential actors in Ivo Pinto and Wes Hoolahan, plus more abbreviated absences for the likes of Josh Murphy, Harry Toffolo and Russell Martin, and you can understand why City arrived at a situation where they had two keepers on the bench for the Seagulls' visit. Subtract the suspended Steven Naismith from the planning for Fulham and the reduced head count would frighten many keen to make a positive impression.

But not Farke. It is too early to really understand the nuances of his playing style, the intricacies of his philosophy, and how his ideas will stand up to the unique demands of the Championship. Yet what is equally clear is the impressive German exudes positivity. Dwindling resources is an opportunity for the rest of his squad to stake a claim.

James Maddison may have found himself much lower down the pecking order if Pritchard and Hoolahan had been fit for duty. Now he is a viable alternative for that opening weekend trip to Craven Cottage. Yanic Wildschut, by common consent, has been cast as the latest poster boy for the recruitment failings of previous regimes. That is not the Dutchman's fault. City aggressively pursued his signature in the previous transfer window. Wildschut naturally saw Norwich as a step up from a Wigan hurtling towards League One. But his limited impact in the opening months of his Carrow Road career appeared to consign him to the expendables this summer; collateral damage in an essential squad makeover. There may be more chapters to pen in that story for Wildschut, and the rest of the Norwich talent pool, between this point and the end of the summer trading. For now, he has emerged as a versatile option down the right flank. Jacob Murphy's exit may have been portrayed as his twin brother's big chance. Wildschut however looks to have edged to the front of the queue.

Farke would not willingly have countenanced so many injury absences but the underlying tone from City's head coach is this testing period, marked by ferocious training sessions around an unbeaten friendly programme, designed to establish a heightened level of fitness, is all part of the master plan.

Even when Norwich's big hitters return to the ranks a new, more youthful, more inexperienced set of players will routinely be buffeted and posed challenges they have to overcome in the heat of battle. The type of tests they failed so miserably last time around.

How to cope when their technical prowess is not enough to earn results in faraway places against hostile opponents. How to handle high pressing from rivals who will swiftly de-code Farke's commitment to building the play from the deepest areas of City's own half. Perhaps even how to deal with a Carrow Road crowd who may need convincing this patient, considered approach does not carry a health risk. And most urgently, how to find a way to win at Fulham.

That will take every ounce of self-belief, character and courage. Farke and his coaching brains will be fully aware of the Craven Cottage 'curse' by the end of this coming week. So too his new signings. City can expect to be probed against a side who looked set to emerge triumphant from the play-off maze in May following a late-season surge. The Whites were cohesive, well-drilled and supremely organised when they won at Carrow Road last Easter. Farke's Norwich have shown us enough in the summer sparring to head to Fulham with hope. Now the real work begins.




http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/paddy-davitt-verdict-norwich-city-better-get-used-to-not-having-it-all-their-own-way-1-5127694