In an ideal world, I'd have liked to have seen all our business concluded by now, with a week or so to spare, so that Slav could work with any new players, and bed them in into the team.
I had much higher hopes for this summer, thinking the Club would have learned from previous mistakes, but, with just a week to go until Norwich, we still seem to be scuttling around like headless chickens again.
It amazes me how fans see contract extensions and loan extensions as new signings, when they're clearly not, and although I'm greatful for the Club for tying down the likes of Sess and Cairney, they were effectively already here, same as Piazon and Kalas.
What I'd of liked to have seen happen, is additional quality added to what we already had, but, we've see a slight step back, and no real moves forward. As I see it, we're still in the same position last season, minus Malone.
Also, we seem to have the same issues again of chasing a certain player for the whole of the window, Rolan reminds me of Dunk all over again, and there's talk of crucial departures so late in the window.
For me, and I don't know how many others view this, but, we're far from a team that will be competing for promotion this season, whilst others around us have strengthened.
I know PS friendlies don't count for much, but, I also feel that we've had a pretty poor off season as well, and moral doesn't seem as upbeat as it should.
Anyway, moving on to Monday, I feel this is a big, big week for Kline, Kahn & Co. and if we come the Friday without any moral boosting signings, I'm sad to say that their talk about backing the coach and doing whatever it takes, has come very cheaply once again.
Hope I'm seriously wrong, as this season is such a wonderful opportunity for FFC.
We haven't taken a step back though. Last season if any of our midfield 3 got injured then what. We would have had to play Petsos or Parker. Now we have Cisse and Norwood as back up for our midfield trio. This is much stronger and means they don't have to play every game and if one of them does get injured we wont be in serious trouble.
I presume we will replace Malone as time goes on as Slavisa says he wants a new left back. It is tough to do deals now as clubs look to get in new players before selling.
I agree there is some reason to be negative as we have yet to make a signing that has excited me but I suspect come September the 1st that will be different.
I agree, it has been a poor transfer window so far. Much the same team with the loss of Malone and a few squad players in and out (Norwood may be a bit more than that). We still need the three key signings to strengthen the spine of the team that has been glaringly obvious for ages.
Quote from: Twig on July 30, 2017, 05:19:39 PM
I agree, it has been a poor transfer window so far. Much the same team with the loss of Malone and a few squad players in and out (Norwood may be a bit more than that). We still need the three key signings to strengthen the spine of the team that has been glaringly obvious for ages.
So being glaringly obvious, why do you think we are still struggling to bring players in? The striker situation is beyond a joke now.
I understand there maybe financial restrictions, but, our so called 'stats team', have been banded about as good at finding 'gems' but we ain't done it yet.
I'm just not convinced that our recruitment team are as 'experienced' as they make out and their 'inexperiences' cost us.
Just my opinion
Pretty much everything we read since the start of the close season about Fulham has been rumour. I agree with the first post that getting players to sign new (improved?) contracts hardly seems a new signing.
So why are Fulham signing also ran's from European second div sides that realistically haven't a hope? I simply cannot believe the manager has any input. All around we here/read of ambitious clubs signing quality players for free or up and coming youngsters. Yet Fulham. Sodding hopeless. The lad who has left Chels for Hull - Hector - is a quality player. Why didn't we sign him as well as Kalas? Why does Fulham miss the boat so many times?. Blame the laptop man for sure but don't we have scouts with notebooks? Where's Arthur Cox when you need him. So many questions and so few answers. Close to despair in deepest Gloucestershire.
I can't remember the last time I got excited by a signing made by us....Like Wow are we really signing him.
Nowadays its Who's he.
Quote from: MikeW on July 30, 2017, 05:47:51 PM
Pretty much everything we read since the start of the close season about Fulham has been rumour. I agree with the first post that getting players to sign new (improved?) contracts hardly seems a new signing.
So why are Fulham signing also ran's from European second div sides that realistically haven't a hope? I simply cannot believe the manager has any input. All around we here/read of ambitious clubs signing quality players for free or up and coming youngsters. Yet Fulham. Sodding hopeless. The lad who has left Chels for Hull - Hector - is a quality player. Why didn't we sign him as well as Kalas? Why does Fulham miss the boat so many times?. Blame the laptop man for sure but don't we have scouts with notebooks? Where's Arthur Cox when you need him. So many questions and so few answers. Close to despair in deepest Gloucestershire.
Hector would have been perfect signing to replace Malone,had a good season at Frankfurt .
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on July 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
I can't remember the last time I got excited by a signing made by us....Like Wow are we really signing him.
Nowadays its Who's he.
I got excited by a few signings last season. You don't have to have heard of a player to be excited by him imo, Can be excited by youtube clips or his reputation when you research him.
Also Hector is a CB not a LB, so would not have been good Malone replacement and the maximum loan signings you can include from one club is 2. So we couldn't have got him anyway
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on July 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
I can't remember the last time I got excited by a signing made by us....Like Wow are we really signing him.
Nowadays its Who's he.
Mine was Van Da Sar, no signing since has exited me.
Quote from: @jolslover on July 30, 2017, 05:57:07 PM
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on July 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
I can't remember the last time I got excited by a signing made by us....Like Wow are we really signing him.
Nowadays its Who's he.
I got excited by a few signings last season. You don't have to have heard of a player to be excited by him imo, Can be excited by youtube clips or when you research him.
Also Hector is a CB not a LB, so would not have been good Malone replacement.
Hector played full back for Frankfurt and Aberdeen the season before not CB.
And if you get excited by a signing you've never heard of well all I can say to that is nothing really.
jolsover - beg to disagree - saw him a number of times as a loanee at Cheltenham (albeit very young) - can play across the back four - very mobile player.
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on July 30, 2017, 06:00:22 PM
Quote from: @jolslover on July 30, 2017, 05:57:07 PM
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on July 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
I can't remember the last time I got excited by a signing made by us....Like Wow are we really signing him.
Nowadays its Who's he.
I got excited by a few signings last season. You don't have to have heard of a player to be excited by him imo, Can be excited by youtube clips or when you research him.
Also Hector is a CB not a LB, so would not have been good Malone replacement.
Hector played full back for Frankfurt and Aberdeen the season before not CB.
And if you get excited by a signing you've never heard of well all I can say to that is nothing really.
Transfermarkt lists him as having played 227 professional games. Only 2 of them have been left back.
Take Kebano for example, I didn't know who he was till we were linked and after watching videos of him taking on defenders and seeing his technical ability I was excited to watch him play.
Transfer market have it wrong,he played all his games at Aberdeen as full back..Can play as stated by Mike across the back anywhere...
I don't mind signings that are not headline grabbing and I don't mind bringing in players from overseas leagues but I am hacked off with our failure to strengthen the spine of the team. It has been obvious that this is our greatest need and I'd be happy with two out of three but nought out of three....seriously?
To answer the question, I think we struggle because we are afraid pay that bit extra and instead go looking for bargains. I get the need for sustainable finances but we missed out on promotion last year due to our failure to use the January window. Promotion is worth c. £250mil so how was that sensible financial probity? If we miss out on promotion this year due to a poor summer window then that is another failure to invest to cash in. You could be forgiven for thinking that the owners don't actually want promotion!
Twig - agree:
Jolsover - point taken but you are going down the stats route - I prefer my eyes.
Quote from: Twig on July 30, 2017, 06:10:03 PM
I don't mind signings that are not headline grabbing and I don't mind bringing in players from overseas leagues but I am hacked off with our failure to strengthen the spine of the team. It has been obvious that this is our greatest need and I'd be happy with two out of three but nought out of three....seriously?
To answer the question, I think we struggle because we are afraid pay that bit extra and instead go looking for bargains. I get the need for sustainable finances but we missed out on promotion last year due to our failure to use the January window. Promotion is worth c. £250mil so how was that sensible financial probity? If we miss out on promotion this year due to a poor summer window then that is another failure to invest to cash in. You could be forgiven for thinking that the owners don't actually want promotion!
What I don't get is in Jan window we bid 1.2 million for Hibs striker Jason Cummings, they wanted £1.5 we didn't pay....Same day we paid what for Jozabed....lol
Now Cummings gone to Forest,bet he comes to the Cottage and sticks one in...lol
The team that takes the field against Norwich will be weaker than the one that finished last season.
1. We have not replaced Malone.
2. We have not signed a recognised striker
We won't win. 100 per cent. Pre season and transfers have been a joke.
Quote from: stevehawkinslidingtackle on July 30, 2017, 10:48:58 PM
We won't win. 100 per cent. Pre season and transfers have been a joke.
Will remember this post for when we win 3-0. You would have backed us to beat Norwich last season if we played them at home. So you think swapping Malone for Sess now means we will lose?
It is a big week for us. Let's hope Kamara is in before the Norwich game at the least. If Bettinelli Cairney McDonald & Kebano are available for the game I have belief we can get a result
Well we won't really know how good we are until the season starts.
If we are honest a lot of us were excited about signing Marlet, Mitroglou and Ruiz but never expected a low cost, very low cost, unknown from South Wales would become an all time Fulham hero.
Last season's opening fixture will be remembered for a morale boosting win and an outrageous piece of skill. Those sitting through it also had to endure a lot of disjointed play from both teams who were getting to know each other. I'm not expecting our team to exactly pick up where they left off last season, but they might. Equally Norwich have problems of their own with injuries and suspensions. Like us they played with two sub goalies this weekend.
Cautiously optimistic, but mostly just happy that competitive football is returning.
Is Arthor cox still at the club?
The team that takes the field against Norwich will be weaker than the one that finished last season.
1. We have not replaced Malone.
2. We have not signed a recognised striker
I've been far more concerned about the back 4. It's a back 2.5 at the moment. No one else is needed.
Quote from: filham on July 30, 2017, 10:44:39 PM
The team that takes the field against Norwich will be weaker than the one that finished last season.
1. We have not replaced Malone.
2. We have not signed a recognised striker
Second thoughts, we have now signed a striker and a lot of clubs would be more than happy to have our Sess. at left back.
Oh well we will now have to wait until 5pm Saturday to see how good we look.
Really lookin forward to saturday and our 1st victory of the season.coyw
WHilst I dont see the contrracts extensions as new signings they were ke to our plans so are good news, and should be welcomed as such.
To expect all out transfer business ot be done by the first game is fanciful, football jjust doesnt work like that. If you saying doi it all by the forst game then you dont sign anyone better who becomes available after that as one your business is done and tweo your budget may not be left. It is plan silly to operatre like that. Some deals take time, some players need convincing, some players flattly say no. It is the way it works, has done for years and will cntinue to do so. We as fans get frustrated understandable, but sometimes it isnt the clubs fault as many would have you believe.
Then fans would moan nothing happening late on if we nee dit, the club just cannot win. It is pick at the club no matter what they do, it is no wonder the club are some times hesitant to pas son informaiton, because they are damned either way.
Personally dont see this week as any bigger than last or next, the team plan for the game on Saturday and if any more new faces come in they do, but if they dont they still work on whats required.
What bothers me with some people here is the lack of perspective. Just because the club isnt doing what some fans want doesnt mean the club dont know what they're doing or that they've failed. Its kind of insulting really to have a mindset that if the club- filled with professional hard workers - isnt doing exactley what I - a supporter with no prior experience in this field - think the club should be doing then the people at the club must be clueless headless chickens running around.
I'd rather get a player like Johansen in at the last day of the window than signing someone with lesser quality early on in the summer.
Quote from: Deuce on August 01, 2017, 09:40:26 AM
What bothers me with some people here is the lack of perspective. Just because the club isnt doing what some fans want doesnt mean the club dont know what they're doing or that they've failed. Its kind of insulting really to have a mindset that if the club- filled with professional hard workers - isnt doing exactley what I - a supporter with no prior experience in this field - think the club should be doing then the people at the club must be clueless headless chickens running around.
I'd rather get a player like Johansen in at the last day of the window than signing someone with lesser quality early on in the summer.
Good post - as is Westcliff White's before you.
Although your post won't change the manner in which those with the mindset you describe berate the Club, it's good to know that there are others (many, I'm sure) who are more fair-minded. This is not to say that the Club couldn't ever have done better (our strategy to secure the transfer of Sergi Enrich last January, for instance, was flawed, as best I could tell at the time), but
the triumphalism with which some seize upon anything which could be the fault of the Club and
assert that it is the fault of the Club is simply eyebrow raising.
Quote from: Deuce on August 01, 2017, 09:40:26 AM
What bothers me with some people here is the lack of perspective. Just because the club isnt doing what some fans want doesnt mean the club dont know what they're doing or that they've failed. Its kind of insulting really to have a mindset that if the club- filled with professional hard workers - isnt doing exactley what I - a supporter with no prior experience in this field - think the club should be doing then the people at the club must be clueless headless chickens running around.
I'd rather get a player like Johansen in at the last day of the window than signing someone with lesser quality early on in the summer.
Deuce. Absolutely spot on.
It shouldn't, but it winds me up. The consistent denigration of the club by some people on here starts to feel personal.
We might not be the biggest, shiniest club. But its my club. Through youth football I have spent a small bit of time seeing the club from the inside. Its a club to be very proud about.
Anyway. Good point sir
Quote from: BedsFFC on August 01, 2017, 10:36:32 AM
Quote from: Deuce on August 01, 2017, 09:40:26 AM
What bothers me with some people here is the lack of perspective. Just because the club isnt doing what some fans want doesnt mean the club dont know what they're doing or that they've failed. Its kind of insulting really to have a mindset that if the club- filled with professional hard workers - isnt doing exactley what I - a supporter with no prior experience in this field - think the club should be doing then the people at the club must be clueless headless chickens running around.
I'd rather get a player like Johansen in at the last day of the window than signing someone with lesser quality early on in the summer.
Deuce. Absolutely spot on.
It shouldn't, but it winds me up. The consistent denigration of the club by some people on here starts to feel personal.
We might not be the biggest, shiniest club. But its my club. Through youth football I have spent a small bit of time seeing the club from the inside. Its a club to be very proud about.
Anyway. Good point sir
Spot on
Deuce - You may be right
But I and many others may completely disagree with you
As paying customers we are entitled to complain if the service isn't good enough
There is no plan or statement of intent from the owners
It "appears" that the squad is weaker or at the least, not significantly improved
I bought 5 season tickets and go to many away games on the premise that the management will the best available - if it's not we should be able to complain
(Pls not an argument about who is a better supporter)
Are you saying, to take your argument to the logical conclusion, that if the new no.9 misses an open goal, we should say "never mind old chap, you're a professional and you know what you're doing " ?
Quote from: Baszab on August 01, 2017, 11:23:11 PM
Deuce - You may be right
But I and many others may completely disagree with you
As paying customers we are entitled to complain if the service isn't good enough
There is no plan or statement of intent from the owners
It "appears" that the squad is weaker or at the least, not significantly improved
I bought 5 season tickets and go to many away games on the premise that the management will the best available - if it's not we should be able to complain
(Pls not an argument about who is a better supporter)
Are you saying, to take your argument to the logical conclusion, that if the new no.9 misses an open goal, we should say "never mind old chap, you're a professional and you know what you're doing " ?
Agree with duece and with a lot of what you say. People with the incredible commitment that you are obviously showing the club are rare. I doff my cap to you on that. Your last point is a bit silly in my opinion. If our new number 9 scores 9 tap ins then misses one he can be forgiven I would say. If he misses 9 and scores one then I can see your point. For me if a player tries his best I struggle to blame him. He didn't sign or pick himself. He tried his best. I will whinge or complain if a player doesn't hit the target when he should but not really on the board unless it's a reoccurring theme.
I think we can assume that everyone at the club does their best with the funds available- which isn't in their control, and that the players play to the best of their ability, which is all you can ask of a player in my view.
As a Fulham fan I've realised from an early age that success isn't automatic, or even to be expected, but I chose to support the team anyway - or maybe the club chose me! Whatever, I'm A Fulham fan, and always look forward to a new season, and the chance of seeing the team running out again, on at least a few occasions, or listening to Jim's commentary. I look forwards to Fulham games, and really miss them in the summer, even when the club isn't doing well.
But at the moment we have reason to feel fairly positive about the club.
I, and many others had never heard of louis saha or steed but just look at how they turned out ...you don't need to have heard of them before, and usually when you do they are double the price and come with expectations...like marlet
This kamara is an unknown quantity but he is quick, he looks very solid and I have to say looks to have attributes that are very effective in the championship. I am happy to give him a good go. i think we are lacking a set piece threat still with no one to knock them in and no one to deliver them. I can't see a place other than left back to fit a dead ball specialist in which is frustrating. Kmac and kalas to score ten between them this season. Norwood to deliver better set peices off the bench?
Quote from: Jonaldiniho 88 on August 02, 2017, 01:20:13 AM
This kamara is an unknown quantity but he is quick, he looks very solid and I have to say looks to have attributes that are very effective in the championship. I am happy to give him a good go. i think we are lacking a set piece threat still with no one to knock them in and no one to deliver them. I can't see a place other than left back to fit a dead ball specialist in which is frustrating. Kmac and kalas to score ten between them this season. Norwood to deliver better set peices off the bench?
Cairney is our set play man, unless I am missing something
Quote from: Baszab on August 01, 2017, 11:23:11 PM
There is no plan...
This is, quite simply, untrue.
You may not like that a statistical analysis plays a part in determining which players we go after; you may not welcome our emphasis upon finding players in the French and Belgian leagues on the basis that these countries offer better value for money; you may not think that it helps that we recently extended the contract of Tom Cairney and secured the future of our most promising younger players in Sessegnon and Edun...
...but to claim that there is no plan is false.
Quote from: Baszab on August 01, 2017, 11:23:11 PM
... or statement of intent from the owners
It is unclear whether you mean a verbal statement or an action statement.
If you are decrying the lack of the former, here are links to three articles that contain such statements from either our Chairman or Vice Chairman this year:
http://jacksonville.com/sports/jaguars/2017-02-23/tony-khan-run-fulham-operations-remain-jaguars-front-office
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/03/cairney-reaction
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/31/kamara-signs
If you are seeking the latter, you need to provide at least one example of an action that you would regard as a 'statement of intent' for others to decide whether your criticism is justified.
Quote from: Baszab on August 01, 2017, 11:23:11 PM
As paying customers we are entitled to complain if the service isn't good enough
You are.
Indeed, I readily recall you complaining about Jokanovic from almost the day he arrived. It was not that you opposed him, per se, that caught my attention, but the (to my mind) unnecessarily belittling way in which you wrote about him. In case you've forgotten, look at the archive from April of that season: I did and there are numerous instances. I apologise if you feel offended, but I have picked one quote from that time to help to illustrate my point:
'My thoughts on this (sacking the manager)
haven't changed since it was obvious he did not have a clue after 3 or 4 games in charge'While not denying your right to complain, some on here give the impression that they relish having the opportunity to do so. To me, the speed with which you rush to express your dissatisfaction and the manner in which you express it lead me to think that you are one such supporter.
I appreciate your analysis on my current and previous comments - could you maybe score each of my comments over the last few years and condense into a thesis ?
Nevertheless, I will try to improve the quality of my posts in the future.
Is the grammar, at least, correct ?
Quote from: Baszab on August 02, 2017, 11:59:24 AM
I appreciate your analysis on my current and previous comments - could you maybe score each of my comments over the last few years and condense into a thesis ?
Nevertheless, I will try to improve the quality of my posts in the future.
Is the grammar, at least, correct ?
Baszab, Arthur quite rightly has pushed back to some of your contentions and you haven't been able to respond with anything other than a pithy response.
I'm not sure how you can say the 'service isn't good enough' - last season was brilliant by all accounts and the same people who helmed that are in charge now. Let's give the team a few weeks before we start slagging them off, eh? The new signings need a chance to show what they can do.
Also, for the most part, your grammar looks fine. :)
Look this isn't complicated. To improve the team we needed a better central defence and a better forward. Arguably a better keeper.
Well we have brought in a forward. We have brought in the same defence we had last season and not improved the keeper. A few squad players to cover in midfield is fine. But fans will be frustrated that at the start of the season we have actually not moved forward. Still time before the end of the window. Yes it is great we kept players, always my fear. But until we see an improvement in the first team then fans will feel frustrated. Yes some go over the top in the frustration but no more so than those who think supporting a club is not allowing any criticism.
Quote from: Marcel_Gecov on August 02, 2017, 12:11:31 PM
Quote from: Baszab on August 02, 2017, 11:59:24 AM
I appreciate your analysis on my current and previous comments - could you maybe score each of my comments over the last few years and condense into a thesis ?
Nevertheless, I will try to improve the quality of my posts in the future.
Is the grammar, at least, correct ?
Also, for the most part, your grammar looks fine. :)
You don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
Quote from: Lighthouse on August 02, 2017, 12:17:35 PM
Look this isn't complicated. To improve the team we needed a better central defence and a better forward. Arguably a better keeper.
Well we have brought in a forward. We have brought in the same defence we had last season and not improved the keeper. A few squad players to cover in midfield is fine. But fans will be frustrated that at the start of the season we have actually not moved forward. Still time before the end of the window. Yes it is great we kept players, always my fear. But until we see an improvement in the first team then fans will feel frustrated. Yes some go over the top in the frustration but no more so than those who think supporting a club is not allowing any criticism.
Although I agree, I want to point out that at the tail end of last season, I think it's the last 16 games, we were 5 points clear than any other team. If we carry on in that way from last season, I'd be happy.
:005:
I thought last year was brilliant
I thought SJ was weak to begin with and I thought KS sacking was poor
I was wrong about SJ - he is obviously a top manager and motivator
I am disappointed that the board has not chosen to invest further in the squad at this particular moment in time
Can I cut in, this isnt a spelling and grammer forum its football, if someone doesnt have the correct punctuation the so be it!!!
Also can we cut out the snarky comments about replies and so on.
Thanks
Quote from: rweller86 on August 02, 2017, 12:31:48 PM
Quote from: Lighthouse on August 02, 2017, 12:17:35 PM
Look this isn't complicated. To improve the team we needed a better central defence and a better forward. Arguably a better keeper.
Well we have brought in a forward. We have brought in the same defence we had last season and not improved the keeper. A few squad players to cover in midfield is fine. But fans will be frustrated that at the start of the season we have actually not moved forward. Still time before the end of the window. Yes it is great we kept players, always my fear. But until we see an improvement in the first team then fans will feel frustrated. Yes some go over the top in the frustration but no more so than those who think supporting a club is not allowing any criticism.
Although I agree, I want to point out that at the tail end of last season, I think it's the last 16 games, we were 5 points clear than any other team. If we carry on in that way from last season, I'd be happy.
Yes I do agree and take the point. However to keep moving we need to improve and not just stand still. It is doubtful we will be able to keep on with the form we showed and arguably had we bought in January the forward and defender we needed then. We may have even done better and won promotion via the play offs. But yes we did have a momentous second part of the season.
