I don't want to be a grinch, but this Fulham team that is walking over Championship teams, would be losing most weeks in the PL.
I'm enjoying it but I have no idea how we make ourselves good enough to complete in the PL.
Let's worry about that if and when we get there. Still a long way to go and doubt it will be all that comfortable despite the past 3 games. Lose to a decent Stoke side and the gap could be down to 2 again. Some big end of season fixtures too, so hope we can get a bit of a cushion before then. If we do make it, some smart investments in the transfer window will help us.
Yep the gap is massive . I'm fully aware how or current side may just hold their own but it's risky whether we'd stay up or not. Enjoy it while we can.
Yeah, sadly I agree. We are a Top Top Championship Team, but even now I think we will struggle in the Prem.
We definitely need a better goalkeeper, back four and probably midfield to reach mid table levels really.
Our front line is probably just about okay for mid Prem.
There are currently 4 teams in the Prem who are about as dire as we were last season. Just gotta beat one of them and the teams we get promoted with to survive.
Our PPG over the season was even with what Watford currently has in 17th.
Let's just enjoy what's happening now for fulham's sake lol.
We all know nothings changed upstairs so similar prem results will most likely follow
Quote from: Mr K.Dilkington on January 18, 2022, 10:43:58 PM
Let's just enjoy what's happening now for fulham's sake lol.
We all know nothings changed upstairs so similar prem results will most likely follow
Yes let's live for now.
As for the premier,a few teams Namely Wolves and Brighton have shown with their houses in order,that the gulf isn't that huge.
The quality much worse in the PL this season. Norwich, Newcastle, Burnley, Watford and maybe even Leeds are all weaker than we were last season.
If we go up we only need to be better than the promoted teams and one other side (I think Brentford could be vulnerable next season)
Was thinking about this on Saturday also. Bristol City were able to open us up far too easily. Need to get promoted first, obviously, but we need to get our transfer business done early if we do go up. A CB to play with Tosin should be top of our list. If Newcastle stay up they'll spend their way into the top half, but teams like Leeds and Brentford will be catchable.
At the moment enjoy the ride, but surgery needed in defence, that is a priority.
More creativity and pace in attacking midfield as well as other pieces of jig saw needed to be found.
Nevertheless the sooner if and when we clinch promotion the sooner the club can make decisions regarding 1st 2nd & 3rd choice targets.
The recruitment unit have to do a very good job if we are to be prepared and organised and give plenty of time in preseason to condition the squad.
It would be tough but there are reasons to be hopeful.
First, the side we have now is, without any changes, better than the two we have started with the last two times we were promoted.
Second, we can at least match, and probably outspend, in the transfer market any of the clubs who get promoted with us.
Third, several sides in the Premiership look vulnerable - Norwich, Burnley and Watford, obviously. That is no help if those three go down, and if they stay up Newcastle are likely to be much better next year. But there are others with whom we can probably compete - Leeds, Brighton, Palace and Brentford. Maybe even Southampton and Everton. As has been pointed out, assuming we finish ahead of the other two promoted sides, we only have to finish above one of the others, and I'd be willing to have a decent bet we will finish above Brentford at least.
But there are two obvious dangers. Will Marco and his team be poached by an established Premiership team? Secondly, will we buy wisely? And here there is some hope from last time. It was not the bought-in players who let us down - I'd take Areola, Anderson and Aina back in a heartbeat. IF we could do as well with incoming players as we did last time, we surely have a decent chance of "sticking". But that is a big IF.
We will need to invest wisely but we have a decent team. West Ham have our GK sitting on the bench. Just saying!
Quote from: St Eve on January 18, 2022, 11:29:24 PM
We will need to invest wisely but we have a decent team. West Ham have our GK sitting on the bench. Just saying!
Absolutely we should be able to bring him back if we do go up
I know it will happen but our defence does need some attention before the new season starts.
We can play this kind of football in the Championship because we have the best players in this division, this will be far from the case in the Premiership. Not to count one's chickens just yet but if we do go up then a style next season closer to "Parkerball" may be more desirable.
Quote from: bencher on January 18, 2022, 10:29:27 PM
I don't want to be a grinch, but this Fulham team that is walking over Championship teams, would be losing most weeks in the PL.
I'm enjoying it but I have no idea how we make ourselves good enough to complete in the PL.
Upgrade most of the spine.
Need a No. 1 GK (Marek isn't it at PL level), a top-class CB, a quality 8, maybe a CAM if Fabio departs, and a pacey striker to complement Mitrovic (Muniz isn't it, at this point). We're mostly OK on the flanks, but a classy winger on the left wouldn't go amiss.
I'd expect 2-3 big signings and a similar number of loans and we'll give it a go, should we go up.
The problem last year was the manager not attacking and defending hope to get one-nil wins, look at Brentford and Leeds the season before they have attacked teams and getting positive results, next year we will be looking to win and not looking to not lose
Quote from: St Eve on January 18, 2022, 11:29:24 PM
We will need to invest wisely but we have a decent team. West Ham have our GK sitting on the bench. Just saying!
He was a great shot stopper. But he had to stop a huge amount of shots. I think the best goal keepers are the ones who do the most work before the ball gets close by organising the defence. I think Schwarzer was the best example of this. There is probably a reason he is on the bench.
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
You need to sober up before coming on this forum.
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 12:41:28 AM
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
But they didn't roll over brave little Britain.
Fulham also aren't led by a paranoid, drug addicted, madman, who made the fatal error of turning from attacking Britain, after the RAF saw off the Luftwaffe, and invading Russia, not heeding the lesson of Napoleon - also defeated by the Russian winter, as well as the heroism of the Russian defense of their motherland.
Perhaps Fulham might be better prepared in any future Prem campaign.
Something that has let us down in the last 2 attempts to stay up, was conversion of big chances. There were so many games in which we had a big chance to take the lead, didn't score, and then went on to lose.
Without checking stats, from the eye test, this team is quite good at putting away its chances. If we can get promoted and continue this habit, it could be the difference maker.
Silva stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
Silva will get us across the gulf in no time...
Quote from: We Are Premier League on January 19, 2022, 09:33:05 AM
Silva stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
Silva will get us across the gulf in no time...
You must be confused, that was the Red (Reed?) Sea, not the Gulf. But let's hope Reed is not all at sea next season, wherever we may be.
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 12:41:28 AM
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
This club is very similar to Nazi Germany,yes...
:wow: 049:gif 051 :wine: 0001.gif
The gulf isn't that big if you can do the basics. Who knew we had a 'purple patch' under Parker in the Prem. You need a good Keeper solid defenders, an attack that has intent. He had an attack, but not the intent i.e. Parkerball. Why and how it all fell away, when our form was as good as Man City, we on the up then Parker fell apart.
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 12:41:28 AM
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
I have a theory that you have, along with others over the years proved.
Whenever there is a difference of opinion someone will mention the war.
Lets fully focus on the rest of this season, promotion as a top of the table club would add confidence and Silva has good experience to guide us in the Premier League.
The War, FFS. 064.gif
By winning the league or at least automatic we will have an absolute ton more time to bring in reinforcements and we will be a better prospect for players looking to sign for having gone up in that manner.
This I think, is the most important thing about getting promoted this year.
Quote from: filham on January 19, 2022, 11:03:12 AM
Lets fully focus on the rest of this season, promotion as a top of the table club would add confidence and Silva has good experience to guide us in the Premier League.
Exactly!!!!
Quote from: gang on January 19, 2022, 10:43:32 AM
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 12:41:28 AM
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
[/quote
I have a theory that you have, along with others over the years proved.
Whenever there is a difference of opinion someone will mention the war.
I mentioned it but I don't think anyone noticed !
We really need Newcastle to go down, and one of Burnley or Watford to stay up.
That means we'd only need to stay above the other two promoted sides, and then outpace the 17th place team this year and Brentford. Leeds will be a big risk if Bielsa goes too and though they will get a lot of money for Raphina, they'll have to spend a huge amount to try and replace his contributions.
If Newcastle stay up, it makes next year way tougher.
The other huge positive should we be promoted this season is that we won't have RLC.
Quote from: RaySmith on January 19, 2022, 06:08:53 AM
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 12:41:28 AM
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
But they didn't roll over brave little Britain.
Fulham also aren't led by a paranoid, drug addicted, madman, who made the fatal error of turning from attacking Britain, after the RAF saw off the Luftwaffe, and invading Russia, not heeding the lesson of Napoleon - also defeated by the Russian winter, as well as the heroism of the Russian defense of their motherland.
Perhaps Fulham might be better prepared in any future Prem campaign.
Thank the lord for the English Channel!
The Germans in WW2 were Blackshirts. Fulham 2022 are Blackshorts.
The plan should be i) win the Championship, ii) upgrade squad for next three seasons, iii) beat the two promoted teams twice each next season (ie 12 points), iv) get another 24 points from the remaining 34 games, and v) if 36 points (12 +24 points) is not enough go down with an even better refreshed squad than this season and get promoted from the championship again.
Repeat Yo-Yo plan until we come 17th in the EPL.
Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on January 19, 2022, 09:45:35 PM
The Germans in WW2 were Blackshirts. Fulham 2022 are Blackshorts.
I wish we were blackshorts and socks more often though...
I think Hector and Mawson should play, and if they keep a clean sheet then they should stay our centre back pair.
From team placed first in the PL to team placed last in the Championship is almost half the Football League. The gap between a team placed 18th to 20th in PL and a team placed in top three of Championship is much, much less than half the football league and a much better match. As others have said to survive the PL you have to be better than three other PL teams. To survive the Championshp you need to be better than four other teams ...
just got to plan for one more yoyo instead of sp%nking 500 million trying to stay up this time.
because a fail and the players all move on as half priced failures and you are even worse off than when you started.
plan for it, buy players to fit the plan and dont get trigger happy sacking the manager whilst struggling next season in the prem.
i actually think this team would be very close to surviving with only 3 or 4 key additions.
Quote from: TC's Sporran on January 20, 2022, 08:19:49 AM
just got to plan for one more yoyo instead of sp%nking 500 million trying to stay up this time.
because a fail and the players all move on as half priced failures and you are even worse off than when you started.
plan for it, buy players to fit the plan and dont get trigger happy sacking the manager whilst struggling next season in the prem.
i actually think this team would be very close to surviving with only 3 or 4 key additions.
I agree, Areola, Virgil Van Dyke, Sterling and Salah, that should do it.
Quote from: TC's Sporran on January 20, 2022, 08:19:49 AM
just got to plan for one more yoyo instead of sp%nking 500 million trying to stay up this time.
because a fail and the players all move on as half priced failures and you are even worse off than when you started.
plan for it, buy players to fit the plan and dont get trigger happy sacking the manager whilst struggling next season in the prem.
i actually think this team would be very close to surviving with only 3 or 4 key additions.
I think we would lose most of out top 6 players if we yo-yo down again, think we need to make it stick next year or Tosin, Tete etc. will be gone and we have to start over again.
Quote from: The Rational Fan on January 20, 2022, 01:35:03 AM
The plan should be i) win the Championship, ii) upgrade squad for next three seasons, iii) beat the two promoted teams twice each next season (ie 12 points), iv) get another 24 points from the remaining 34 games, and v) if 36 points (12 +24 points) is not enough go down with an even better refreshed squad than this season and get promoted from the championship again.
Repeat Yo-Yo plan until we come 17th in the EPL.
The Yo Yo theory will only make us dizzy, i actually got a miniature yo yo in a Christmas cracker i pulled on December 25th 2021, that tells you everything.
it cannot work because we will end up treading water at an unnecessary expense. Too much disruption whereupon due to yo yo the turnover of playing staff including management will continue to disrupt the club short and long term. Until inevitably it will take a downturn.
We need STABILITY and your theory does not support that.
Our big problem in the Premiership, was one of team spirit, we didn't have any. We brought in a ton of players, the players that got us there, felt ostracized.
The team spirit is so evident of late, goal celebrations, real joy. You need to look how Sheff Utd did in their first season, look at Brentford at this moment in time.
The key is to start well.
We should look at what Brentford are doing. They have a similar striker to Mitro, good at holding the ball up, but what they have that we don't is pace. Also better defenders and more height.
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 09:27:26 PM
Quote from: RaySmith on January 19, 2022, 06:08:53 AM
Quote from: Lyle from Hangeland on January 19, 2022, 12:41:28 AM
Fulham FC is a lot like WWII Germany... we can roll over the Polands, Denmarks, Norways, Netherlands, Belgiums, and Frances of the world, but once the big boy Soviet Union and USA get involved, it's losing time.
But they didn't roll over brave little Britain.
Fulham also aren't led by a paranoid, drug addicted, madman, who made the fatal error of turning from attacking Britain, after the RAF saw off the Luftwaffe, and invading Russia, not heeding the lesson of Napoleon - also defeated by the Russian winter, as well as the heroism of the Russian defense of their motherland.
Perhaps Fulham might be better prepared in any future Prem campaign.
Thank the lord for the English Channel!
Plus a few Squadrons of Spitfires and lashings of courage.
Those of you that are privileged to be able to watch in person certainly have a better perspective on the squad than I but the excitement of playing in the Premier League is over the top for those of us that can only watch from distance. I believe.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on January 20, 2022, 09:24:00 AM
Quote from: The Rational Fan on January 20, 2022, 01:35:03 AM
The plan should be i) win the Championship, ii) upgrade squad for next three seasons, iii) beat the two promoted teams twice each next season (ie 12 points), iv) get another 24 points from the remaining 34 games, and v) if 36 points (12 +24 points) is not enough go down with an even better refreshed squad than this season and get promoted from the championship again.
Repeat Yo-Yo plan until we come 17th in the EPL.
The Yo Yo theory will only make us dizzy, i actually got a miniature yo yo in a Christmas cracker i pulled on December 25th 2021, that tells you everything.
it cannot work because we will end up treading water at an unnecessary expense. Too much disruption whereupon due to yo yo the turnover of playing staff including management will continue to disrupt the club short and long term. Until inevitably it will take a downturn.
We need STABILITY and your theory does not support that.
i am advocating stability. 3 or 4 cute purchases ie players who wont do an anguissa when we go down again. and dont sack the manager.
i dont think you could get much more stability than doing it that way.
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on January 20, 2022, 10:14:20 AM
We should look at what Brentford are doing. They have a similar striker to Mitro, good at holding the ball up, but what they have that we don't is pace. Also better defenders and more height.
Funny you say that, the I newspaper was reporting this morning that the Bees are without any striking threat, apparently missing numerous chances & allowing Man Utd into the game. As has already been said, the standard is so high at the top table.
Quote from: rebel on January 20, 2022, 09:41:39 AM
Our big problem in the Premiership, was one of team spirit, we didn't have any. We brought in a ton of players, the players that got us there, felt ostracized.
The team spirit is so evident of late, goal celebrations, real joy. You need to look how Sheff Utd did in their first season, look at Brentford at this moment in time.
The key is to start well.
Agree with this, which to my way of thinking is why we urgently need to buy a couple of defenders who will be suitable for the premier league. They need to be part of the set up before we go up.
could it be worth a punt on some of the big clubs youngsters out on loan at other clubs?
