We have a lot of roster work to do this summer. Here's how I see things as they stand:
Reportedly in place
1. Manor Solomon to start at LW over Kebano
Mandatory adds
1. Starting CB to replace Ream
2. Starting CAM to replace Carvalho
3. Starting CM to start over what whoever we keep from the current roster, assuming Anguissa is sold
Additional strong needs
1. Starting DM better/healthier/younger than Reed
2. Starting GK significantly better than Rodak (otherwise, pass)
3. Secondary striker to complement/push Mitrovic (and send Muniz on loan?)
Secondary needs, but still important
1. Quality utility FB to challenge/back up Robinson and Tete unless Larkeche is ready
2. Another CB beyond Tosin and the new starter, replacing all the guys we have who are leaving/hurt/not good enough
Depending on how much of this we accomplish, we would end up something like this:
Mitrovic
[New striker]
Solomon [New CAM] Wilson
(Kebano?) (BDR/Stansfield?) (BDR/TBD)
[New Box-to-Box] [New DM]
(Cairney) (Reed)
Robinson [New CB] Tosin Tete
(Utility FB/Larkeche?) (New third CB + Kongolo?) (New Utility FB?)
[New GK]
(Rodak/Someone else)
Not sure we'll bring Seri back. Chalobah seems like a miss. Onomah isn't good enough. Joe Bryan or Ream back as a clubhouse guy?
Feel free to add/fix things that I missed.
Does anyone have a sense of the available budget? Seems like a tall order, expensive, to replace that many starters. No doubt we need an upgrade, but...
I don't disagree with anything you say except that perhaps you are making the mistake we made three years ago by bringing too many new players in and in so doing are losing some team spirit. Also half a dozen new players would mean spreading the transfer kitty thinly and we would again have to settle for players not quite up to the required standard and purchased late on transfer deadline day.
I would rathe limit the number of new signings and spend big to ensure we are improving the team.
Unfortunately to start we have to spend big money on replacements for Ream and Carvalho just to keep the team at the level it is at now. After that we may find there is only available money for a couple more top players and I would be looking for Areola and a wide left player.
I would think we need to raise funds in the transfer kitty by moving on players whom are unlikely to make appearances next season including Kongolo, Mawson, Onomah, Chalobah, Gazzaniga and Cavaleiro
Quote from: filham on May 07, 2022, 07:07:03 PM
I don't disagree with anything you say except that perhaps you are making the mistake we made three years ago by bringing too many new players in and in so doing are losing some team spirit. Also half a dozen new players would mean spreading the transfer kitty thinly and we would again have to settle for players not quite up to the required standard and purchased late on transfer deadline day.
I would rathe limit the number of new signings and spend big to ensure we are improving the team.
Unfortunately to start we have to spend big money on replacements for Ream and Carvalho just to keep the team at the level it is at now. After that we may find there is only available money for a couple more top players and I would be looking for Areola and a wide left player.
I would think we need to raise funds in the transfer kitty by moving on players whom are unlikely to make appearances next season including Kongolo, Mawson, Onomah, Chalobah, Gazzaniga and Cavaleiro
I don't know how often I have to say this but moving on players like those you list does not necessarily raise funds for the transfer kitty. You need to know how by much each players' original purchase fee has so far been depreciated and offset it against what we can sell that player for. If the difference is positive then that adds to the kitty, but if it's negative then it detracts from the kitty.
If we buy a player for £10m then decide they aren't cutting it a couple of years later and flog them for a huge loss then the distress sale price does not go into a kitty, it goes towards offsetting that part of the purchase price which still remains to be depreciated on the books.
It really isn't as simple as it looks. A lot of clubs will have players who can do a job and they will not cost too much as their contract may have expired. We will be an option as we are premier. Teams in the lower league may not have the money to renew their contracts. They may come in our direction at a reasonable price. We have to be sensible
We need at minimum a striker, left winger, central midfielder and centre back. Hopefully we can bring Areola back in goal and Salomon should fill that LW spot if the rumours are true.
On those out of contract, said [Marco] he wouldn't give update: "I have all the decisions already made, but the players will be the first ones to know from myself. What will be the decision some of them they already know and the others they will know in the next few days."
We can't make the same mistakes as before we need to keep the spirit of this season in the squad & clearly make a couple of additions to help with the new level
Silva needs to decide on GK & weather Rodak is the man for next year
Tete & Robinson I think are decent Prem full backs our defensive record wasn't bad when they played with us last season.
Bryan is able back up
Neco back on another season Loan would be smart
CB is our problem area we don't know on weather we take up the options on Hector & Ream
Kongolo & Tosin our only CB as it stands
A partner for Tosin & a decent replacement for Mawson & Hector needed in that area.
2 needed for sure.
Midfield we should take option up on Seri I think Reed Cairney Seri Chalobah a decent midfield but we need an investment in there on someone with some size & a bit of energy to give us that bite.
Wings we have Kebano Wilson who both been great
Cavaleiro & Knockeart not played much so I would expect 1 of them to be moved on so Manor Solomon looks like the arrival in that area
Fabio will be a loss & that's an area we need a replacement.
Mitro & Muniz upfront would love to see Stansfield given a chance aswell will be interesting if Silva happy with them strikers.
Players under contract who are likely to be around
Rodak Gazzaniga Tete Tosin Kongolo Bryan Robinson Seri Cairney Reed Chalobah Kebano Wilson BDR Cavaleiro Mitro Muniz
We need 6/7 additions in squad overall for me
CB - X2
RB
CDM
CAM
LM
It would be an understatement to say "what most fans think we need to spend, and what we can afford to spend according to FFP, don't match".
Tony Khan won't spend less than he is allowed by FFP and he cannot spend more than he is allowed. Hence, what we need to spend is irrelevant.
The limited budget will be spent until it runs out, but we have to accept that players such as Rodak, Robinson, and Reed might not be upgraded.
It's not a matter of how much we 'need' to spend but more about signing the right players within a budget. Just take Riyad Mahrez as an example. Leicester paid £450,000 for his signature. N'Golo Kante cost £5.6 million. Okazaki, £7 million, Vardy, £1 million. I could go on but you get the point. There are some very good players around who won't cost the earth. I'm not convinced that our recruitment team always look in the right areas. Just take the lazy signings of Knockhart, Cavaleiro and Fabri as examples. Of course, for every Knockhart and Cavaleiro there's a Tosin and a Tete. We just need to be a bit smarter in our recruitment. I think the club have learnt from past mistakes, but are unfortunately still paying the price for those mistakes, which will massively impact our recruitment this summer it seems.
The club have some difficult decisions these next few days because a few of the squad are out of contract. I hope they are sensible and don't take up any options or extend the contracts of Hector, Mawson, Ream and Kebano. Getting Cavaleiro and Knockhart off the books won't be easy with Cavaleiro contracted until 2024 and Knockhart until 2023. Somehow these two need to be moved on without impacting FFP. And then there's Seri who has a 1 year option which is probably worth taking up. Just my opinion of course, others may view things differently.
Quote from: Forever Fulham on May 07, 2022, 06:45:14 PM
Does anyone have a sense of the available budget? Seems like a tall order, expensive, to replace that many starters. No doubt we need an upgrade, but...
A guess on my part:
Salaries are the unknown, but previous seasons show Fulham seem to carry roughly 35 million in amortized players when they are in the Championship and around 45 million when they are in the Premier League.
So that means 40 million in transfer fees if this is consistent. Add in Fabio's 5 million and potentially FZA's 15 million sale, that is around 4-5 million in amortization, so another 20 million.
The real question is how the expiring contracts will impact the club's transfer budget. I think Harry Wilson's purchase was structured with Mawson's expiring amortization in mind. Seems to be a similar number, so we will leave Mawson/Wilson out. This leaves Hector, Fabri, Kebano (which I expect the club will exercise) and Seri. Will call it 5 million because there are maybe a handful of people who actually know what happened with Seri's purchase. Who gets extended versus released could add 20 million more to the transfer budget.
So my math says 60 million with the potential to rise to 75 million depending on the expiring deals and potential additional sales.
Unfortunately there is a huge gap between what we need to be successful in the Premier League and what we can spend without getting into trouble with FFP. This season we will need to strengthen the most critical positions (especially in defence) and hope for a bit of luck. If we avoid relegation we can build on this the following season.
In my opinion our priorities should be (in more or less this order):
2x CB
LB
DM
CM
GK
RB (with Tete's injury record we will need one...)
LW
Backup striker
This is of course completely unrealistic. I can't see us being able to afford PL quality players in all these positions. Luckily we have BDR who may not be top Premier League quality but can at least provide cover in most attacking positions and maybe RB in a pinch. We really need a new Odoi/Bairdinho...
Quote from: Whitestone on May 08, 2022, 08:50:55 AM
It's not a matter of how much we 'need' to spend but more about signing the right players within a budget. Just take Riyad Mahrez as an example. Leicester paid £450,000 for his signature. N'Golo Kante cost £5.6 million. Okazaki, £7 million, Vardy, £1 million. I could go on but you get the point. There are some very good players around who won't cost the earth. I'm not convinced that our recruitment team always look in the right areas. Just take the lazy signings of Knockhart, Cavaleiro and Fabri as examples. Of course, for every Knockhart and Cavaleiro there's a Tosin and a Tete. We just need to be a bit smarter in our recruitment. I think the club have learnt from past mistakes, but are unfortunately still paying the price for those mistakes, which will massively impact our recruitment this summer it seems.
The club have some difficult decisions these next few days because a few of the squad are out of contract. I hope they are sensible and don't take up any options or extend the contracts of Hector, Mawson, Ream and Kebano. Getting Cavaleiro and Knockhart off the books won't be easy with Cavaleiro contracted until 2024 and Knockhart until 2023. Somehow these two need to be moved on without impacting FFP. And then there's Seri who has a 1 year option which is probably worth taking up. Just my opinion of course, others may view things differently.
Knockaert is sunk cost at this point. I am hopeful with his contract expiring after 2023, the club will get somebody to take him (similar to the Chalobah situation) for 0 transfer fee and he will sign a new contract. That would at least save the club his 2 million in salary or so this season, but he is still going to cost 3-4 million in amortization regardless.
I really wonder what is going to happen with Cav with 2 years left on his deal. I would keep him on as part of the backups. If he leaves, the club would have to bring in someone else as a winger backup. For what it would cost to move him and then replace him, the club can spend the money better in other areas.
We need a new leftback as a matter of urgency. Bryan is better than Robinson but neither are good enough.
I highly doubt Areola will come back, so I think we need to look elsewhere.
We need someone to replace Tim Ream. Yes he's been outstanding this season, but he isn't quite at the level required. Tosin has to be our main focal point at CB with someone to compliment his style.
I thought Anguissa had been sold already? But we need a proper, solid midfielder. Keane, Viera esque. One who will break up play Reed is a good back up.
We also need to replace Carvalho.
Maybe we should start a Gofundme to try and buy Pogba.
If we decide on a new keeper...Areola literally lives around the corner & his family have settled locally
Quote from: FacundoSavasfacemask on May 08, 2022, 02:24:11 PM
We need a new leftback as a matter of urgency. Bryan is better than Robinson but neither are good enough.
I guess its just a matter of opinion rather than a matter of urgency. IMO Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan and he already has a Premier League season under his belt when he was rarely criticised the way some fans have criticised him this season. That's because he showed he could handle the division. In the Premier League we will have less possession and will be on the back foot. Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan so I expect we'll see more of him. Just my opinion of course.
Quote from: Whitestone on May 08, 2022, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: FacundoSavasfacemask on May 08, 2022, 02:24:11 PM
We need a new leftback as a matter of urgency. Bryan is better than Robinson but neither are good enough.
I guess its just a matter of opinion rather than a matter of urgency. IMO Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan and he already has a Premier League season under his belt when he was rarely criticised the way some fans have criticised him this season. That's because he showed he could handle the division. In the Premier League we will have less possession and will be on the back foot. Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan so I expect we'll see more of him. Just my opinion of course.
Agreed. Robinson is an absolutely passable premier league LB. He basically is the same player at both levels. A solid defender who is rarely beat for pace or strength. He can run for days, but his composure and technical skills are subpar. So we will continue to see the misplayed passes and occasionally silly fouls. Do I think the club could improve upon him? Of course. But when you have 6 or 7 other positions in the starting 11 in greater need of upgrading, it would be foolish to waste transfer funds at his position.
Quote from: WolverineFFC on May 08, 2022, 09:44:03 PM
Quote from: Whitestone on May 08, 2022, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: FacundoSavasfacemask on May 08, 2022, 02:24:11 PM
We need a new leftback as a matter of urgency. Bryan is better than Robinson but neither are good enough.
I guess its just a matter of opinion rather than a matter of urgency. IMO Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan and he already has a Premier League season under his belt when he was rarely criticised the way some fans have criticised him this season. That's because he showed he could handle the division. In the Premier League we will have less possession and will be on the back foot. Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan so I expect we'll see more of him. Just my opinion of course.
Agreed. Robinson is an absolutely passable premier league LB. He basically is the same player at both levels. A solid defender who is rarely beat for pace or strength. He can run for days, but his composure and technical skills are subpar. So we will continue to see the misplayed passes and occasionally silly fouls. Do I think the club could improve upon him? Of course. But when you have 6 or 7 other positions in the starting 11 in greater need of upgrading, it would be foolish to waste transfer funds at his position.
If we're ranking our current starters in terms of most likely to start the PL opener assuming they're healthy, I'd go with this:
1.Mitrovic
2. Tosin
3. Wilson
[Huge gap]
4./5. Tete/Robinson
[Gap]
6. Reed
7. Cairney
8. Kebano
9. Rodak
10. BDR at CAM?
11. Ream
If an incredible LB at a cheap price comes available, you take him, but there are 6-7 other starting positions that need replacements/upgrades more than we need one for Jedi. Can't see us going that deep this summer in terms of starting-caliber new faces.
I have Rodak that low because it seems like the club is looking for a big upgrade, but if you really improve in front of him, maybe he gets a chance. I don't believe we're getting up to the Tete/Robinson tier in terms of starter replacements, tho. At least not intended for the start of the campaign.
Quote from: Denver Fulham on May 08, 2022, 11:25:57 PM
Quote from: WolverineFFC on May 08, 2022, 09:44:03 PM
Quote from: Whitestone on May 08, 2022, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: FacundoSavasfacemask on May 08, 2022, 02:24:11 PM
We need a new leftback as a matter of urgency. Bryan is better than Robinson but neither are good enough.
I guess its just a matter of opinion rather than a matter of urgency. IMO Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan and he already has a Premier League season under his belt when he was rarely criticised the way some fans have criticised him this season. That's because he showed he could handle the division. In the Premier League we will have less possession and will be on the back foot. Robinson is a much better defender than Bryan so I expect we'll see more of him. Just my opinion of course.
Agreed. Robinson is an absolutely passable premier league LB. He basically is the same player at both levels. A solid defender who is rarely beat for pace or strength. He can run for days, but his composure and technical skills are subpar. So we will continue to see the misplayed passes and occasionally silly fouls. Do I think the club could improve upon him? Of course. But when you have 6 or 7 other positions in the starting 11 in greater need of upgrading, it would be foolish to waste transfer funds at his position.
If we're ranking our current starters in terms of most likely to start the PL opener assuming they're healthy, I'd go with this:
1.Mitrovic
2. Tosin
3. Wilson
[Huge gap]
4./5. Tete/Robinson
[Gap]
6. Reed
7. Cairney
8. Kebano
9. Rodak
10. BDR at CAM?
11. Ream
If an incredible LB at a cheap price comes available, you take him, but there are 6-7 other starting positions that need replacements/upgrades more than we need one for Jedi. Can't see us going that deep this summer in terms of starting-caliber new faces.
I have Rodak that low because it seems like the club is looking for a big upgrade, but if you really improve in front of him, maybe he gets a chance. I don't believe we're getting up to the Tete/Robinson tier in terms of starter replacements, tho. At least not intended for the start of the campaign.
I think those rankings are pretty accurate. In addition, I would prioritize another backup to Mitro and a 3rd CB before I would spend much on replacements for the FB's.
I've never understood the idea that the team that got promoted needs to stay together in the PL with minimal changes - you don't have to look any further back than the start of the 20-21 season to see that's a recipe for disaster. Fulham got promoted because they did what they needed to do against lesser teams (Coventry and Derby County aside). However, for those of you who think keeping this team more-or-less together is the path to success in the PL, I offer up this thought: Fulham was 3 - 4 - 3 against Bournemouth and the four Championship playoff teams, earning 13 points out of a possible 30 against some of the likely bottom tier teams in the PL next year. Not exactly awe-inspiring.
Fulham's recent promotion problems didn't come about due to a change in team chemistry. They happened because they either recruited the wrong players, recruited players too late, or a combination of the two. Simply put, they need to recruit better and do it faster - but recruit they must if there's to be any hope of survival in the PL.
Let us get the back 6 looking solid as a unit.
I would imagine CB CDM GK positions are a priority.
It may only take 2/3 additions who can master the defence and communicate with Leadership qualities and character that could change the defence from looking fragile and milky to solid and uncompromising with more height and physicality.
More creativity in midfield with pace on the flanks and more options up front.
Overall experience is important especially in key positions, but i would not be adverse to giving the odd academy player an opportunity if they show they have the ability and mental strength, and mental strength goes for every player.
Hopefully deals can be done early enough to help the management and coaches prepare and organise and condition for the new season which will be no picnic.
Quote from: Twig on May 07, 2022, 08:24:58 PM
Quote from: filham on May 07, 2022, 07:07:03 PM
I don't disagree with anything you say except that perhaps you are making the mistake we made three years ago by bringing too many new players in and in so doing are losing some team spirit. Also half a dozen new players would mean spreading the transfer kitty thinly and we would again have to settle for players not quite up to the required standard and purchased late on transfer deadline day.
I would rathe limit the number of new signings and spend big to ensure we are improving the team.
Unfortunately to start we have to spend big money on replacements for Ream and Carvalho just to keep the team at the level it is at now. After that we may find there is only available money for a couple more top players and I would be looking for Areola and a wide left player.
I would think we need to raise funds in the transfer kitty by moving on players whom are unlikely to make appearances next season including Kongolo, Mawson, Onomah, Chalobah, Gazzaniga and Cavaleiro
I don't know how often I have to say this but moving on players like those you list does not necessarily raise funds for the transfer kitty. You need to know how by much each players' original purchase fee has so far been depreciated and offset it against what we can sell that player for. If the difference is positive then that adds to the kitty, but if it's negative then it detracts from the kitty.
If we buy a player for £10m then decide they aren't cutting it a couple of years later and flog them for a huge loss then the distress sale price does not go into a kitty, it goes towards offsetting that part of the purchase price which still remains to be depreciated on the books.
Oh dear that is depressing, makes me think we must have a negative transfer kitty and really we can't afford any good new players.
Perhaps our top priority is a top really creative accountant.
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
My opinion:
Players I want at the club but likely will be impossible to get:
- Martin Terrier.
- Joe Gomez.
- Sergio Arribas.
- Antonio Blanco.
- Wan Bissaka.
Solid alternatives that won't cost much:
- Pablo Mari.
- Ben Brereton.
- Scott McKenna.
For goalkeeper I think Walter Benetiz is overlooked. Great with his feet and a very solid shot stopper.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
Quote from: filham on May 09, 2022, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
I would hope the process continues to be something like "Silva expresses the type of players he wants to management, Tony and Co. crunch the data and film and provide Marco with some options, Marco reviews and helps decide who he'd like."
Maybe there's a one-off situation where Marco knows a player, but it's not reasonable to think a modern-day manager is able to follow 15+ leagues and know who to target. That's the whole point of (good) data -- so you can sift through hundreds of options quickly and put effort into the final handful.
Quote from: filham on May 09, 2022, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
Yes, the Quinta and Chalobah signing does worry me a tad.
Quote from: Twig on May 09, 2022, 08:04:44 PM
Quote from: filham on May 09, 2022, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
Yes, the Quinta and Chalobah signing does worry me a tad.
Chalobah was Marco's project, a bit like Parker and Onomah.
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
Quote from: Classic94 on May 09, 2022, 08:39:24 PM
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
Seeming likely that Rodak is off if he's not starting, so 2 GK needed. Loan out Muniz, he needs game time. Sell Cav. Get a CF that can cover LW/RW.
Quote from: rebel on May 09, 2022, 08:07:26 PM
Quote from: Twig on May 09, 2022, 08:04:44 PM
Quote from: filham on May 09, 2022, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
Yes, the Quinta and Chalobah signing does worry me a tad.
Chalobah was Marco's project, a bit like Parker and Onomah.
Yes and No.
I suspect Chalobah was a last minute addition due to FZA's late departure. Not sure if he was given the entire offseason to prepare for FZA's departure that Chalobah would have been his choice. That late in the window he needed a physical, central midfield player and Chalobah was someone he knew and could get in the squad.
Assuming Fabri, Rodak, Christie, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Zambo, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Henderson], Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Aina]
LB: Robinson , Bryan
CB: Tosin, [Signing], Hector, Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Matic], Reed, Chalobah
CM: TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, Cavaleiro
LW: [Solomon], Kebano
CF/ACM Mitrovic, [Signing], [Twine], Muniz, BDR
Solomon, Matic, Aina, Henderson and Twine would be a good and cheap start, we can then spend more on a CB and ACM.
How much should we pull in from the U-23s and U-18s? The teams have done well for quite a while, and I know this is the Premier League, but they have been playing Premier League prospects.
Quote from: Classic94 on May 09, 2022, 08:39:24 PM
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
I make that 27 and we need a 25 man squad so that would be 7 new signings plus if Larkeche can step up as back up LB and Solomon is done that's 5 more signings needed which sounds about right
Quote from: WolverineFFC on May 09, 2022, 11:24:57 PM
Quote from: rebel on May 09, 2022, 08:07:26 PM
Quote from: Twig on May 09, 2022, 08:04:44 PM
Quote from: filham on May 09, 2022, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
Yes, the Quinta and Chalobah signing does worry me a tad.
Chalobah was Marco's project, a bit like Parker and Onomah.
Yes and No.
I suspect Chalobah was a last minute addition due to FZA's late departure. Not sure if he was given the entire offseason to prepare for FZA's departure that Chalobah would have been his choice. That late in the window he needed a physical, central midfield player and Chalobah was someone he knew and could get in the squad.
And was he basing it on the Chalobah he knew before injuries? In fairness Chalobah himself admitted he had no pe-season, then he missed a chunk of time in the autumn with a calf injury. I'd keep him and see what he looks like in August after a proper chance to prepare. His debut v Brum was very encouraging
The only part of a recruitment process and policy that really needs stating here is that buying a potential problem is almost infinitely easier than selling one.
Quote from: JimOG on May 10, 2022, 09:39:40 AM
Quote from: WolverineFFC on May 09, 2022, 11:24:57 PM
Quote from: rebel on May 09, 2022, 08:07:26 PM
Quote from: Twig on May 09, 2022, 08:04:44 PM
Quote from: filham on May 09, 2022, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 09, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on May 09, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
The most depressing part of the FFC picture has been the times when seasoned football professionals have warned the Club that 'they know not what they do'. An exasperated head coach warning that a computer guy is recruiting players ... we are not a railway station ... the head coach has nothing to do with recruitment ... the computer guy wants to have a say in selecting the team ... the computer guy has been sacked ... not even mentioning the recruitment mistakes of which there were far too many.
We can't say we weren't warned. Some listened but most didn't.
Shahid eventually took control back and we have seen the results of that. Now we must improve performance whilst living on what we can afford. It's surprising how many teams do better with those parameters than those who throw money around like there is no tomorrow.
I am more optimistic now than I have been in the Khan era. For the first time we have a chance to be professional in all matters and do things properly and well and with the right spirit.
I do not think anyone will disagree with your reasoning which is extremely rational, and i hope the club mirror your thoughts and deductions and analysis with the immortal word 'Professional' ringing in their ears.
I hope the days of computer selection of players has long gone and that Silva is now given the final word.
Having said that has Silva demonstrated that he has a good eye for players. I am thinking that he must have been responsible for bringing both Quine and Chalobah from Watford, neither have been able to command a place in the Fulham team.
Yes, the Quinta and Chalobah signing does worry me a tad.
Chalobah was Marco's project, a bit like Parker and Onomah.
Yes and No.
I suspect Chalobah was a last minute addition due to FZA's late departure. Not sure if he was given the entire offseason to prepare for FZA's departure that Chalobah would have been his choice. That late in the window he needed a physical, central midfield player and Chalobah was someone he knew and could get in the squad.
And was he basing it on the Chalobah he knew before injuries? In fairness Chalobah himself admitted he had no pe-season, then he missed a chunk of time in the autumn with a calf injury. I'd keep him and see what he looks like in August after a proper chance to prepare. His debut v Brum was very encouraging
Chalobah is a lot like Kongolo to me. Players you know have been quality, Premier level players. The question is if injuries have taken that level of performance away permanently. If the manager sees enough evidence in training that there may be potential for them to regain their top form, then I agree, you keep them and see how it goes.
Quote from: Porthogs FC on May 09, 2022, 09:54:32 PM
Quote from: Classic94 on May 09, 2022, 08:39:24 PM
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
Seeming likely that Rodak is off if he's not starting, so 2 GK needed. Loan out Muniz, he needs game time. Sell Cav. Get a CF that can cover LW/RW.
Agree, and would add to get Kongolo fit (somehow) and loan him out as well as he won't get game time with us in the prem
Quote from: Jules on May 10, 2022, 11:34:34 AM
Quote from: Porthogs FC on May 09, 2022, 09:54:32 PM
Quote from: Classic94 on May 09, 2022, 08:39:24 PM
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
Seeming likely that Rodak is off if he's not starting, so 2 GK needed. Loan out Muniz, he needs game time. Sell Cav. Get a CF that can cover LW/RW.
Agree, and would add to get Kongolo fit (somehow) and loan him out as well as he won't get game time with us in the prem
I can see the argument for Cav, Kongolo and Muniz to be offloaded/loaned, but could be worth keeping them about with the 5 sub rule in the PL?
Wijnaldum? 31, but clearly quality, not playing at PSG.
Imagine he'd end up at a team with more of a chance of finishing top 10 (Arsenal?), but if no-one came in for him...?
Quote from: Cookie6262 on May 10, 2022, 08:27:48 AM
Quote from: Classic94 on May 09, 2022, 08:39:24 PM
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
I make that 27 and we need a 25 man squad so that would be 7 new signings plus if Larkeche can step up as back up LB and Solomon is done that's 5 more signings needed which sounds about right
I was under the impression U21 players don't count towards the 25, but I am not certain if that is one of the upcoming rule changes or not. So that would exclude Lareche and Stansfield if true.
Quote from: WolverineFFC on May 11, 2022, 01:26:30 AM
Quote from: Cookie6262 on May 10, 2022, 08:27:48 AM
Quote from: Classic94 on May 09, 2022, 08:39:24 PM
Assuming Fabri, Bryan, Christie, Hector, Mawson, Onomah, Francois, Carvalho and Knockaert will all be off:
GK: [Signing], Rodak, Gazzaniga
RB: Tete, [Signing]
LB: [Signing], Robinson
CB: Tosin, [Signing], [Signing], Ream, Kongolo
DM: [Signing], Reed, Chalobah
CM: [Signing], TC, Seri
RW: Wilson, BDR, Cavaleiro
LW: Solomon, Kebano
CF: Mitrovic, [Signing], Muniz, Stansfield
9 needed, including Solomon. The CF I list would ideally be versatile enough to cover other attacking positions.
I make that 27 and we need a 25 man squad so that would be 7 new signings plus if Larkeche can step up as back up LB and Solomon is done that's 5 more signings needed which sounds about right
I was under the impression U21 players don't count towards the 25, but I am not certain if that is one of the upcoming rule changes or not. So that would exclude Lareche and Stansfield if true.
I think your right but I honestly believe we shouldn't do this as it would only push Stansfield into the next promising star to leave. 25 should easily be enough to include a couple of our most promising talented youngsters.
