One month from now ...

[HatterDon]

... it should be fairly clear who will be in our usual game day squad. With all the changes -- especially those at the last minute -- followed by an international break, it's going to take that long for an intelligent assessment. Until then, it's all going to be speculation.

There's no doubt that we're much stronger and deeper than we were at the end of last season [although I expect the mindless barracking of Cheapskate Kahn to continue], and that should be reflected in our results, but probably not right away. I hope people are patient as Kit and our coaching staff sort out the possible combinations of new and established players along the way.

Personally, I'm afraid that all the signings of solid Championship level veterans will stifle the growth of Hutchinson, Burn, Williams, Grimmer, Dembele, and Woodrow, but if that makes us a better club, then I'm all for it. Having said that, should we achieve promotion by the Spring of 2017, we're going to get to the Prem with a bunch of 30ish career second tier players as our core -- and all this will have to happen all over again.

Nemmind, eh. Let's see what happens.

[gezkc]

I agree, it will take time for the new players to bed in and for the first choice team to get used to each other, so hopefully people will understand that and give Kit and the team some breathing space while this happens.

I think Fulham's approach to building a (hopefully) strong, Championship experienced team to get us out of this division is the right one. I think it's a given that all clubs need to rebuild again once you make it into the Premier league. With some luck, it won't be too long till we do that and the youngsters will still be there to step up as first team regulars when we do.

[One Martin Thomas]

I do share some of your concerns in the third paragraph. However, I am not convinced these young players are all that great. Williams, Dembele, Hyndmann  and possibly Woodrow ok. Burn and Hutchinson etc.... hmm? I want to believe they'll improve but I don't see it yet and obviously the Premier League scouts agree with me at the moment.

[Forever Fulham]

We need to play those youngsters whenever possible.  At the 70 minute mark when we're up by two, put them in!  It's worth the risk for their development.  We're going to get the inevitable injuries to starters.  There's no substitute for along-side  playing time to be effective when your number is called.     

[Ordar]

Well there can be no excuses from Kit. Looking at the starting 11 which played against Reading (the first game after last years window), only McCormack is certain to start against Blackburn. The other 10 players will be his team:

Team vs Reading 13th Sep 2014

--------------Kiraly---------------
Voser--Burn--Bodoruv--Kavanagh
--Hoogland--Parker--Hyndman
--McCormack--Smith David

Likely Team vs Blackburn 13th Sep 2015

----------------Lonnergan-----------
Richards--Stearman--Ream--Husband
----------------------O'Hara-----------
Cairney---Tunnicliffe-------Pringle
-----------Hooper---McCormack-----

(Dembele for Hooper if he doesn't sign)

[One Martin Thomas]

We need to play those youngsters whenever possible.  At the 70 minute mark when we're up by two, put them in!  It's worth the risk for their development.  We're going to get the inevitable injuries to starters.  There's no substitute for along-side  playing time to be effective when your number is called.     

As long as they are good enough. Can't play youth for youth's sake. We all want to see Fulham bring through young players but head over heart is telling me they are not at the level yet. The real jewel in the Crown has gone.

[Delboy]

Dare we say it !!! Kit is building a team. Things are really looking up. Hats is right of course, we need to be patient and believe in the lads and things will come to those who wait. Well done FFC.

[Rambling Syd version 2]

Considering how we suffer from injuries have 2 full separate back 4's might not be a bad thing?

[HatterDon]

Considering how we suffer from injuries have 2 full separate back 4's might not be a bad thing?

Julian! what mischief have you done to your self that you needed an upgrade?

[davew]

Not going to wait a month to moan about the transfer market business, I will start now, we desperately needed another striker, watch this space!

[love4ffc]

We need to play those youngsters whenever possible.  At the 70 minute mark when we're up by two, put them in!  It's worth the risk for their development.  We're going to get the inevitable injuries to starters.  There's no substitute for along-side  playing time to be effective when your number is called.     

0001.jpeg