Cairney

[RaySmith]

Completely brilliant goal from Tom - shows he's still got it, as do his recent performances generally, when he's come on.

Some fans always seem keen to  write off our players, and saying  this is his last season with Fulham, and he  could help a Championship team win  promotion, seems so insulting to the man, who still has terrific, game changing ability, and has been a Fulham hero - and still is.

[SerbianLad]

This is in no way slagging Cairney off, he is a wonderful footballer and been a magnificent player for Fulham over many years.

However

He has weaknesses and I think most Fulhams know this.  He is very one footed and most importantly for a central midfield player most games he lacks dynamism.  The game v Sunderland showed this perfectly, playing from the start with Pereira in front of him left only Palhinha covering the back 4.  Marco likes us to play with our full backs high and that leaves space.  Cainey can't get back to cover and that leaves more space, hence an open game where we look vulnerable to the counter attack.  Cairney is really a no10 but does not run beyond Mitro like Pereira,

Coming on for the final 20 minutes is perfect as the game has by then slowed down and Tom can get hold of the ball and dictate.

I think we will carry on with Tom as super sub and Reed and Lukic fighting it out for the no 8, with one replacing the other, not sure if this means Tom will be fighting it out with Pereira or not.   Will be interesting to see how Marco now manages the midfield with 5 very good options.  Lukic could be in competition with Palhinho however I think at the moment Palhinho is undroppable, rather like Mitro, Leno, Willian, Tete, Robinson and possibly Ream.

I think he'll swap 2 midfielders in the second half every game now, he probably would have done the same had the second aubstitute midfielder not been Chalobah. Now I think Palhinha, Reed/Lukic and Andreas will be starters with Cairney and Reed/Lukic coming on for the two that are more tired/in danger of getting a second yellow.

[Chutney]

Lukic has played at dm a lot, he's a deeper player than Cairney, much more similar to Reed and Palhinia.

Cairney is still our truly only creative central player, capable of assist and goal, other than Andreas.

[perry geyton]

The way Jao and Harrison play with constant crunching tackles there will be plenty of cards and injuries in the future, seems like the Serbs a similar type of player

There's plenty of room in this squad for TC and anyone that's writing him off simply hasn't got the foggiest

[jayffc]

This is in no way slagging Cairney off, he is a wonderful footballer and been a magnificent player for Fulham over many years.

However

He has weaknesses and I think most Fulhams know this.  He is very one footed and most importantly for a central midfield player most games he lacks dynamism.  The game v Sunderland showed this perfectly, playing from the start with Pereira in front of him left only Palhinha covering the back 4.  Marco likes us to play with our full backs high and that leaves space.  Cainey can't get back to cover and that leaves more space, hence an open game where we look vulnerable to the counter attack.  Cairney is really a no10 but does not run beyond Mitro like Pereira,

Coming on for the final 20 minutes is perfect as the game has by then slowed down and Tom can get hold of the ball and dictate.

I think we will carry on with Tom as super sub and Reed and Lukic fighting it out for the no 8, with one replacing the other, not sure if this means Tom will be fighting it out with Pereira or not.   Will be interesting to see how Marco now manages the midfield with 5 very good options.  Lukic could be in competition with Palhinho however I think at the moment Palhinho is undroppable, rather like Mitro, Leno, Willian, Tete, Robinson and possibly Ream.

Possible Ream?

100% Ream.
Tosin and Diop seems way less assured then Diop and Ream

[toshes mate]

This is in no way slagging Cairney off, he is a wonderful footballer and been a magnificent player for Fulham over many years.

However

He has weaknesses ...

Every human being has weaknesses and in life and sport generally 'would be opponents' seek to find out what they are.  Often the weakness is exagerrated by observers which is what has happened to e.g. Tim Ream.  Not so strangely Tom's strength - his left foot - becomes his weakness because his right leg is standing room only.  The same things were said about Johnny Haynes and how opponents could stifle him.  Some successes at stifling led to punters calling FFC a one man team.  Of course the observations appeared correct when the Maestro counter activity work but his evolved solution (how Haynes and the team overcame the tactics) deserved the same accolade but seldom got it, especially upon the next time FFC were caused to falter with Haynes playing.

Cairney has little to prove to anyone especially so during the Jokanovic era and that same guy plays even now.  I know people want to see him plant the ball in the net from the fringes of the penalty box but Tom knows how quickly shots are charged down from his favourite spots at this level of football.  The guy has a really good football brain.

[StuinSalop]

This is in no way slagging Cairney off, he is a wonderful footballer and been a magnificent player for Fulham over many years.

However

He has weaknesses ...

Every human being has weaknesses and in life and sport generally 'would be opponents' seek to find out what they are.  Often the weakness is exagerrated by observers which is what has happened to e.g. Tim Ream.  Not so strangely Tom's strength - his left foot - becomes his weakness because his right leg is standing room only.  The same things were said about Johnny Haynes and how opponents could stifle him.  Some successes at stifling led to punters calling FFC a one man team.  Of course the observations appeared correct when the Maestro counter activity work but his evolved solution (how Haynes and the team overcame the tactics) deserved the same accolade but seldom got it, especially upon the next time FFC were caused to falter with Haynes playing.

Cairney has little to prove to anyone especially so during the Jokanovic era and that same guy plays even now.  I know people want to see him plant the ball in the net from the fringes of the penalty box but Tom knows how quickly shots are charged down from his favourite spots at this level of football.  The guy has a really good football brain.

You're missing my main point which is not his one footed ness but the fact that when he playes we are more open as his defensive qualities are poor.  It's a question of team balance and finding the best way to use Tom and his skills are key.  My view is his 20 minute cameo in games is just about perfect.   

As for Johnny Haynes, I did watch him but it was after his car crash so I never saw the great man at his best, indeed towards the end of his career he sometimes held Fulham back. ( duck to avoid incoming abuse).

[toshes mate]

This is in no way slagging Cairney off, he is a wonderful footballer and been a magnificent player for Fulham over many years.

However

He has weaknesses ...

Every human being has weaknesses and in life and sport generally 'would be opponents' seek to find out what they are.  Often the weakness is exagerrated by observers which is what has happened to e.g. Tim Ream.  Not so strangely Tom's strength - his left foot - becomes his weakness because his right leg is standing room only.  The same things were said about Johnny Haynes and how opponents could stifle him.  Some successes at stifling led to punters calling FFC a one man team.  Of course the observations appeared correct when the Maestro counter activity work but his evolved solution (how Haynes and the team overcame the tactics) deserved the same accolade but seldom got it, especially upon the next time FFC were caused to falter with Haynes playing.

Cairney has little to prove to anyone especially so during the Jokanovic era and that same guy plays even now.  I know people want to see him plant the ball in the net from the fringes of the penalty box but Tom knows how quickly shots are charged down from his favourite spots at this level of football.  The guy has a really good football brain.

You're missing my main point which is not his one footed ness but the fact that when he playes we are more open as his defensive qualities are poor.  It's a question of team balance and finding the best way to use Tom and his skills are key.  My view is his 20 minute cameo in games is just about perfect.   

As for Johnny Haynes, I did watch him but it was after his car crash so I never saw the great man at his best, indeed towards the end of his career he sometimes held Fulham back. ( duck to avoid incoming abuse).

I think you are over egging your point since I would assume Tom is under instruction as to how to play and preserve fitness and his dodgy knees.  FFC's defensive weaknesses, most recently predominately observed in the Parker era in the PL was because the midfield was never fit for purpose and failed to hold breakaways long enough to foil them.  Of course Cairney, as one of eleven defenders, is to blame when opponents score but in my books he doesn't weaken a team when he plays.  It is all opinion.

[Bracken White]

I feel compelled to say that there is a lot of balderdash spouted here. Tom Cairney was outstanding against Sunderland & was our playmaker. Yep, very one-footed but he oozes class, can spot a pass early & can score some scorchers. Rather than babble out his demise, I believe we should be examining ways to make the team more effective with him included!

[Chutney]

I feel compelled to say that there is a lot of balderdash spouted here. Tom Cairney was outstanding against Sunderland & was our playmaker. Yep, very one-footed but he oozes class, can spot a pass early & can score some scorchers. Rather than babble out his demise, I believe we should be examining ways to make the team more effective with him included!

Completely agree with this, he is one of our only attacking, creative midfielders. I can't think of a player in our team that can control a game the way he can.

[StuinSalop]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

[Sammyffc]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

[Twig]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

He's shone every time he's come on this season regardless of what quality of opposition we were playing.  That said I tend to reluctantly agree that his future is coming off the bench but I would strongly argue that there have been multiple times when Marco has left it a bit too late to bring him on.

[perry geyton]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

Tom is not good enough to start in the Prem ?
In your opinion that is, I have a completely different opinion....
Please add an IMO when spouting like that

[Bal_13]

How bad are Tom's knees? I know that was what kept him out for nearly a year from 20-21 to 21-22, and there have been reports in the past that he's been avoiding training due to pain (end of our promotion season under SP?) but is there any news that suggests he's managing them still now?

Feel that gets posted a lot but I have no idea how true it is. Same with the 'he can't complete 90 minutes perspective' - I think he's played the full 90 just fine a few times this year, the reason he doesn't is purely tactical from MS.

[Twig]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

Tom is not good enough to start in the Prem ?
In your opinion that is, I have a completely different opinion....
Please add an IMO when spouting like that

Absolutely he's good enough Perry (imo lol), I think it's just a question of his physical condition and the way Silva uses him suggests that he might not be able to stand up to the demands of playing a full 90 mins regularly.

[Jims Dentist]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with you SS.

[perry geyton]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

Tom is not good enough to start in the Prem ?
In your opinion that is, I have a completely different opinion....
Please add an IMO when spouting like that

Absolutely he's good enough Perry (imo lol), I think it's just a question of his physical condition and the way Silva uses him suggests that he might not be able to stand up to the demands of playing a full 90 mins regularly.

I think he can play a full 90 Twig
The whole his knees are shot thing is a load of nonsense to me, he was previously injured but now he's not...
People do recover from injuries he's not that old,

We all know Marco likes to play fast that's why Peirrah always starts ahead of him but when it's not working he switches to Tom a slower build up play YES but the boy has the best feet and most skill in our team and can pick a pass like know one else PLUS he can shoot a ball

The whole he's not good enough for the Prem mentality is completely redundant and sheepy logic, as Tom has proved on so many occasions

Same applies to Tim Ream who's proved so many doubters wrong this season,

[Sammyffc]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

Tom is not good enough to start in the Prem ?
In your opinion that is, I have a completely different opinion....
Please add an IMO when spouting like that

IMO he isn't , and the stats back it up.

73 appearences in the prem, 3 goals 2 assists. are you really sitting there telling me thats prem quality? come on....

Anguissa played as a CDM and has more assists than him ( 3 ) in 14 less games in the prem

Pereira has 21 appearences for us and 2 goals , 5 assists ....

Reed has 20 appearences 1 goal 2 assists..

Palhinha has the same amout of goals as him as a CDM ....


So how on earth is Tom prem level ?

[perry geyton]

Well you may think that I am talking rubbish but I think Marco probably agrees with me because he does not start Tom and my observations explained above a likely to a reason why.  It's all about opinions and on the ball Tom is as good as anyone and better than most.  However football matches are won and lost depending on how effective a team is a scoring AND no conceding.  Playing 4-2-3-1 with Tom as one of the 2 midfield players creates issues.  I would in fact suggest v Sunderland we played a more 4-1-4-1 with Tom and Pereira as more advanced in midfield leave space for Sunderland to attack.

100% agree with this. Tom is good but lets not kid ourselves, he shines the most against lesser opposition. He is not good enough to start in the prem but is a very good impact sub to play balls for when we bring on pacey players in the last 10-15

Tom is not good enough to start in the Prem ?
In your opinion that is, I have a completely different opinion....
Please add an IMO when spouting like that

IMO he isn't , and the stats back it up.

73 appearences in the prem, 3 goals 2 assists. are you really sitting there telling me thats prem quality? come on....

Anguissa played as a CDM and has more assists than him ( 3 ) in 14 less games in the prem

Pereira has 21 appearences for us and 2 goals , 5 assists ....

Reed has 20 appearences 1 goal 2 assists..

Palhinha has the same amout of goals as him as a CDM ....




So how on earth is Tom prem level ?

Yeah I'm telling you he's quality stat boy 100%

Tell me Sammy what was your opinion on Tim Ream continuing on at the end of last season? I'm curious to know