Another solid season from Fulham last year. With the managerial change taking place last summer which saw Martin Jol take over from Mark Hughes, it calls into question how far Fulham can progress. With Clint Dempsey ending joint 4th in the Premier League top scorer chart last season, it seemed like he was a player who Fulham heavily relied upon. The attacking football which Martin Jol plays must surely please the fans but surely they must feel that the efficiency of Mark Hughes' Fulham side the season before last, may have led them to a higher finish last season.
Manager: Martin Jol
Martin Jol is a manager who I have admired a lot ever since his days at Spurs. In his first season at Fulham, Jol brought smiles to the faces of many at Craven Cottage, when he moved past the regular 'defensive' and 'solid' football that was played under previous managers and made Fulham a team who looked to out score opposition instead of holding on to leads which they gained. Whilst this is enjoyable for the neutral it makes me wonder will he actually progress Fulham from mid table mediocrity.
Chances Of Being Sacked: 5/10
Whilst most would say 'Jol will be safe in his job as long as he doesn't get embroiled in a relegation battle,' I think Jol needs to progress Fulham this season. With rumours linking star player Clint Dempsey with a move to either Liverpool or Roma this season, I'm of the opinion owner Mohamed Al-Fayed may lose patience with the likable Dutch man. You ask why I say this? The man has a needless tribute to Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage!
Captain: N/A
With the departure of former captain Danny Murphy this summer it is expected Vice Captain Brede Hangeland may take over, fighting off competition from Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes and takeover the armband.
Summer 2012 Window:
IN:Hugo Rodallega (Free, from Wigan)
Following his release from Wigan this summer, Martin Jol was very keen to snap up the Colombian. Rodallega, who can play anywhere across the front, joined Fulham after his game time at the end of last season was limited once Franco Di Santo began to fire. Rodallega, who spends more time frustrating his team mates and manager than scoring goals seems to me like a desperate purchase from Fulham as they look to be saving money this summer.
Mladen Petric (Free, from Hamburg)
Martin Jol knows Petric extremely well from the time he spent recently in Holland managing the Croatian forward. Petric looks to me like a very good purchase and I see him as the perfect replacement for January signing Pavel Pogrebnyak. With a good touch and an even better eye for goal expect Petric's good form to last longer for Fulham than the frustrating Russian. Petric seems to me like a player who Jol likes a lot having been very keen on him when they were both at Hamburg and looks to be Fulham's best piece of business this summer.
George Williams (Free, from MK Dons)
Williams arrives at Fulham as a relatively unknown name to many, including myself. Williams has made 2 appearances for the Wales U-17's already in his career. Having only made 3 appearances for MK Dons in all competitions last season, the 16 year old is the youngest ever scorer in the FA Cup. Upon his departure MK Dons issued a statement saying they were 'very disappointed' that he did not decide to sign a new deal at their club and instead moved to Fulham. I can't see Williams making any appearances this season but he may be one to watch in the future.
Sascha Riether (Loan, from Cologne)
With Cologne getting relegated last season, Fulham swooped up on a perfect opportunity to purchase a Right Back who is superior to Irish right back Kelly. At the age of 29, a season long loan deal was a perfect commitment for Fulham who are not keen to be 'wasting money,' should Riether turn out to be a flop. Riether who can also play right midfield, shares a perfect balance with Risse as both full backs will now be keen to bomb down the flanks. I can see Riether being a good signing for Fulham as he will help them achieve the finish they want.
OUT:
Dickson Etuhu (Undisclosed, to Blackburn)
Marcel Gecov (Undisclosed, to AA Gent)
Andy Johnson (Free, to QPR)
Danny Murphy (Free, to Blackburn)
Pavel Pogrebnyak (Free, to Reading)
Bjorn Helge Risse (Released)
Orlando Sa (Released)
Possible XI
For one of the first times in a while, Fulham may overhaul the squad. This overhaul will result in more than a few changes in the team. Here are some of the possible ones I see.
Clint to Demp Fulham for Liverpool?
Influential to Fulham ever since his arrival at the club, Clint Dempsey, who scored 17 goals last season, seems to be on the radar of Liverpool and Roma this summer. With Fulham seemingly not progressing any further than mid table mediocrity, Dempsey may see joining these bigger clubs for the risk of not getting regular first team football as one worth taking. With the ability to play through the centre or on the right, Dempsey's possible departure creates space in the starting 11 for young stars like Pajtim Kasami and Kerim Frei.
Clint Dempsey to sign for:
Liverpool 4/9
Arsenal 6/1
Everton 8/1
Tottenham 8/1
Matthew Briggs to Breakthrough?
Having impressed during the 2011 pre season, Matthew Briggs, who is primarily a left back but can also play centre back, made 12 Europa League appearances last season. Briggs, a product of Fulham's youth academy, has been part of England's U-19 and U-21 squad in the past. With a bright Fulham future ahead for this young defender, I could see Jol try to ease the ageing Aaron Hughes and John Arne Riise out of the team. However, Briggs has many players to contend with such as Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos, which may not make him first choice should any of the starting Back 4 get injured.
Young Star: Kerim Frei
In the 2010/11 season, Frei played a key role in the U18 side that reached the Academy League final. Following this, it was not long until Jol began to try and break through the Swiss 18 year old, who has now declared for Turkey. Having made his first start in English football in a League Cup 3rd round match against Chelsea, Frei who played on the left wing attacked the Chelsea defence all game and usually came out on top in these encounters. Frei also played brilliantly in a game against Swansea where his quick feet earned him a penalty after frustrating the Swansea defenders with his dribbling ability. Frei also won Man Of The Match in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea later in the season. This season could be one which sees Frei get more than the 6 league starts he made last season and he's one to watch as he lights up the Premier League next season.
Prediction: 11th
Having finished 9th last season I have seen no signs of progression in this side with their summer transfers. Having lost good players such as Andy Johnson, Pogrebnyak, Danny Murphy and Etuhu this summer I see a lot of the experience of playing at this level gone. With no replacement for Danny Murphy's leadership bought in yet I really can't see Fulham getting the same respectable finish of last season. Unless Fulham are willing to spend a lot of money before the end of the window and add 2-5 players, I can't see the season ahead being anything but mediocre once again.
(Odds via SkyBet on 16/8/12)
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