2018 January Transfer Window

We've also signed fullback Cyrus Christie from 'Boro. Not as sexy, but could be just as important to any promotion chance as Mitrovic, Targett or Timmy Abraham.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/31/cyrus-christie-arrives

 

We're playing tag MM!

 

I failed to remember in my post yesterday that Mitrovic already has played in the Championship - last year with Newcastle scoring just 4 times in 25 appearances. I'm still encouraged by the signing, just wanted to put it into the proper context.

Going into the transfer window our goal scoring felt anemic, but during the window we outscored our opponents 14-2. With 49 goals Fulham now has the second highest goal total in the league just two goals behind Wolverhampton. I'd have to say that increase in output is due in large part to Sessegnon being able to play further up so the signing of Targett may have been the most important one to improve goal scoring.

GetWestLondon agrees with Don that not only were the signings good, but keeping Sessegnon, Cairney, and Fredericks was also an accomplishment:

https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/spo...sfer-window-fulham-slavisa-jokanovic-14231688

 

Time will tell, of course, but right now, I agree with everyone. On paper, this looks to be a successful window. Keeping Fredericks, Cairney and Ryan Sess was huge. And, as MM so adroitly noted, our goal scoring has jumped during the window. Who'd've thunk it? Even if only 1 of these 3 new guys pans out, we're in good shape if we continue our January form. But that's the trick, isn't it? Still, all the social media howling to do something, anything, is annoying. It's also hard to avoid. I'm still bullish on this club and this manager. Despite the slow start, we're still in a position to challenge for the playoffs, or even an automatic promotion spot. We didn't hurt ourselves during this window, and we seem to have jelled as a team. But the dynamics of players coming and going does have a psychological effect on a team. How that will affect performance on the pitch is the next hurdle.

 

Ok...just so were clear.

Premier League Striker brought specifically by Slavisa thanks to the Serbian connection (Classic English #9, thats you right HD?)
Premier League Left Back, Taggert brought in to push Sessegnon on, geaux on score as many goals as you can, earn us the inevitable payday when "the big club" comes to buy him.
We also picked grabbed another right back with Championship experience, even though Odoi, Fredricks, Kalas and of course our boy Tim Ream are all providing the kind of reliable defense we need.
We've taken an incredible amount of points from our last 8 matches, we're winning at home, and we're on tv vs Leeds in a few weeks.

Fuckin' hell....what else can you ask for?

Come On You Whites and Happy Mardi Gras!

-Coach K

 

Sean Kavanagh has left Fulham to sign with the Shamrock Rovers
#IForgotHeWasStillWithTheClub
#HowDoesAPlayerTransferInFebruary

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/22/sean-kavanagh-departs

Let's take this moment to look at a sample starting lineup from the Magath era (August 20 vs. Wolverhampton) and shake our heads:
Joronen
Hoogland, Bodurov, Burgess, Kavanagh
Roberts, Parker, Fotheringham, Stafylidis
Woodrow, McCormack

There were actually more current Fulham starters on the field with Wolverhampton that day! Kevin McDonald started for the Wolves (Bettinelli was on Fulham's bench).

 

Apparently the League of Ireland Premier Division keeps their transfer window open until 22 February. Who knew?

http://www.pfai.ie/transfer-window

I've caught his name in a few lineups for the PL2 team, so I hadn't completely forgotten about him. Surprised to see that he is only 24 though. Feels like he should be closer to 30.

 

Loan rumor: Luca de la Torre to New England

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018...-luca-de-la-torre-could-land-new-england-loan

 

Is the MLS a better place for player development than the PL2? This would certainly have the potential to boost his exposure for the national team. I'm just not sure that the coaches and staffs in MLS are going to be as good as the academies in England. I also feel like this loan move is worse than a loan move to a lower English division since de la Torre will be well outside of Joka's (and other Fulham staff) view.