It's not the talent, it's the team!

A year ago I was among those who thought that Coleman might not be up to the task of putting together a solid Prem small club.

The obvious searching for the right field combination seemed to keep the team off balance and they were never able to settle into a confident group. Though McBride was beginning to be recognized for his abilities and work ethic, there didnt seem to be enough of that to go around.

I changed my mind about Coleman by end of season, however, as he showed signs of understanding where he needed to go with the team.. and those on the pitch seemed more confident for it. I think Cookie took a look at what he had and noted what sort of player he needed more of and what sort returned less than invested.

And he realized the value didnt necessarily lie in getting the touted better known candidates, but those who displayed certain traits of work-ethic, vision, and pace.

And by 'pace', I mean what I always understood as pace: The ability to keep moving. look ahead, and turn on the afterburners when needed. Spectacular skills and breakout solo performances are great to look at but dont necessarily provide the points at the end of the game, if -off the ball- the player becomes spectator.

Which is why I think Coleman learned a little bit on the nominally unsuccessful trip to Columbus and that reinforced his thinking. Several things come to mind when I think of what Cookie might have taken away from it.

- A good set of players shouldn't seem disorganized and outplayed by the reserves of a first division team, no matter where they are in the training and fitness schedule.

- The City of Columbus McBride fete: Surely Cookie looked back at Brian's stats with the Crew and thought: exactly "WHAT makes this guy a legend?" It sure wasnt only in the numbers, because Brian's numbers didnt reflect his worth.

So, I'll bet he did a little reflection and thought about what it was made himself - meaning Cookie- perform to his best as a player, and he saw it wasnt related to the skills of an Andy Cole. It was in a team knitted so closely together that they understood instinctively where and how they should react in any given situation.

And then he might have watched Cunningham come on and score those two goals and said: "I have a player like that!" And then looked a little closer at the similarities of the two who share letter initials.

Coleman has done a masterful job in putting together this current team.. because he has kept, found and added players who are willing to put aside personal glory and stats in favor of contributing to the result.

He's worked it out, over and over, and favored those players with that attitude. And everyone is the better for it. Though it takes a little time for that confidence to show on the pitch, it's apparent now.
The players dont, now, hang their heads because of luck and decisions going against them, they KNOW what they have done, and not done, and keep at it.

And that confidence shows. The fans -those who know what they are watching- see it too. Let's hope that the team remembers these two games, ManU and WBA, for the rest of the season and measures each remaining result against them.

If they do, the results are inevitable.. a solid top ten finish for the Whites.. and a VERY successful season when looking back!

added, April 8;
But, after proving my point in the Chelsea win, the team has now reverted and Fulham's in the undesirable spot of having to prove they really deserve their place against a team that is hoping for a miracle in order to stay up.

CC has not been able to keep any sign of consistent form on this team and, for that reason, needs a spot on another team to prove his mettle.

 

RE: It

Great post Petty! Some interesting observations on your part and frankly, I agree with what you are saying. Last season's team seemed to lack heart, motivation and desire on the pitch. They just went through the motions. This years' version plays hard all the time and win or lose they give 100% every match which is nice to see as a supporter. And to me, that comes down to coaching!

Cookie has done a great job and like Petty, I was calling for his head this time last season. However, toward the end of the season, I started thinking otherwise and I thought we should hold onto him as we have. He seems to have instilled the attitude and belief in this team and that it needs to succeed in this league. Onward and upward for Fulham!

 

RE: It

And now, he seems to have 'lost it' and I have to take that back!