Jol warns Digger

dcheather · Apr 27, 2012

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london ... -30848737/?

MARTIN Jol has warned Fulham stalwart Simon Davies he is likely to be used as stop-gap player at best in the final year of his contract if he chooses to stay at Craven Cottage.

The 32-year-old Welshman – scorer of the Whites goal in the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid two years ago – has been with the club for more than five years and is the longest-serving player on the books, along with Clint Dempsey.

But the midfielder, who was club player of the season in 2008, has endured a torrid year, with a knee injury sidelining him for the first half of the season.

He has since been out of favour with Jol – starting only four times.

He has not even made the bench in the past month, with both youngsters Kerim Frei and even Alex Kacaniklic being preferred, and has not scored for nearly a year.

Fulham’s Dutch boss says he has no problem with Davies, but admits his desire to make his team more youthful makes it unlikely the former Wales international will feature prominently in his plans next season, if at all.

"He was involved at first, but was injured for eight, nine months," Jol said. "Then I took him back.

"But I’ve got a few youngsters and I don’t want to just create a space for the older players all the time – and I think I had to do this from the start of the season.

"The only youngster playing here was Matthew Briggs and the average age was 31, so it was the oldest team in Europe."

Jol added: "He [Davies] is a great boy.

"He can play on the left, on the right, or in midfield and I can even use him as a right back like I did before, so yes, he could still have a future here.

"If they give their best, then there’s no problem with me. But you have to ask him if he wants to stay, I don’t know."
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Not sure what Digger will do. He's getting older and not sure what his form is at the moment since his playing time has been cut dramatically. I can see him joining up with a newly promoted club. I wish him well in whatever he decides. Thanks Digger for the 5 years you've given Fulham.

Clevelandmo · Apr 27, 2012

As much as I'm a huge fan of Duff, I'd probably start Davies over Duff. But these Dutch coaches really value speed and quickness so I assume Duff is faster. Kelly is probably faster too which explains why he gets the nod at RB over Davies. I would hate to see Simon go, but I'd certainly understand considering the circumstances. If he does go somewhere I'd love it to be MLS

SoCalJoe · Apr 27, 2012

I can't blame Jol for getting the youngsters in there, but still think Digger can play at this level if his body doesn't betray him. He would be a good (and very cheap) buy for a young team needing some veteran leadership.

VegasJustin · Apr 27, 2012

I like what Jol is doing. We have a younger team now and guys like Frei and Alex K are getting playing time over guys like Davies and Duff even. This wouldn't have happened under Roy or Hughes and I like this style more.

I'm sure a promoted club would love to have Davies. He's still a decent player and can surely find another club if he wants that.

Jol warns Digger

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Jol warns Digger

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