Summer '08: Ins and Outs

See above. Against Turkey he was very good on balls in the air and confident with the ball at his feet.

 

Simunic is quality. Definitely an upgrade from Hughes. Maybe better than Hangeland. Would solidify the central defence, I think.

 

Totally agree, Lyle. If this signing can happen, is should post haste.

 

I've heard today that we are looking strongly into singing Marlon Harewood from Villa.

This news concerns me as I really don't think he is the man to lead our front line. Like I've previously said he is a 'confidence' striker. When he does well, he'll score and score alot he will. But when he is down, he dissapears completely...just look at West Hams first season back in the Prem.

In Roy We Trust

 

I am not a big fan of Harewood myself. He shows some positive signs from time to time, but he is inconsistent to say the least. We do need some strikers up front, I just do not know if Marlon is the answer.

 

Harewood isn't too bad. He's really only had one bad year (2006/07), and West Ham were awful for most of that season. He's been much better as a bench player lately (he averaged almost a goal every 90 minutes last season with Villa), but his scoring record as a starter is still respectable.

I don't think I'd pay 4 million, though.

 

Andy Johnson from Everton has been rumored. Apparently Everton is going to try and purchase Darren Bent from Tottenham, which would make Johnson surplus. Johnson will cost 5 million pounds... so they say.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008 ... vinchelsea

Harewood was linked a while back, I think. One of the publications says he doesn't want to leave Villa. He's fine being their cover for Carew.

 

Wouldn't mind AJ on the squad. Solid striker IMHO.

 

I second that, absolutely. He would be an upgrade in Johnsons :lol:

 

He reminds me of Shearer in that respect: he knows how to draw a foul and doesn't mind a little acting to get his club in a good position.

I'd take him. He's one of those irritating players you hate until he's on your side. At 27, he certainly has some time left. You know he's going to put in the effort. But he also brings considerable skill to the table.

 

I am in favour of Andy Johnson coming to us. He has not been able to get into the goal scoring form at Everton that he showed at Crystal Palace, but I think given consistent playing he would get for us he would be a nice signing. It all depends on the price though.

 

If AJ comes here, I'll shit. I love AJ . . another addition to the baldy crew!

 

It seems as though we're desperately trying to go after players that might regain their old form. That's a very risky move on Roy's part. If he signs too many of these players, we could be in deeper shit than last season.

 

Risk is as much a part of Fulham as the Cottage. This club rolls the dice like few others.

That being said, Hodgson's key signings have been proven players with class performances in the Premier League on their resumes. The risks he's taken have been with players who are not really expected to come right in and start at Fulham.

Johnson has less of a risk factor than Beattie. He's younger and has a more recent track record of success at this level than many of the strikers we'll be looking at.

We could go after the players who have slipped in goal-scoring form. Or we could go after a Marlet with glowing scouting reports, an £11 million price tag and a "can't miss" tag applied next to his name. Risk either way you turn.

 

OR we could go after proven scorers in this league. You know, like a Peter Crouch or Darren Bent. If we have the money, then we should be trying to sign those players.

 

Fulham can't afford in-form, really good players. Crouch and Bent's wage demands simply can't be paid to them. Apparently, Fulham can't even afford Steve Finnan's wages.

 

Yet we can afford 6M for rubbish crap?

 

The transfer fee is affordable; I think the yearly salary is what kills the deal for FFC.

I think if Fulham has to run with the risk, they need to more precise with their scouting before dropping 6 million. Eddie Johnson not turning out is/would be disappointing, but Diomansy Kamara not featuring as a starter for much of the season is worse considering his cost to get him here.

 

Yes... because he couldn't demand ridiculous wages coming from West Brom and the market for in-form, really good players had been cleaned out by more the attractive clubs.