Summer '08: Ins and Outs

That's the exact reason why we're stuck in shit-Because we take it for granted that we'll always be in this position. Teams are in this position not because they have to be, but because they take it for granted that that's where they belong. When you abolish this mindset anything is possible.


Also, do you even read what I type? I said talent available to us. That means that Walcott might be off-limits, but there is a WHOLE WORLD of players out there that are JUST AS GOOD that is AVAILABLE TO US. With the right coaching, you CAN build a great youth system that produces the very best players. You don't have to be a super-club to build a world-class youth system. While this might not guarantee success, it's the cheapest way and the best way to at the very least guarantee a streamline of top notch talent which would bring in money.

 

Appearently we bid for Llorente of Bilbao. He had 11 goals last year for them in La Liga.



Some are saying that the Saha thing is pretty much done. Manchester Evening News has the title "Saha set for Fulham". I would love to see him back.

 

Llorente is huge (6'5") and only 23. Presumably another target-type player. I don't really know enough about him to say whether he's better than Zamora.

Nobody is taking for granted that Fulham must always be a 14-18 side, but you seem to be drastically oversimplifying the process of improving the situation. If it were as easy as you make it sound, everybody would be doing it. You sound like Aleksey Vayner with this "all you need to do is change your mindset" crap, it's just not realistic.

 

It is realistic and I'm not oversimplifying it at all. Obviously you need to do more than change the mindset, but that's the first thing you need to do. The 2nd is build the youth system. The 3rd is build a bigger fanbase. The 4th is capitalize on your already huge fanbases in foreign countries etc etc. Obviously there is steps within these steps too, but it's actually a pretty simple process. The one reason why it doesn't get done is because it involves great risk and resources. If you aren't willing to take risks, then you really shouldn't be owning a team.

 

He's really not that good, I'd take Zamora even if they cost the same. Johnson's big years at Palace were mostly due to penalties - take those away, and his career stats are almost identical to Zamora's. Penalties were a big part of Johnson's game 3 years ago, but they're a non-factor now, so we shouldn't look at those 20-goal seasons as a realistic expectation. He's also showing some signs that he may be in a decline - his strike rate has dropped in each of the last 4 years, and his shot percentages are also dropping (which, to be fair, may be partially due to luck). Zamora, on the other hand, has improved steadily during that same time, aside from last season when he was injured. If Zamora is back at 100% fitness, I fully expect him to be a better player.

 

I will be livid if Fulham chooses to sign Johnson over Saha. Johnson's style of play relies too much on referee's buying into his flopping and his pace can only do so much. Saha on the other hand is the total package and a Fulham favorite. He has pace, ability on the ball, vision and a great shot.

If Fulham is unable to sign Saha then I would hope they forego a deal for Johnson as it will prove to be a waste of funds down the road.

 

Middlesbrough and West Ham, along with the Big Four (maybe excluding Chelsea), arguably have the best youth setups in England. What kind of teams are they exactly? The are meddling teams who have gotten relegated recently. ... and both of these clubs are bigger clubs than Fulham.

When are you going to understand that every team in England has the exact mindset you are talking about already? They are all already doing the things you are talking about. There are more than 20 professional clubs in England all trying to do the exact same thing, which means they can't all be succesful, and whenever anyone does produce a good player... they get bought by a bigger club. Just look at what happened to John Bostock from Crystal Palace and Bale and Walcott from Southampton.

 

FFC24, do you by chance post on the TIFF board as "big dave"?

 

If the benefits of those "simple" steps outweighed the risks then everybody would be doing it. It's easy for you to say what owners should do when it's not your money on the line.

 

Pardon me if this has been covered earlier, but looking at our squad it seems as if last year's Fulhamerica will not be repeating itself. And in fact there could be very little American presence. Obviously, 3 of our guys are no longer with FFC. I dont see EJ getting much run with Zamora, Nevland, and Healy likely ahead of him. And even in a 5 man midfield, Dempsey could get crowded out behind Bullard-Murphy-Gera-Davies-Andreasen. Pretty amazing that we could go from 4 Americans in the side at once to none.

 

It's probably for the best. Although I hope EJ steps it up. Hopefully Dempsey improves as well.

 

Wigan have made another approach for Bullard at 6 million. I am speaking blasphemy, but if true, this offer needs to be seriously considered.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008 ... ierleague1

 

Sky Sports has it too: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 12,00.html

If (and I do mean IF) this happens, we would have to get Scharner in the deal too. No exceptions!

 

I'm ok with no Americans too (even though they're who got me here). Just observing. Though if Jimmy did leave, Deuce would likely take that role...minus the free kicks.

 

It would be a big mistake to let Bullard go. He is not just a good player but he is a true character and seems to be one that is great around the dressing room. I would be disappointed to see him go. We have not bought anyone to make up for what he can do. I like Gera, but Gera is still no Bullard.

 

I don't want him to leave either, but WOW, that's more than double what we paid for him two years ago.

Maybe they'd consider Murphy instead?

 

I want the Wink here, not at the JJB! don't do it Roy

 

If Jimmy left, which I hope he does not, I think there is a good chance that Gera would fill that role.

 

If Fulham sold Bullard the board and Roy would quite literally be ripping the heart of the side out. I can't see it happening. The fans love him and his energy and enthusiasm are infectious. You can't help, but be lifted when Jimmy is on the pitch.