Silly Season
By: timmyg |
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Well its July and the silly season is just truly beginning.
I’ve been quiet on this front because I don’t pay any attention to rumors, allegations, and whatever else appears in the papers because 75% of the time they’re simply not true. I just made that figure up, but its probably accurate.
Transfers are odd things — they just kinda happen. Of course, big stars being courted by big clubs often make headlines well before ink meets paper. But for Fulham, which is not a big club nor does it sign big players, paper talk is almost always fictitious.
So, until some new boys head to Motspur Park, don’t expect me to repeat any gossip.
Although I hear we’re close to signing Swedish International Fredrik Stoor…
Category: Team News
More Signings
By: timmyg | Add Comments
With my attention being distracted by EURO 2008 and the US Open Cup (stop laughing), I failed to post about Fulham’s two latest signings when they happened.
On Wednesday, former Baggie Zoltan Gera chose to sign a three-year deal with Fulham rather than resign with West Brom. Although he isn’t necessarily young (29 years old), he’s resume at the Hawthorns is quite impressive. I expect him to replace Smertin, who should be leaving at any moment.
The next day Woy snatched up former Bolton bench warmer Andranik Teymourian, who inked a two-year deal. Although he played a lot under Big Sam, Little Sam and Megson evidently didn’t care for him as he only appeared three times last season. Nonetheless his defensive-midfield capabilities should provide cover for Andreasen, our only D-Mid.
Both of these moves were shrewd acquisitions that provide some depth. Although we still need a quality right-back, left-wing midfielder (haven’t had one since Steed left), and striker, I have full confidence in Woy’s transfer acumen.
And lastly, Danny Murphy signed a one year extension. Although I wanted him dead up until the ManCity Miracle, his performance(s) in the last few games were monumental to our survival — including the header heard round the world.
Category: Team NewsPodcasts, Friendly, DVDs and Uniforms
By: timmyg | 1 Comment
Good news: I ditched that sketchy free hosting site for the legitimate libsyn website. A collection of all but one (space issues — and it wasn’t a good pod) can be found here: http://fulhampodcast.libsyn.com/ It should also be on iTunes in the very near future.
A friendly against Celtic has been announced for July 19.
Cashing in on the greatest comeback since the 2004 ALCS, Fulham’s Great escape is available on DVD. I know I’ll be buying a copy when its released in mid June.
The new uni’s have been previewed, and I gotta say they look quite sharp. And I may be alone on this one, but I really liked those Airness kits from 2006-07.
And yes, I’m still missing McBride. Sigh.
Adieu, Mon Amour
By: timmyg | Add Comments
It was a tragic inevitability that he would leave us. As Tom Wille predicted in the podcast from several weeks back, Brian McBride would not be a White if they survived. Well, McBride guided the club to safety and has decided to hang up his English boots.
A player that was more Fulham than the Cottage itself, McBride represented everything that was good about Fulham, soccer, and humanity and general. He was never a showboat, never a ham, never one to criticize his coach or teammates when things got rough. FourFourTwo magazine recently did a “Best 100 Foreign Players in the EPL,” and Brian McBride was omitted from the list. Now, he has to be at least an honorable mention.
Category: Team NewsMore releasings
By: timmyg | Add Comments
Oops, looks like somewhere over at the Offal forgot to add two names to the “released” list. Or their contracts expired after the Bank Holiday, not before. Goalies always get special treatment…
Tony Warner
The hero at the Emirates last August, Warner was way too inconsistent to even be a backup (yet he continually was, inexplicably). With Niemi injured, we all relied on Warner to step up and reproduce his form at the season opener. Yet his gaffe against Bolton almost cost the club three points, but the howler versus Boro did cost the club all three points. After that match I think everyone didn’t want to see him between the pipes ever again.
Corrin Brooks-Meade
With the (eventual) signing of David Stockdale, it was only a question of when Brooks-Meade would be shown the door. Corrin either periodically played in the reserves, or was loaned out to Fourth Tier or Non-League sides. Not that big of a loss, but its still sad to see kids like him go. Best of luck Corrin.
Summer Vacation Plans
By: timmyg | Add Comments
Fulham announced their summer plans for their first team and reserves, and sadly, they ain’t coming stateside.
The regulars will travel to South Korea in late July, taking on FC Seoul on the 23rd and Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i FC on the 26th. Kickoffs are slated for 8pm local time, which is 13 hours ahead of EST. So, 7 am EST start?
The reserves have five pre-season matches scheduled against non-league clubs. The highlight includes Ali G’s hometown club Staines Town on July 15th.
Lastly, there are rumors of Saha returning. Hopefully those subside. Rumors of PSG’s Mendy coming to SW6 are welcomed however.
There you go, and here I stay
By: timmyg | 1 Comment
Wow I graduate college and Fulham make more transfers than I can count. Here’s how they breakdown and what I think of them:
- IN
Mark Schwarzer FREE
Woy is shaking up our goalies, but not the way we all thought. With the April signing of Darlington keeper David Stockdale coupled with and the emergence of Kasey Keller as the #1, it appeared that Niemi and Warner were sure goners. (Finally) attempting a youth movement, Batista and Stockdale would then vie for the #2 spot. Yet the signing of Schwarzer and rumurs of Keller returning stateside throw everything into a loop. Now, I have nothing against this signing. Schwarzer was a quality keeper on a anyomous Boro defense (honestly, can you name one of their ‘backs?). But personally, I would have liked to see Keller stay and groom the two young lads. But it seems Batista will ride the pine for another year.
- OUT
Carlos Bocanegra
As I said on the podcast, I thought Boca was going anyway because USMNT coach Bob Bradley wants his captain actually playing. A sloppy defender that gained recognition because of his goal-scoring ability, Boca played his part in helping Fulham these past three season. He will be missed.
Philippe Christanval
A quality CB and D-Mid, the Frenchy was injured most of last season and some of 2006-07. His only appearance was as a late minute substitute against Bolton. Not surprising his contract wasn’t renewed.
Ian Pearce
See above, but only appeared in August
Michael Timlin
One of those prospects that just never pan out. Will probably rejoin Swindon, where he’s been on loan at for the past two seasons.
Ismael Ehui
I’m confused by this one. Ehui was tearing it up in the reserves in the spring, and even had a few practices with the first team. Perhaps Woy thought his tiny stature (5′6) just wasn’t top-flight material. And how Fulhamish would it be for him to shine at another club. Oh brother…
Bjorn Runstrom
I wanted him to stay only because he could compete with Bullard for “Club Pretty Boy”. They have comparable goldy-locks, but Bjorn has much, much better teeth.
Jari Litmanen
Who? Oh, Woy’s “Lee Cook”? Good riddance.
Simon Elliott
What’s up with managers falling in love with crappy midfielders? LS had Davis. Woy had Murphy (who sucked up until ManCity, where he suddenly was apotheosized into the Pantheon of Fulham greats). Cookie had Elliott.
Paul Stalteri
Spurs must have demanded a kings ransom to make the loan-deal permanent, otherwise there’s no reason he is going back to White Hart Lane. Stalteri should probably bitch and moan all season before returning to SW6. Or so we all hope.
All in all it’s going to be an interesting silly-season, as it’s not even June and there are already many shakeups. Throw the popcorn in the micro-wave — this summer is going to be a treat.
Category: Team NewsLoad of Fulham News
By: jon | 1 Comment
Hey folks, I used to write here. I’m back.
- Carlos Bocanegra, erstwhile captain of the USMNT, was cut today by Fulham. Also released were Jari Litmanen, Philippe Christanval, Simon Elliott, Ian Pearce, Michael Timlin, Ismael Ehui and Bjorn Runstrom. Bocanegra was prone to the silly card and idiotic foul in the penalty area, but he also had his moments. I’m a little surprised, but imagine he’ll land on his feet somewhere else in the premiership.
- Former Boro goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, has signed a two year pact to join the Cottagers, in a move that undoubtedly spells the end for Niemi as 1st choice keeper. I personally hope for another year of Keller, but we’ll see.
- Our lord and savior, Jimmy Bullard, says that he will stay with Fulham, and is greatful for the support of the team while he rehabbed his injuries. I say, phew.
- Roy Hodgon says if we want to avoid staying out of the relegation zone, its going to mean a big turnover with the squad, and Al-Fayed will have to splash the cash. I can think of a few players I’d like to see gone (Baird, Niemi, Bouazza) and we’ll see what kind of player this team can attract in the offseason.
That’s all for now. Myself or the other bloggers will be in regularly to keep you updated.
Category: Team NewsOffside Podcast 5/15/08
By: timmyg | Add Comments
It’s a day late (stupid technology), but here it is: the final podcast of the 2007-08 season. Christian from FUSA calls in as we discuss little Danny Murphy’s header heard round SW6.
Category: Team NewsSomehow they found a way…
By: timmyg | 1 Comment
Unbelievable.
No, honestly, what has transpired the past 5 weeks is Hollywood blockbuster fodder. Stuff you learn in middle school, only to find out isn’t true past high school. Narrative’s that our post post-modern society all but got rid of.
But somehow, those lads from SW6 turned around a season of despair. A season that every sane fan wrote off two months ago. A season where the manager(s), players, and owner were routinely slammed in the British and American media.
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