There you go, and here I stay

By: timmyg | May 24th, 2008

Wow I graduate college and Fulham make more transfers than I can count. Here’s how they breakdown and what I think of them:

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.