Fulham Season Preview
Not much went in favour of Fulham last season following relegation from the Premier League. After 13 years of being in the top flight they found themselves preparing for life in The Championship. A slow start and inconsistency throughout saw them finish in 17th place, but what is in store for them this time around?
Best Case Scenario: Promotion
Promotion – Every club who drops out of the Premier League want an immediate return and it is no different at Fulham. Although last season ultimately ended in huge disappointment their is no doubt that both the owners and fans will be expecting a lot better this time around. With manager Symons having his first Pre Season in charge, this is the ideal chance for him to get his ideas across to the squad. The foundations are already set out for him, and with a few quality additions in the coming weeks there will be optimism around the club that this season could be the year they climb back out of the 2nd Tier.
Worst Case Scenario: Mid-Table
Mid-Table – I don’t think this season is going to be the struggle it was last year. They have got rid of some of the higher earning players such as Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega, and this will free up funds to make some much needed signings. Another slow start could cost them dearly though, and losing matches to the teams around them early on in the season is not something they want to be doing. Last season was a learning curve for a lot of these players and the fans will be hoping for an improvement this campaign, although time will tell whether they have learnt from last seasons errors.
Players To Look Out For: Patrick Roberts and Alexander Kacaniklic
Patrick Roberts – Tipped to be one of the stars of English football in years to come, it’s no wonder Manchester City have shown an interest already. At 18 years of age, this season is expected to be his breakthrough campaign. Operating from the right hand side, he has exceptional ball control and the ability to beat his man with his dazzling skills. Although he still has plenty of ways to improve his game, he is certainly one that is going to draw a lot of attention this season.
Alexander Kacaniklic – On the opposite side of the pitch, Kacaniklic, 23, operates on the left hand side of Fulham’s midfield and again is someone with the ability to leave his marker standing. Although he has been with Fulham since 2009, Kacaniklic is yet to feature regularly for the first team, being sent out on loan on three separate occasions. He will be hoping to cement his place in the starting XI this season and with one goal already under his belt in pre season against Aston Villa, Fulham fans might finally get to see what this young winger has to offer on a regular basis.
Manager Rating: 7/10
Kit Symons: 7/10 – A former player of the club, Symons was quite a popular choice for the manager’s role after Magath’s dismissal. Although he hasn’t had the desired impact just yet, Fulham fans believe that this year could be the time for him to turn the clubs fortunes around.
He has now got the chance to put his mark on the squad by bringing in his own signings and fans expectations of him will be higher now than when he first took charge last season. Guiding the team to 17th in the league last season was quite impressive considering the situation they were in prior to his appointment and he himself will be hoping for a lot better this term.
Fulham fans, please feel free to leave your comments/thoughts below.