In order to prepare properly for the next ten glorious months of hot club-on-club action, we’re previewing various leagues from around the globe.
Next up, our bread and butter, the best league in the world… the English Premier League (Suck it, Barclays!)
Let’s get our learn on.
The days of Fulhamerica are gone. The face of the club now, for as long as they can hold on to him, belongs to Norwegian centerback Brede Hangeland.
Up front, the beloved Brian McBride is but a distant memory, with Norfolk Ned favorite Andy Johnson the first choice striker. Clint “We had a game in Mexico City yesterday?” Dempsey persists as an effective and well-liked attacking midfield player, but aside from him and roster trivia piece Eddie Johnson, the American influence is gone. Consequently or not, Fulham FC has played its first European match in six years this month, the reward for a fantastic seventh place finish in last year’s Premier League.
What lies ahead for the small, easy-to-like London club? Was last year an abberation? Or was it two years ago, when they just escaped relegation on matchday 38? Will the newfound fixture congestion hurt a team with questionable depth?
Ask most Fulham supporters who’s their favorite “White,” and at least half will point to the manager, Roy Hodgson. Hired in late 2007, Hodgson did his first bit of magic leading the squad to a miraculous escape from what seemed like sure relegation. And if he wasn’t popular enought after saving the club from Colaship hell, Hodgson did himself about ten better last season, guiding Fulham to a Europa Cup spot, their first Euro football since 2003 (they’ve already come through a qualifying round, rolling some Lithuanian team 6-0 on agg.)
After a season to remember, even the most starry-eyed optimist has to believe Fulham has nowhere to go but sideways. Repeating a top half finish, given their newfound glut of games, would be a great success for a team that was so close to disaster 15 months ago. As for how they’re going to do that… well, it pretty much comes down to three men.
First and foremost there is the oft-speculated upon CB Hangeland. The Norwegian was a revelation last season and with the success came interest from Big Four vultures like Arsenal. The Whites have managed hang on to Big Brede so far, and we’re betting he sticks around until at least the winter. His settling presence in the middle of the defense changed the entire squad’s approach. The midfield, which was never a weak point, was able to look forward more and there were fewer goals off backline breakdowns. It’s not a coincidence Danny Murphy and Clint “I disappear below the 30th parallel” Dempsey have been able to grow into half of a very efficient, effective midfield (with Deuce playing up top on occassion.)
After Hangeland, Fulham fans can look straight to the top of the sheet. The £18m pair of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora totalled just 14 goals in all competitions last year. My considerable knowledge of all things football indicates that this will not do the trick in 2009-10. Goalscoring was an issue for the Whites two seasons ago and last year they got a healthy dose of it from the midfield. To count on such production for a second year running might be a bit much. To ask the strike tandem for a double in output, given the extra fixtures, is certainly reasonable. It might be necessary.
To look for: Eric Nevland. Another Norwegian, but this time a striker, and certainly one we expect to keep on growing and scoring. He was a revelation last term, scoring seven times in 29 appearances for the first team, and he’ll be one angling for more playing time this season.
Apparently Hodgson likes Eddie Johnson very much. He’ll have to, because Kamara looks like he’s gone.
Yea, I don’t see Kamara as being a factor here at all. Between the two expensive fellas and Nevland, and their other means for getting goals, I just don’t see where he fits.
As for EJ, I just think they were worried about losing their Fulhamerica status. Sadly, we’ve revoked it despite Johnson’s nominal presence in the team.
Eddie Johnson still has a better chance of playing for Fulham than he does of playing for Bob.
How dare you not mention John Paintsil?
Danny Murphy might be the most underrated player in the Prem right now, and is the sole reason that Fulham were willing to let Jimmy “Exploded Knee” Bullard go to Hull.
@PR balls. youre right. kinda same reason ny kid thinks palacios plays right wing, though less foolish. (not letting it go, sorry) in re: p-sil he’s very good (for them) and ill expect him to keep doing his thing.
I don’t think Palacios plays RW, dammit! You act as if ‘Arry would never play anyone out of position in order to put his best players on the pitch!
Andy Johnson is a cheating, diving douchebag. I wish ill upon him daily. I pray to sickimus ruincareerus, the god of ill will to footballers, every night before bed. May AJ dive in the box and land on a rogue safety pin.
Thank you, Ned. Took so long, I was worried for your health… what with Bigus’s untimely demise.
Andy Johnson has to dive, because he only scores from the penalty spot.
arsenal completely dominated everton. man u better watch out.