What IS "the Next Level"?

Here is a really good blog from 'Fulham USA' which goes a fair way in answering the question:



"The next level is a phrase that has been bandied about in multiple interviews regarding our new Chairman, Mr. Khan in regards to his ambitions for his new club, Fulham FC. What could the next level for Fulham be? As the club is moving into its thirteenth consecutive season in English Top Flight, you could argue that it is time for the scenic club by the Thames to push on.

Thirteen seasons in the Premier league, widely considered the best in the world (though that could be in question with the rise of the Bundesliga) is no mean feat. Fulham have gone from dead cert relegation candidates in the papers to pundits easy pick from 16th-9th depending on the season and the clubs which have come up from the Championship. While most clubs would balk at these predictions, it seems certain individuals in the media have it out for Fulham, or could care less. Where should Fulham go? “They have Berbatov now, put them uhhh here lets go with 11th”

However the next level for Fulham is one which we have been familiar with. It is not immediately challenging for a top six spot, or even a Europa league place, while the latter is very plausible for a squad such as Fulham’ s. Fulham’ s next level is solid top 10 finishes with the elusive good cup run thrown in the mix.

If one was to look at the current Fulham first team, you could say it is a very solid side. One could say that it is a giant 25 man puzzle with a piece missing. This piece has been identified by supporter and pundit time and time again as a center midfielder. In the past, Fulham have had three options. The first, often demonstrated quite well, is to take an older player and bring them in for cheap. The second is to find a younger player, let them develop and wait for the inevitable poaching by a bigger club. The third, which seems to have been the clubs policy as of late, is to shop the bargain bin of free transfers and loans. All three policies have worked quite well for Fulham and it is a testament to Fulham’ s coaching staff to get results out of “has beens” from other clubs and turn them back into the performers they once were.

We live in an age of immediacy and entitlement. Transfers are announced by social media and other outlets ages before the club releases an official statement. This mentality has slowly crept into some supporters mentalities unfortunately. Instead of appreciating what we have, some were puzzled as to why we hadn’t spent loads on a new player, as we had the “Dembele and Dempsey” money “available” The same goes for the new chairman. It is human nature to be curious as to the kind of influence a new member of a vitally important part of your life will take. However one has to be realistic at the kind of expectations to take, particularly in the upcoming season. Mr. Khan has promised support to the squad. He also has been very wise in stating that he really has a lot to learn about football and will surround himself with those that have helped make the club what it is. Remember, the man just spent an astronomical sum of money to purchase the club and will be very prudent with any sum that is going to be spent this season. Though he is officially “worth” more than two times than Mr. Al Fayed, would you be willing to spend more than you needed to after parting with that sum?

Fulham well and truly have emerged from those dark days in the lower leagues and have taken the right approach to running a club and steady will eventually win the race. The Cottage will continue to be an iconic ground and while other clubs trade in their history for concrete mega structures; our ground will continue to stand out. Mr. Khan stated that he aimed for a viable option for both the Club and the Cottage. What that means for our future that will have to be addressed when the next level is reached.

If one were to put a ladder out and label it with Fulham’ s next levels to achieve once the current one was reached, it would probably go as the following. (1) Continued top 10 finishes with good cup runs. (2) Solid top 10 finishes with SUCCESS in the cups. (3) A constant Europa place with good cup runs and success as well (4) Top six finish along with the good runs in the cups. (5) Begin to displace the current top sides and finish the Champions league spots (6) The most ambitious of the lot, to win the League.

While some of the above could seem impossible at the current moment, but if done right, which is quite possible the way the club has been run it is very possible to see this happen years down the road. Building a successful club over time would strengthen the fan base and minimize the amount of supporters only out for silverware. Fulham can achieve the next level with patience, perseverance and the right attitude.

We may even reach a level where supporters are actually allowed to die in peace, having actually seen their club win something!"

Source: http://www.fulhamusa.com/index.php/news/item/183-fulham-the-next-level

 

That all makes sense really. I hope the new owner doesn't spend a lot quickly. I think he'll let everything settle down first. Rather like when myself and the present mrs cravingawin moved to a new house. I said lets hold back on decorating and live in the house a bit. Things look a lot different after a while.

 

I agree to a certain extent but you always change the toilet seat.

 

The article is well written and I think reflects the thoughts of most of us here.

Wise spending is my suggestion. Spend in the pain area, centre midfield, and build the rest with the young.

 

Totally agree.

 

And the mattress...

 

But I can't believe you've kept those curtains.

 

Really good article. Thanks for passing it on, C58. The writer talks a lot of sense.

 

Yes, well stated.

To me it seems "the next level" seems rather fluid from year to year, when you exclude the big six. Three years ago, the next level would have included Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa. Two years ago it was Everton and Newcastle. Last year, it was Everton, WBA and Swansee. So it seems the only constant within "the next level" is Everton.

I guess my point is, there doesn't seem to be a formula for attaining and staying within "the next level", unless your manager is David Moyes. Money isn't the key, as we've seen teams like QPR and Sunderland shell out wads of pounds only to continue struggling or worse. The careful continuity of management and a very thoughtful approach to building the team (what Moyes did) would seem to be the only constant in reaching the next level.