I like several others am not over enthused by Felix acquisitions, but a good point is that the monies spent is no where near that of Jols expensive misfits. I will give him till after the home game against Charlton before I draw any conclusions on his tenure.
I'm okay with his signings rosc. And so far as money goes the net spend to date by the Club/Felix is only about £1m. [Based on TransferMarket which gives a total spend of 14.96 euros to date and a total receipt of 13.7m euros. Here is a link to the page which shows the individual transactions: http://www.transfermarkt.com/fc-fulham/transfers/verein/931/saison_id/2014 Usual caveats of course but the amounts feel about right. Although it is assumed that we paid all of the McCormack fee up front (which I don't believe we did) and that we got something for Kasami (whereas I believe that was the balance owed for Mitroglou). Either way these pretty much balance each other out; leaving the same net effect.]
I am also happy with the signings, I'm glad we didn't go and buy a load of players in their late twenties blocking our youngsters for another few years. I know a lot of people would have liked us to spend lots to guarantee promotion but we have got together a young group who look like they should be competitive in this league we have are to give a lot of the young guys first team football and also look like we have done it by reducing the wage bill massively to comply with financial fair play rules and a net transfer profit once Stek and the Greek go! I would of liked us to have spent big one more time on a star centre back maybe Sane from Bordeux but never mind Bodurov may come good!
I think we've spent well. We've certainly added some experience without spending excessively (apart from McCormack). The big question is which of the younger crop - new signings and promoted from within - are going to flourish and which ones are going to find it hard to adjust to first team action. I feel hopelessly unqualified to judge that, so I'm looking forward to seeing the new look side in action. I'm optimistic and inclined to assume well of Felix and his signings until the evidence contradicts, rather than the other way round. As someone else said, possibly on another thread, it's very important that the crowd stays positive and gets behind the team, even if it takes a while for them to gel. It would be easy to let the frustrations of last year spill over into the start of this season. I'm a great believer that fans are entitled to voice dissent and disapproval, but I just don't think it's in any way a helpful or positive thing for us to get into with a new, young side. We've got a role to play as well this season, and that role is supporting positively, not being a bunch of over-critical boo-boys on match days.
My expectations are high alongside with my patience to see what the team has to offer. The championship is more for the long distance and not the sprint. It will take time for the team to gel and the players to realise the expectations from them. Hopefully in Parker, McCormack and even Ruiz we have some experience that will help the players overcome the obstacles ahead. Only a few days left.... Come on you Whites!!
Increased activity in the rumour factory that Kostas Mitroglou is of to Trabzonspor - £3m loan and option to buy for £6m. And whispers that Brentford have renewed their interest in Marcello Trotta
Cottager, I do hope both transfers go through, as I don't believe either one will hack it at the Cottage. a few weeks ago Trotta was expected to be off to Leyton orient who baulked at the reputed £ 500,00 asking price.
We've apparently had two bids reject for Costa Rican centre back Giancarlo Gonzalez. "Fulham have been rebuffed in two bids for Costa Rica World Cup star Giancarlo Gonzalez. Gonzalez was a stand-out performer for Costa Rica at the World Cup in Brazil as they made history by reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament. The 26-year-old's superb performances at the World Cup alerted a number of clubs across Europe to Gonzalez, with the big central defender named in many pundits' team of the tournament. Gonzalez is currently plying his trade in Major League Soccer after joining Columbus Crew from Norwegian side Valerenga in February. Columbus Crew have been bracing themselves for interest in Gonzalez in the wake of his impressive showings in Brazil and Fulham's bid in the region of €3.5million (£2million) has been turned down by his club and MLS, as they are expecting higher bids for the player." Source: http://www1.skysports.com/football/...lez?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Don't unerstand this. Even if Amorebieta is on the move - and it's odds on that he is - we've now got Bodurov. And surely the priority is in central midfield to cover/replace Parker.
58; He was a quality player in the World Cup so surely a good acquisition, if we got him. A positive replacement for Amorebieta I would have thought and at 26, just right.
I haven't forgiven him yet for visciously elbowing Kevin Doyle in an international friendly back in June. But that's not the only reason I don't want this transfer to happen. I'm happy with our options at CB. We should be spending that money, and it's quite a bit judging by the figures quoted, on other players as you've suggested.
I agree, it looks like we've far too many CBs as it is. I hope Amore doesn't go. He's been very positive towards the Fulham cause on Twitter recently, and I think he'll be great in the Championship. The fact he can cover at LB is handy too.
Stekelenberg has been removed as number 1 and isn't available for printing on the back of replica shirts. That should be him off soon.
The rumours around Kostas Mitrologlou still rumble on. This time from Germany where Hertha Berlin manager Jos Luhukay told their club's website: "Should we manage to find a very good striker, we may make some further business, of course. There is no truth in rumours linking Hertha Berlin with Konstantinos Mitroglou, definately no truth! We are looking to sign (a striker) but we have no pressure as we already have a good first XI."
Apparently Southampton have signed Fraser Forster from Celtic for £10m. Know they have money in the bank but but seems a high price for a keeper. Whatever, got me wondering whether that might see us moving for Artur Boruc? His name was banded around quite a lot during the Stockdale episode. Personally hope not. Has the experience over our youngsters obviously but somehow just don't rate him.
He is one of those 'keepers that will pull out ridiculous saves that you wouldn't think were possible and then a couple of minutes later make an absolute howler. We could do a lot worse though.
Dutch papers are saying that Maarten Stekelenburg is joining Monaco on a free transfer. I'm guessing that actually means that they've bought out his contract.
There seems to be little confidence in the keepers we have, there is a hell of a lot of meritocracy out their, so not let us panic and step back in our old buying ways. Having watched the youngsters we have, i say give them their chance.
Do you mean 'mediocrity', kunye? That's the only way I can make sense of your statement! If so, you might be right. Our young keepers may well be better than a lot of what's out there, but I would like to have a more experienced keeper in the squad, even if he isn't necessarily the first choice.
