Nothing yet from the Club about who is being released and they seem to be drip feeding us the contract extensions. Reckon next up could be Michael Madl, since I hear and tell that we will take up the option to sign him permanently - until 2018. Would stress though that, while my source is sound it's by no means official. And indeed, if correct, because of the paper work/registration stuff it may take a wee while before it's public.
I'd agree that Cairney, Christenson, Fredericks and - if he'll sign a new contract - Hyndman would be a great core to build around. Dembele too if he'll stay, but I'm not optimistic about that. I'm hoping that George Williams can come of age with us next season, adding pace and trickery (not to mention long-lamented WIDTH) on the left. Sadly, I've not seen Madl for myself yet, but he sounds like he's a good thing. Question for those who have seen more of them than me: Ream and Stearman were well-regarded when we signed them. Is it that they are bad defenders, or that they are defenders playing in a bad defence? If things were different - a better holding midfielder in front of them, a better organiser alongside them, whatever - could they be good for us, or they lame ducks who we'd be better to just move on as quickly as possible?
Hard to put a finger on the reason but neither has had a good season. Ream really doesn't seem suited to left back; not just for us - he's had a mare or two for the USA this last year. Not convinced he's got the bottle when under pressure. However as you'll see he's in the picture advertising the 2016/17 training kit (on Cravings Elite Athlete thread) so presume he's staying with us. Stearman's issue is consistency. And rarely half measures - he either has a stormer or a stinker. Doesn't seem to matter whether he's at RB or CB, although being so slow on the turn makes him especially vulnerable at fullback. A big plus is his passion and commitment. My take is that both are suited only to CB (Ream left side; Stearman right side) BUT neither is going to be good enough if they are exposed because of our lack of a defensive midfielder(s)
Thanks Cottager. My suspicion - albeit based on little first hand evidence - is that if we get the midfield right then either or both of them could flourish, although it might take another centre back (Modl? Someone else?) to bring the best out of them.
I was really pleased that we'd signed the well-respected Stearman and Ream, but this has been one of the puzzles of the season causing us to concede so many goals, along with silly errors of others and our absolute appalling organisation for corners. Time to start again.
I feel last season we never got our first priority right and never got anyone that was a good Defensive Midfielder to protect in front of the back 4. (Mattila??) I think we need at least two, and Madl I think could do that role, he has good ball control and passing ability, it would also give the option of Madl slotting in for the 3rd CB when required. It's also possible Ream could fit the DM role all be it not as my first choice. I like us to keep Hydnman, Cairney, LVC & Pringle, and would also hope George Williams would be given a chance on the wing. But all the other players are central midfielders (AM), so for me none of them have the skills of a winger and haven't played well out wide.
Says it all; people playing out of position, no balance or organisation in the team. And more importantly no defensive cover.
How's about looking at Scott Hogan of Brentford? Only 24 and really caught my eye over the last month of the season. Didn't know much about him but a quick check shows a good non league player then went to Rochdale and scored better than a goal every two game so, picked up by Brentford but got injured straight away though has returned with a bang.
Saw tonight's Brighton result and can only feel sorry for them,always the bridesmaid, and only missed automatic promotion on goal difference. My point is they will be on a rebuilding programme this close season,and I feel if we put in a realistic bid we could possibly prize away Dunk. there are those who will not agree, but when I have seen him he has a commanding presence something we have lacked since the heyday of Hangleland. Cookie your shout may be a good one,but for me the defence is our priority as we missed Tarkowski I would go for another Brentford man Bidwell and maybe Judd.
Brighton were unbelievable tonight could easily had that game won by half time. Thought Dunk was very good and the Brighton crowd gave him man of the match. Was good to see Sidwell and Rosenior playing well, still can't believe Brighton got Knockeart permanently what were we doing! If I was them I would desperately trying to keep that squad together for next season, not rebuilding or selling anyone.
Andrew Dawber is the first of the youngsters to leave. The 21yr old goalkeeper has signed for Altrincham. Source: http://www.messengernewspapers.co.u...Fulham_keeper_Dawber_joins_the_Robins_ranks/?
Anyone watching the cup final??? I would happily buy Palaces bench for our summer transfers ( minus Adebayor) Gayle, Kelly, Mariappa, Campbell and Puncheon. Call it £25 million.... £17 mill in for Mitro, Dembele and Stek... Sorted
Can't agree with Dunk. He is too hot headed and rash in the challenge and therefore a liability. I think I have seen Brighton on TV twice this season and he has been sent off both times for horrendous tackles. Don't need him and Ammo in the team. We would end up with 9 men on the pitch too often.
The drip feeding about signing up existing players has dried up. However expect one quite soon. Having got the nod about Michael Madl before the Club announcement, I now hear and tell we'll sign Rohan Ince permanently. On a similar 2 year deal as Madl. please log in to view this image Rohan didn't have an option to buy in his loan deal, so negotiations are taking that bit longer.
I know contracts don't officially end until 30/6/16 but a lot of other clubs have already announced there released lists. In what could be a busy summer why don't we get ours out early.
Oooops! "Brentford midfielder Alan Judge has been reprimanded by the FA after breaching anti doping regulations." please log in to view this image Some mitigation but still dodgy. Here's a link to the story: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/spor...rentford-star-alan-judge-reprimanded-11398006
With June 1st soon (Or in Fulham's case it will take them to July 1st), I guess we'll get to know players being released and whether the big clear out is going ahead. You'd guess Kacaniklic, Dembele and Hydnman are on the out list along with Burn. the loans will have gone back, leaving question Marks over O'Hara & Pringle. Mitroglou has gone, Stekelenberg sounds like he's gone. Bodurov sounds like he's back to go out on loan. Our transfer window will probably start with the usual 3 players we have signed on free's followed by a long wait till the end of the window to get a few more players in who didn't get there first choice suddenly decide Fulham are their best bet for a pay day. So they won't be match fit, along with Williams, Richards, Woodrow and McCormack getting back late due to International games, the usual excuse will be it will take 6 weeks for the team to gel. There are possibilities that McCormack will be a last minute loss when clubs decide they need Striker cover in the Premier. Oh Happy days.
