Roy Hodgson doesn’t do knee-jerk reactions. He’s calm and rational, even after a defeat, and those are valuable qualities in a manager. He wasn’t giving too much away about his transfer plans after the Aston Villa game, but the prospect of new arrivals at Motspur Park remains a possibility.
The Fulham manager talked in the immediate aftermath of Andy Johnson’s injury about the need for a new striker. Certainly, we were pretty toothless up front yesterday, although you have to wonder what a forward would have been able to do with the scraps he would have had to feed on at Villa Park. The problems seemed to be in the engine room – and it’s not as if there’s a shortage of midfielders – and at the back. A back-up centre half and a new left-back, where we look desperately short of cover for Konchesky, would be handy.
We are considering that (bringing in more players). You never know what is going to happen. We are still looking at certain options and we will see how they pan out.
All that suggests that there might be one or two new signings before the window shuts on Tuesday afternoon. We’ll have to wait and see.
It is reported in most media over here that David Elm (the older brother of Rasmus) is travelling to SW6 for a medical today…
Nick, a quick check suggests that his goalscoring rate does nto set the world alight (or even Sweden). What is your opinion?
Dan, indeed unlike some messages on other forums our Roy is not taken to over reaction. Hoever, some reaction is required. He did, both yesterday and last Sunday, look less than pleased. Lets hope as well as getting Murphy and I expect AJ back fit again those who are not off for international duites will be worked very hard over the next two weeks.
I think that if absolutley necessary then Duff soudl cover Konch, he has played there before. Also what has happened to Kallio? I think so far as defence then our cover is Smalling and Baird.
I just hope that a loan or two will be possible off of the back of our Europa League qualification which might just lift spirits as well as bolster the squad.
After thre leagues games we have secured the same number of points as we did from the corresponding games last year. Trying to be positive.
COYSW
Well, he’s a solid player who works hard but I find it highly unlikely that he’s good enough for the premiership. I would love to be proven wrong though 😉
He would however bring us something that we don’t have today – a striker that sets for goal as soon as he get’s the ball and maybe with the deliveries of the likes of Murphy and Clint could score some goals for us. But as I said, I find it unlikely.
Alan C – I’m sure Roy will analyse the defeat thoroughly and have the players working hard on the system and their roles on the training ground. The international break could actually work in our favour (assuming our internationals don’t get injured, of course).
As for the players you mentioned, Kallio is still out with an Achilles injury he picked up in pre-season. I’d rather Duff played in his natural position rather than being made to play left back, it was hardly a success at Newcastle after all. Smalling and Baird are decent cover for central defence, but I’d be happier for another (I suppose a quality defender won’t want to sit on the bench every week though).
Nick – Interesting. Any idea how much we’d be paying for Elm?
I would assume that we get him (if we do) for less than 500k. Outgoing contract and all…
Perhaps he’s worth a punt at that price. How much did we pay for Bjorn?
Mind you, Marcus clearly doesn’t think he’s worth £500:
https://hammyend.com/?p=3206
Yeah, I know Marcus rates him a lot less than I do, but then again. He’s not that good. I think we paid just over £1 mill for Björn…
Looks like you were spot on with the fee, Nick.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1210378/Fulham-snap-David-Elm-500-000-Kalmar-FF.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0Po89SmIq
Does this mean he’s half as good as Runstrom?