It is already clear that Marco Silva’s appointment as Fulham’s head coach in the summer was a gamechanger. The Portuguese boss had a point to prove in English football after being sacked at Everton and was hungry to answer his critics in a role similar to his first in management – when he took Estoril up from the second division in his homeland and soon had them challenging the elite. In barely a month, he has revolutionised Fulham’s football, abandoning Scott Parker’s cautious approach, and the flair that has accompanied four wins from the first five is arguably as exhilarating as the fact that the Whites sit top of the Championship.
Arguably as important as the tactical tweaks has been the way the new man has influenced Fulham’s famous transfer policy. The elements of the ‘two boxes ticked’ method embraced by Tony Khan as director of football may remain in place, but there is no doubt that Silva enjoys far more sway than any of his immediate predecessors. He quickly brought in Paulo Gazzaniga, who has become Fulham’s number one and Harry Wilson, who has made such a blistering start down the right wing. Silva pushed hard to sign Brazilian wonderkid Rodrigo Muniz and recruited two more midfielders last night in the shape of Domingos Quina and Nathaniel Chalobah.
These signings make an already strong Fulham squad seem supremely stacked. The deadline day signings were vital after the loaning out of Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, who wasn’t keen on playing in the Championship, and the ongoing injury concerns about Fulham’s other midfielders. Harrison Reed has only just returned from an ankle injury, whilst Tom Cairney’s troublesome knees have meant he has managed just a single training session since Silva arrived. That means we can’t count on the captain’s precise passing anytime soon. While Fabio Carvalho has began brilliantly in the Championship, Silva will know he can’t depend on the prodigious talent all season. Quina is an exciting talent who hasn’t got the football he deserved at Vicarage Road, whilst Chalobah, an England international nurtured by Silva during his time at Watford, appears an exceptional addition to the engine room.
The only thing missing from Silva’s wishlist was probably a right back following the injury to Kenny Tete. If the Dutch international’s hamstring problem will keep him out until the new year, asking Denis Odoi to deputise for three months would not have been the head coach’s first choice. The Belgian veteran did terrifically well against Stoke – but he is nobody’s idea of a modern, marauding full back. Fulham might approaches to several right backs on Tuesday but failed to get a deal over the line – approaching a free agent in the weeks ahead might be a real possibility.
If the incomings look outstanding, then the fact that Fulham’s hierarchy have managed to keep the spine of a strong squad together is very impressive. The club rebuffed late interest in Tosin Adarabioyo, allowing the former Manchester City man to continue his burgeoning partnership at the heart of the defence with Tim Ream. The unlikely midfield pairing of Josh Onomah, who looks reborn under the regime, and Jean Michael Seri, whose own revival at Craven Cottage is the story of the summer, has worked wonderfully well having been thrown together after injuries derailed Silva’s initial plans. Bobby Decordova-Reid’s brilliant start to the season has seen the Jamaican force his way into the first eleven, whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic committing his long-term future to Fulham would have been a huge boost to everyone connected to the club.
The Khan family have handsomely backed every manager they have appointed since taking over the club in 2013. Results on the field have fallen far short of their financial investment – which, to their credit, has never dwindled. Silva has the set-up to take Fulham back to the top flight and make a serious statement whilst doing so. He has began life in south west six superbly, but will know better than most that nothing is won in August.
Great window for FFC Tosin staying is a huge bonus and Odoi and Steven Sessegnon can cover RB in Kennys absence
Very well written Dan, spot on!! Couldn’t agree more!! COYW
Terry W Signings seem about right too many might have undermined team spirit which
may have happened last year.We need to ensure that good young players from the
academy see their are opportunities available to progress.Also think the managers
experience of players is crucial.Last year I was not sure all those on loan wanted to play .
for Fulham
Is there a future now for Cyrus? Nothing to lose by Silva developing him like he has already done with a few other players? If not can’t Joe Bryan be tried out at RB? And do we know how long Kenny Tete will be out? But the rest of the first team squad looks strong and capable of promotion by playing attractive football!
I think it is a crying shame that we haven’t seen too much of joe Bryan. As much as I like Odoi who has been a faithful servant, maybe give Joe Bryan a chance at R.B. His marauding runs down the wing could prove quite useful.
I thought Odoi was superb v Stoke and to be fair was overlapping on occasion. Maybe JB can play RB defensively. Cant see him whipping the ball in with his right foot though. Look we have Odoi and BDR. No panic. The rest of the squad looks pretty much bang on. What optimism Silva has brought to the club! COYW.
A good all round window. Shame Ashley Grimes did not materialise and Christie and Knockhaert could not have been moved on to cut the salary bill. Squad looking good. If Odoi injured then right back could be an issue. Possibly try Bryan or Hector there in an U21 match. We still have Christie in an emergency so Silva needs to install some confidence in him until the January transfer window, when n hopefully Tete will be fit again.
Good Article . I think fans need to appreciate the Chairman . He has best intentions for club . He has learnt from mistakes . He has now got us a manager certainly as good as Hodgson and JT . Silva in turn has simply achieved a revolution within 3 months . COYW!
A massively inspired move in appointing Marco.
Nice to have someone at the helm who actually knows what he is doing.
It makes my blood boil to think that Parker was perseved with for so long ,when he clearly was clueless.
Thank you, thank you, thank you the Khan family.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Marco Silva.
Thank you, thank you, thank you the Fulham squad.
Hasn’t always been easy being a Fulham fan these past 60 years or so, but this is as good as it gets.
COYW!
Happy with the arrivals and the influence that Marco Silva has had on them, my only downside is not getting rid of Anguissa for good, don’t believe in keeping a player who only wants to play in the premier league, that’s not teamwork.
No doubt about the chairman’s commitment. Looking forward to the season with the best footballing squad by far.
My family all know that I have been a Fulham supporter since the 1960s, and have said what a sad person I was. Now we are all buzzing, and I am taking my niece, her baby and partner to Bristol City, all have never been to a football match before.
This season has been a revolution, what a difference Marco Silva has made. We are finally playing attacking football, no more Parkerball. What a joy.
brilliant assessment. Thanks