An interesting piece on this pre-season tour malarky in today’s Indy was made even more relevant by some quotes from Fulham CEO Alistair Mackintosh regarding our recent jaunt to Australia.
He doesn’t address the concern of some fans that Roy Hodgson and his backroom team might have been better served by being at home to negotiate transfer deals and attract deals, but does stress the important commerical value of our trip Down Under.
We had three major reasons for going. We have a bit of a fanbase in Australia because of Mark Schwarzer [Fulham’s Australia international goalkeeper]; it was fairly lucrative and also the tour was early enough to form an integral part of our fitness preparation for the season.
Describing the crowds as ‘appreciative,’ Mackintosh says Fulham had a responsibility to play in front of foreign fans.
It will have made a difference to our perception there. We all have a duty as Premier League clubs to try to get out to these audiences who buy our television rights.
It’s certainly an interesting take on things but as long as he isn’t in favour of that barmy 39th game, it’s alright with me.
