Harrison Reed admits that Fulham’s relegation from the Premier League ‘hasn’t sunk in yet’ but the tigerish midfielder is already targeting an immediate return to the top flight.
The former Southampton midfielder has quickly become a favourite of the Fulham faithful after building on an impressive loan spell at Craven Cottage with an excellent first season after signing for the Whites permanently, despite the massive disappointment of relegation. The 26 year-old’s energy and reading of the game was pivotal in helping Scott Parker’s bridge the gap from Championship promotion contenders to becoming competitive in the league above, although he admits the pain of the drop is still very raw.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Athletic, Reed says:
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. For so long, we believed that we could really do it, that we really could stay in the league, and that we deserved to stay in the league. But over the course of 38 games, it’s not down to luck, we fell short. You can look back at key moments and say, ‘We were unlucky here’, ‘We didn’t get the decision here’. But there’s only so much that counts for.”
“We didn’t have the quality in certain moments to kill a game or see it out. It is really painful because for so long, we were so competitive. We were just the one goal away from picking up more points in certain games. Over the course of a season, that’s huge.
Reed remains hungry for success and, whilst careful not to overlook the depth of competition in the Championship, believes that Fulham can realistically consider themselves amongst the leading contenders for promotion next season.
“My initial reaction after this season is to get back there as quick as possible. Listen, the Championship is a very, very competitive league, it takes a lot of quality and a mentality and consistency to be successful but last season and this season will stand us in good stead. I’ve really enjoyed the season in the Premier League. I’ve loved it, I feel like I’ve grown as a player. I can’t wait to get back there. We can do that next season.”
Love Harrison Reed. He had a great season in the Premier League so this is very good news.
He’s a future Fulham captain in my mind.
A midfield rotation from a fully fit TC, Reed, Onomah & Johansen would be brilliant for the Championship. I’d be fascinated to see if Seri actually contributes at that level too given the relative failures of the last couple of loans he has been on.
I definitely agree with Chlo above though; if we keep him here Reed has everything you want in a future captain of the team.
Terrific player for us-last season and this season.
High praise from him for Scott Parker so it really does make you wonder why it all just imploded with a dozen or so games to go.
Harrison is an honest, hard working guy so I believe what he says about Parker.
Reading the report from the Supporters Trust meeting with the club, it seems that the reason for the collapse in those final games is also a question that the hierarchy want answered.
With Slavisa Jokanovic now confirmed as the new man in charge at Sheffield United, it looks odds on that there will be huge speculation around the future of Mitrovic and, quite possibly, a few other Fulham players.
It will be an interesting close season. That’s for sure!
It is great news that Reed wants to stay and try and help us get back. I know football fans and players are very different but it still makes me proud when a player says they are happy at Fulham.
I’m sure there will be plenty of speculation between now and August. Jokanovic will likely be a formidable opponent in the Championship, but I’m quite relaxed about the possibility of either Mitrovic or Cairney – as rumoured elsewhere on the internet today – ending up in south Yorkshire. Both are on long contracts that the Blades won’t be able to match and then there’s the subject of hefty transfer fees.
I do hope that Mitrovic and Parker can patch up whatever their differences are so that we have the services of a proven goalscorer for the new season.
Reed is a huge asset for Fulham. I know he is referred to as a future captain…personally I’d make him captain now. Can’t see Cairney staying fit enough to justify keeping it. If we believe in building a young team with potential then HR has to be at the centre of it.