Fulham owner Shahid Khan says he is confident that it will be third time lucky as the Whites look to end their prolonged period of bouncing between the top two divisions of English football.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Times’ Alyson Rudd, Khan – who insists the new Riverside Stand will give the best views of London – details why he feels like Fulham are in a better position to avoid going straight back down to the Championship than on either of the two previous occasions they were promoted during his tenure in charge.
“If you don’t learn from history, you’re doomed to repeat mistakes. We had a much stronger team this year coming up, won the Championship, set records. That young team, you have to supplement it in a way that is complementary, so you’re counting on analytics, the track record of the players and, most importantly, the manager. He might have a recipe but the technique of putting it all together is the art.
Having a manager who is engaged and accountable is very important. I was at the training ground, one on one, with several of the players who have been there a long time. And I got a really good feeling from them that this time it feels different and we’re going to stay up. I feel really good. The last two times we went up we had a manager who had never coached in the Premier League, but we do have one now who has enjoyed success and that is very important.”
Khan, who wasn’t directly questioned on the club’s decision to charge as much as £100 for tickets to the opening game of the season against Liverpool, also dismissed the suggestion that there was ‘a Khan brand’ of sports ownership – given that he also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“That sounds too narcissistic and arrogant. I think you want to have the values of accountability, integrity and success on the pitch and those things need to operate in harmony and not be mutually exclusive.”
Let’s see- he says he was “talking to several of the players who have been there a long time”-that can only be the likes of Ream, Bryan, Decordova Reid et al.
That really fills me with confidence!
We have finally rid ourselves of a number of “nowhere near good enoughs” but it is soul destroying to see that we still have so many included in this Portugese training camp. Players like Fossey and Jasper for example.
Back at Motspur, we have the likes of Knockaert, Cavaleiro, Kongolo, Onomah still hanging around, all earning big bucks and adding an air of depression to the place. It appears that nobody wants any of them. That’s a surprise.
The thought of Chalobah being selected for the Premiership fills me with utter dread.
We need a major boost and we need it quick.
I, personally, would rather start with Rodak and see that money go towards a central defender or full backs or a decent, quality striker. Stuff Arsenal and their stupid demands. Stuff Leno too.
Either way, SOMETHING needs to be done.
S.Khan talks about learning from history and not repeating the same mistakes? Did he actually say that with a straight face? It’s insulting to supporters to hear him talk like this when he -or his son -or both -are, once again, giving a manager as little help as possible going into a new Premiership season.
There are other PL clubs struggling to sign players in this market which appears to be a very difficult one. We splashed the cash unwisely before so while it’s disappointing and frustrating for us fans we have to be patient. Happy with the additions so far.
All good players who will make a difference. There are much worse owners.
Charles I couldn’t agree more they are setting silva up to fail the goals we conceded against Benfica highlight we need a whole back four unmarked forwards in our box school boy defending
On the bright side pereira looked good with great delivery from set plays
I have to agree with everything you said Charles. I am looking at the new season with trepidation. Far too many Championship level players. A back 4 that leaks goals like a sieve. Agents know how needy we are for quality so the prices increase.I have no faith at all in the owners and their ability to push us forward. Words mean nothing its actions we need and quick.
Two top priorities a right back and quality central defender. Then a left back and goalkeeper. Our defence is the issue I consider we can get by with the rest of our players once we have officially signed Soloman. I totally agree about shipping out the dead wood mentioned above who are a waste of money.and will only drag down other players with their presence in the club.
Did Mr Khan not see the Benfica game the defending was shambolic Tete nowhere to be seen for 4 of the 5 goals that came from his position and he is likely to be Premier league starter. Still not totally convinced by Tosin but he is young and has improvement in him. The rest of the back 4 simply aren’t good enough. If Mr Khan wants to learn from history he simply has to look at what our back 4 was the last time we got relegated. It’s very interesting that nobody is knocking on our door trying to buy any of our record breaking Championship winners. In my opinion we need two new centre backs, left and right full backs, another creative midfielder, 2 new wingers and an alternative to Mitro up front.
I totally agree with Charles our defence is useless and why are we still looking for midfielder’s Khan is talking crap and won’t pay the going price,if you pay peanuts you only get monkeys he has no problem taking money from our supporters with his outrageous ticket prices but doesn’t want to buy players to keep us in the premiership,I can see us going straight back down again while the Khan’s have anything to do with player recruitment. As for Khan’s statement he hasn’t got a clue and no doubt he will put the blame on Silva when we are relegated once again.
When we are rock bottom of the Prem after six matches, with zero wins, maybe a point from a draw, let’s NOT be calling for Silva’s head. Slav was blamed for our poor start last time round, and it will be the same this time. It wont be the manager who’s to blame, but the players he has at his disposal. Our current squad is so far away from being strong enough to survive in the Premier League. As Hodgson used to say, “you start with the goalkeeper, then the defence, and build a team from there”. Where have we gone since the famous 2010 Europa League Final? Just downhill, and have never recovered.
Mr Khan has the finances to keep us in the top division, but isn’t prepared to put the money in. Look at Newcastle. They will never have a relegation fight again, as money will be available as and where required. Why can’t we do the same, and give us supporters a team AND stadium to be proud of!
Our back 5 are a ‘Top 6 Championship defence’. No more. If we play with them we will be down by Christmas. It really is that simple. 1 or 2 won’t make a difference as the weak link will make the mistakes that get punished. Tosin can cut it. The rest ALL need replacing. If not then we’ll go straight back down. Not maybe but Definitely.
I understand the frustration. We all want to see players come in who are better than the ones we already have and can help us stay and thrive in the premier league. Of course, the management need to learn from history and hopefully that is the case, even though it may not appear that way. We also don’t want to overpay or be ripped off! Other teams know our history and our predicament and will try to take advantage of both. However, can’t believe so many slagging off the Khans! We’re just on the back of an amazing record-breaking season and soon to be open new stand. Yeah, the ticket pricing does seem outrageous and short-sited – agreed! But, on the subject of transfers and readiness, if Benfica wasn’t a reminder of how much we need experienced high-level defenders nothing will be; so let’s hope it has been a ‘blessing in disguise’ and wait until we’re a few games in before passing judgement!
Trouble is Steve, that’s what we did last time. When we did bring in reinforcements they were panic buys and too late. Plus not enough with Prem experience. Sorry to say, but it’s de ja vu.
If anybody thinks we needed Benfica to ‘show’ we need a new defence and keeper then they shouldn’t be in football. Ablessing disguise??? Where have you all been living for the past 6 months? Anyone with a pulse knew we needed a new defence for the Prem. I’m sorry but these arguments are lazy and weak.You have to believe Silva knows that. Ignore what Silva says publicly. He knows we’re done for if he doesn’t get a defence in. He’ll be shouting from the roof tops internally
Last time, 20-21, Fulham did bring in defense but too late. Conceded 10 goals in first three games, but only 42 over 35 thereafter. They didn’t score. Under Silva this team will score given a chance. Repeat last experience but three weeks earlier
It sounds like we are taking our time in signing to save money on salaries for a month or so which is not bad but the issue those players need to understand each other and learn some drills together. They need to understand each other’s way of play. All of that takes time and tbh the same happened last time we got relegated which is terrible way of running a club . The manager we have , does have some experience in the PL and he knew he needed enforcement in every area . So he should have drafted a list . The problem when you have someone without experience playing at the highest level running a football club or responsible for recruiting can spell disaster . The manger may look for a right back as well as centre half . Knowing which one you got first that will influence your decision on recruiting the second as it is like Jigsaw puzzle. You need to consider heights of both players. If they are good with both feet . Tackles , covering for the other . Their speed and so on . In order to build partnerships. First time Fulham got relegated was for missing on few points. All of them were down to efforts . They were many matches at the cottage could have been won with a bit more efforts . Also we had two fantastic players in Berbatov and Ruiz but none of them will defend. At the time when Ronny’s tires were catching fire . We had two or three or even four players in some games who won’t defend, chase back or tackle ? That was as good as game over for me . Silva wants us to enjoy football played at Fulham! It will come with time I’m afraid. Like the way Roy Hodgson did . If you draw every match in the league you will stay up for sure . The fact that will never happen! Parker stated that we needed to be savvy and take some opportunities, those opportunities were Leicester and Liverpool. If I remember Everton who were good then . That’s not bad but those issues have not been addressed and I’m not expecting miracles but I would love to be proven wrong with a good surprise comes end of the season
I predicted a 4-1 defeat against Benifa, and if the same defence plays against that formidable la Liga team; then I would predict, a similar score line.
I have supported Fulham for over 50 years, and have to say that charging £100 to watch the Liverpool game is outrageous, and I am sure that our CEO Mr Mcintosh is fully aware of the resentment expressed by the Fulham fans, and needs to make an immediate announcement apologising perfoundly for this horrendous demand.
Give credit to the Khans for financing the magnificent new Riverside stand, which maybe called the Bedford Jezzard stand!!!!! or the George Cohen stand!!!!
I totally agree with the comments expressed by Shad Khan, that you must learn from your mistakes, but unfortunately the record shows that up to now the Fulham Hierarchy have not learnt from 2 relegations, hence the fact that we are now known as a yo yo club.
Roy Hodyson(excuse spelling)knew what he was talking about, as you have to build from the back, please take note Mr Mcintosh; who along with Mr Tony Khan sanction all transfer dealings.
So, in conclusion, please please, Mr Mcintosh;((excuse the spelling)and Mr Tony Khan, reduce those ridiculous ticket prices immediately and support your Manager with some top quality defenders, as well as a top quality striker, and one additional midfield player, whose playing style is similar Harrison Reid/Reed.
Apologies for my long Rant, but things need to be done very quickly.
Gazaniga is the worst gk ever he doesn’t move he just watches the balls roll in
We’re being linked with some really good players like Diop, Cornet, some average 50/50 ones like Leno, Williams (who was overpriced) and some bad ones like Nbabu. Watch the guy on YouTube…geez!!! I really, really hope it doesn’t happen. Same with Serge Aurier. Was decent at Spurs. That ship has sailed!
Right this minute we’re going straight back down, possibly 2nd bottom!
Need at least 5 signings who can go straight into the first 11
Sink or swim we need to bring in someone like roy Hodgson as director of football someone who knows the club and knows what they are doing
Personally I feel more comfortable playing Luton than Chelsea. However, that is only because we have done virtually nothing to improve the squad. Rich boys running a club with no idea.
I think the transfer & management policies of the khan’s has been nothing short of insanity. They were the guys who fired Mulensteen when it looked like things were improving-and if you thought that couldn’t get any worse they replace him with the strangest guy you could ever wish to see. May be Marco has some great plan-make the squad meditate whilst placing some Edam on their chests!
And if you thought things couldn’t get even stranger Shad claims in an interview that the hierarchy are learning by mistakes? The only way the Khan’s will learn is if we end up in league 1. I don’t want that, but you see that we’re linked with Sergio Rico-does that show you that the hierarchy are learning from past mistakes? I think Marco fully deserves to get the players in that he wants-imagine how he must feel at the minute-I think he might walk. When things start to go wrong I hope the fans don’t turn on Marco.