Tom Cairney believes Fulham’s blend of experience and youth – as well as making key signings early in the summer – helped Marco Silva’s side not only avoid another fight against relegation but thrive in the Premier League this season.
The Whites belied the pre-season predictions of another struggle in the top flight by comfortably surviving in some style and finished above near neighbours Chelsea for the first time in forty years as they ended up tenth in the Premier League. The Fulham captain told the Daily Mail that the club had learned lessons from their previous pitiful Premier League showings.
“I think a lot’s gone differently. I think the new signings in the summer hit the ground running, they’ve been very good. I think winning the league the previous year… that gave us more time to plan, and a bit more of a confidence boost [than going up through the play-offs] because we won the league.
I feel like the experience and the youth – getting the mix well is key in any football team. I think we’ve done that. We brought in Willian who’s 34 years old but I mean, he’s quality, and his enthusiasm and what he’s done in his career is exceptional. If you’re playing catch-up in this league, it’s horrible.”
Cairney is relishing his first chance to play in the United States during the Premier League’s Summer Series next month which will see Marco Silva’s side play in Philadelphia, Maryland and Orlando. The classy playmaker admits he is intrigued by the prospect of playing in the MLS later in his career.
“Never say never. It could be an amazing experience. I think that’s the reason why I’m excited to come. ‘m excited to see the stadiums, see what it’s like, see what the fans are like, the pitches. Because I do find it very interesting, intriguing, the MLS. And it’s – I don’t know, it’s a different way of life. It could be amazing to live out there.
I think it’s nice that we’re going there. Not many teams, I suppose, have a lot of history with US players. But Fulham is one of them. We’ve got two players in the squad right now, two players that play for the USA still. So it’s brilliant that we’re going there, and hopefully the fans can turn out – probably to see them two, maybe, and then they can jump on board and support us through the season.”
