Former There’s Only F in Fulham editor David Lloyd has given the Guardian his thoughts ahead of the new Premier League season in their annual club-by-club fan preview.
If you’ve been fretting about Fulham developments over the past few days, this will put a smile on your face because David’s optimistic. We’ve reproduced his words in full below:
While Marco Silva’s at the helm there’s plenty of optimism about. He’s continued to forge a squad full of drive, quality, togetherness and belief – but, as last season proved, it needs bolstering or there’s every chance we’ll run out of steam once again. The cosseted mega-wealthy clubs have scoured the globe and splashed millions on fresh talent, whereas our lot’s vision has seemed limited to SW6 and the local pier. New contracts for Kenny Tete, Josh King, Harry Wilson, Tom Cairney and co (OK, plus a cross-channel sortie to nab back-up keeper Benjamin Lecomte) were great business and a sign of stability, but where’s the smattering of new blood to provide fresh competition for places, that extra edge and to give the supporters a lift?
Key players/weak links? Curious that the ever-improving Rodrigo Muniz is being linked with other clubs when he should be established as the club’s main striker for years to come. Despite varied and indifferent service (or the fact that he’s often sat on the bench!), the 24-year old’s goals return is impressive. And maybe King’s new long-term contract means he’ll get more game time too; hope so.
We still need to sign … The much-mooted return of Reiss Nelson hasn’t happened yet, while another winger, Raheem Sterling on the huge surplus pile at Chelsea, has also been linked. Either way, I’m counting on Emile Smith-Rowe making a much greater impression having arrived late in the day this time last year with precious little pre-season training or time to fully integrate.
Our headline-maker is … There’s big Calvin Bassey, of course, plus Roadrunner Robinson meep-meeping back and forth down the left, but Marco’s the main man at the local football club.
Happy with this season’s new kit? Oh it’s smart, no question; it’s sleek; but it’s all white. Black mark going against tradition with the shorts. The 90s throwback second strip, complete with old badge, looks the biz.
We will finish … Let’s be bold. 9th.
Top four 1. Manchester City; 2. Liverpool; 3. Chelsea; 4. Newcastle.
Bottom three 18. Brentford; 19. Sunderland; 20. Burnley.
First manager sacked Keith Andrews.
So just another copy and paste article. Coolo
This isn’t ‘a copy and paste article’ as you put it.
This is the first Fulham fans’ website promoting the words of the editor of TOOFIF to our audience with the permission of both the author and the other publication.
Since you think we copy and paste articles here, please list all the others.
I am a 65 year supporter and season ticker holder, and FFC is part of my DNA. I can no longer afford to go as priced out. In 1996 we had no money and were broken Kevin Moore asked me to buy the flood lights as Sky could not put the Cardiff game on as lights were too dark. FFC could not afford to buy the lamps. I did buy them and got a Sparky I know to clime up and screw them in. Ian Branfoot asked me Why we had no supporters and we had only sold one player Jupp to Wimbledon For £10k…….Look what we have now we are so lucky to have what we have …….. I do agree about the kit we should have black shorts.. you are all lucky to be able to continue to go, and see one of the best clubs in the world………..
Nick,
I’m saddened to read that you’ve been priced out by the Club. I’ll get in touch with you about using a ticket or two of mine for free as and when they become available. We’d all love to read your stories from back in the day – including the stories featuring Kevin Moore and Ian Branfoot.
I quite agree about he shorts, should be black
Thanks Dan for your reply. The point I was making FFC were near to non existence, so now we supporters are now privileged, we used to say if only Elton John supported FFC as his uncle Reg Dwite played for us……instead of Watford!!!!!
The other incident was that the changing rooms (then home is now the away ) The boiler did not work and the players were complaining of cold showers, and a tingling sensation from the shower heads. Micky Adams was on to Kevin constantly to “Make them showers Hot”. I again got a sparky to look at the boiler, which was completely wired incorrectly with the earth, and neutral and internal wiring condemned, thus sending an electrical charge to the water pipes, which was very dangerous. We managed to mend and get it working safely.
The point is we are now so Lucky to have a team and club, as we were about to not exist.
I love the comments on here almost as much as the articles! Great bit of team history, Nick.
Keep them coming Nick, Fulham owes you a couple of match day tickets, to say the least
Yes we should retain black shorts.
Yes FFC should feel some responsibility for Nic re tickets
Well said Dan and Simon
Like Nic l started years ago 1st match in 1968 to be precise. I also remember when we were on the brink of folding and was supporting us when we were 91st of the 92 teams in the top 4 divisions. Crowds were 2 to 3 thousand and if you arrived early the quip was did you Bring your boots.
So we must be grateful as to where we are now. Micky Adams started the rival and look where we are now. I have hope for the time between now and the window closing and like many players are hoping for another cracking at a European trophy after a European tour.
Keep the stories coming Nic you can’t beat the old days