Fulham - A fan's view
Friday, 25 May 2007 08:29
Good, bad or just the same old, same old. What the fans made of the 2006-07 season.
This was Fulham's most disappointing season in the Premiership to date. The side have been treading water for too long now and can consider themselves lucky that Liverpool chose to field a reserves side for the penultimate game of the season. The loss of Jimmy Bullard early in the season was a cruel blow and left the side often lacking strength in depth. Away form has been a recurring problem in past seasons and this one was no different. One of the biggest talking points has to be Chris Coleman's sacking with just five games to go. Cookie had given huge amounts to the club over his tenure as manager but dwindling transfer funds from the chairman, a sliding table position in the table and an uncompromising managerial style probably meant his departure was inevitable. So in stepped Sanchez with his well-rehearsed underdog bravado to deliver what was asked of him and for this, fans were thankful. Fulham were certainly in the spotlight for the Premiership's climax but not for the reasons most would have wished.
Grade: E
High Point
Fulham tend to deliver one special, pride-inspiring result every season and this one was no different. The 2-1 victory against Arsenal at home was undoubtedly the moment to cherish.
Low Point
Being the whipping boys is never a pleasant experience and with all eyes on Manchester United versus Fulham in the opening game of the season, a 5-1 drubbing is best forgotten.
Fan's Player of the Year
Brian McBride
With nine goals to his name this season it is a staggering achievement that the 33-year-old American striker is collecting goals regularly. The athletic forward has an exemplarily work ethic and desire to win and is widely recognised as one of the best headers of the ball in the Premiership despite being just 184cm. McBride's tireless performance in Fulham's narrow 2-1 loss at home to Manchester United summed up why he won the club's official player of the season accolade.
Needs for Next Season
With the return of Jimmy "Maggie Thatcher" Bullard, Fulham's midfield should be fine next season and Antti Niemi certainly has things covered between the sticks. Questions have been raised over Zat Knight's pedigree in recent months and another solid centre-back would allay this fear somewhat. Aside from this, an out-and-out goalscorer must be the priority and with new manager Sanchez at the helm, the promise of a David Healy transfer from Leeds could mix things up in this regard.
Jamie Coggans
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