ROY HODGSON FACES TOUGH JOB
Fulham boss battling to repeat success of last season
HOW Roy Hodgson didn't pick up every Manager of the Year Award going last season is beyond most sane judges.
In May 2008 Hodgson's Fulham escaped relegation by just four goals. One year later, inspired by Danny Murphy's midfield drive, they beat Tottenham and moneybags Manchester City to the last remaining European spot.
But the most impressive thing about Hodgson's feat was the way the manager took it all in his stride. He issued the usual warnings about staying grounded from January and somehow managed to stick to his mantra right up until seventh place in the League was secured in May.
Calm under pressure, astute in the transfer market. If you didn't know any better you would think a certain French professor had orchestrated the London club's revival - not one of our own underrated home-grown gaffers so regularly overlooked by the Premiership big boys.
Fulham's biggest strength last season was deeply rooted in the side being hard to beat. Only Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool conceded fewer goals.
Signing Mark Schwarzer from Middlesbrough last summer was a stroke of genius. The Australian boasted 15 clean sheets - just one less than Arsenal.
But that was perhaps as well when you look at the other end of the pitch. Fulham's goal-scoring record last season had relegation form written all over it.
Even Newcastle managed to outscore them with 40 goals compared to Fulham's total of 39.
Their over-reliance on Andy Johnson is all too apparent. But in truth, it was clear that they were always going to struggle in that department.
Johnson's last respectable tally of 15 goals was all the way back in the 2005-06 season with Crystal Palace, so seven notches in 31 league appearances last season was no dramatic dip in form.
And bringing in Bobby Zamora to ease Johnson's burden was a puzzling move from the start. He had always been a scorer of vital goals for West Ham that ensured both Championship play-off glory and Premiership survival.
But the 28-year-old has never been prolific in the Premiership or Championship. Fans will have to pray that skipper Murphy continues to lead from the front, and American Clint Dempsey resumes his hot streak from last season and recent international outings. But it will be a tall order to repeat last season's performance.
If you told any manager outside the regular European contenders his team would secure wins over Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City coupled with draws against Chelsea and Liverpool in one season, they would probably have you sectioned, but that is the standard the Whites have now set.
Hodgson has brought in Stephen Kelly from Birmingham as cover for John Paintsil and Bjorn Helge Riise, brother of former Liverpool wide man John Arne, to operate on the wing and in the centre of midfield.
Time has not been on his side. Pre-season was pushed forward due to the opening Europa League clashes against FK Vetra coming on July 30 and August 6, and the start of the season is now underway. The task ahead is daunting.
Tottenham and Man City will be firing on all cylinders from the start with more strength in depth to last the pace. Then there is the added threat of West Ham, Blackburn and Sunderland who have cash to bolster their ranks.
Not to mention the fact that a decent Cup run and progression in Europe could stretch a Fulham squad relatively low on cover to breaking point.
BIG HOPE: That the Europa League does not distract the team from their domestic campaign, where a carbon copy of last season would be ideal.
KEY IN: Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom, £2m)
KEY OUT: Leon Andreasen (Hannover 96, free)
This article has 1 comment
Hodgson doesn't need to sign anyone really this year.
Fulham have made a lot of signings, the last two years, and he is giving the team a chance to gel.
although a central defender, central midfielder (not sure as they are signing some South African) and prolific striker would be good, for competition.
having said that that the league will be tougher this year but i expect fulham to have a better season than last year even if they finish lower in the league. if that makes sense!
By eedwick. Posted August 9 2009 at 9:40 PM.