Fulham review

Last updated: 13th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fulham review

Zamora: A marvellous term

Related links

Teams

Also see


FULHAM

What Went Right?

An astonishing European campaign that began in July and ended in Hamburg 18 games later has made Fulham everybody's favourite second club. Roy Hodgson has conducted himself with admirable humility and dignity, and made himself a front-runner for every big job in the process. He's transformed Bobby Zamora from a player seemingly bound for Hull City to one so nearly bound for South Africa, and has added Damien Duff to the name of Danny Murphy in a list of cheap players supposedly way past their best but routinely performing out of their skin for Fulham. The clear prioritising of a major trophy over league points has been a refreshing approach to those of us who still see some worth in baubles.

What Went Wrong?

There's obviously been a drop-off in league form but that has been gladly sacrificed, while a lack of goals (averaging one per game) could worry the pernickety. The sale of Chris Smalling makes their place obvious in the Premier League pecking order, while Andy Johnson has had another season blighted by poor fitness and form. All in all though, it really didn't go too badly...

Are They Happy?

Goes without saying.

Signing of the season

Damien Duff. More fine work from Hodgson in the transfer market him saw him pick up the winger from Newcastle. Previously a player that has struggled with injuries, Duff has appeared in 51 games in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals in the process.

Flop of the season

Andy Johnson. Contrary to Duff, Johnson has struggled with injury this campaign. Johnson, who joined Fulham in 2008 from Everton for around £10million, made just seven starts this term, last appearing for the Cottagers in January.

Star man

Bobby Zamora. Who knew? From Brighton to the mind of Fabio Capello. Indeed, it has been confirmed Zamora would have been named in the 30-man squad had he not been set for surgery on a troublesome Achilles injury. He scored 19 goals in all competitions this season while his link-up play has been hugely impressive.

Breakthrough player

Chris Smalling. Quite the rise for the young and gifted defender, who will join Manchester United in the summer. Plucked from Maidstone United for peanuts in 2008, Smalling's promise has been enough to persuade United to part with around £8million for his services.

High point

Unquestionably, their Europa League run. It was fairytale stuff from Hodgson's side as they dumped out the likes of Juventus, Hamburg and Wolfsburg. Their victory over the former was in particularly giddy circumstances.

Low point

The heartbreak of losing the final against Atletico Madrid. So near for Hodgson and his men, only to be undone by Diego Forlan.

Click Here for Your Free Bet

Comments (2)

  • Page 1 of 1
  • 1

Chris Fisher (Fulham fan) says...

Mostly agree with all this but i think it was a bit harsh saying AJ was the flop of the season!! I dont think he wanted to get injured and before then he was actually playing really well!!!

Posted 16:16 14th May 2010

Liam Hebborn (Fulham fan) says...

I'm A Fulham Supporter and I'm happy with how our season went. For Fulham Andrew Johnson injury was a major blow but also and positive because it inspired players such as Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera to have a great run in Europe. All Credit to the People who Voted Roy Hodgson as LMA Manger of the season but Sir Roy should be looking for European Manger of the season.

Posted 20:14 13th May 2010
  • Page 1 of 1
  • 1

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private