I’m not sure this approach is a luxury Fulham have (as a borderline yo yo) in its current state as we’ll surely battle to stay in the top flight, but it’d be excellent to see.
A youth movement always sounds good, but I have concerns about the risk. A club can’t afford to develop youth when it’s either fighting for promotion or trying to avoid relegation. It’s one thing to bring along an academy prospect when he’s surrounded by 10 world-class players, with more on the bench in case he falters. That’s not Fulham’s situation. I would be curious to know what other low-revenue clubs have had sustained success utilizing the “conveyor belt” from their academy (as opposed to good recruiting strategy). I should note that I’m all for LDF being promoted - but who does he replace? Unfortunately, CB is one of the few areas where Fulham doesn’t need help. As far as Josh goes, I think he has tremendous talent, but he needs more than just playing time to become a solid PL player - he needs to develop physically, and that doesn’t happen overnight.
Fair play, Drew, appreciate the positive angle. Fulham probably a more natural step from the Castilla tham RM 1st team. And he has played in the PL too, so does know what it's like, on and off the pitch. Buuut....I'm still not convinced. This has Rene Meulensteen vibes all over it.
That's very generous. His record managing Castilla was won 10 lost 8. Not good given Real Madrid's resources. A high risk appointment. On the upside, hopefully he can attract some talented Spanish players.
Fulham U21s did OK in PL2 playing other U21s. However they also played competitive matches against Gillingham, Truro, Wycombe, Woking, Colchester and Aldershot and lost all of them. Perhaps there was a reason Silva preferred experience.
I hope you’re right but I don’t understand that argument at all. Castilla are a 3rd-tier side. Had we appointed the English equivalent, say the Lincoln manager, would we be excited about that? Absolutely not. I wonder if you’re being blinded by the Madrid spotlight.
I dig the positivity. 🤞
I’m not sure this approach is a luxury Fulham have (as a borderline yo yo) in its current state as we’ll surely battle to stay in the top flight, but it’d be excellent to see.
Positivity until things warrant otherwise 😎
A youth movement always sounds good, but I have concerns about the risk. A club can’t afford to develop youth when it’s either fighting for promotion or trying to avoid relegation. It’s one thing to bring along an academy prospect when he’s surrounded by 10 world-class players, with more on the bench in case he falters. That’s not Fulham’s situation. I would be curious to know what other low-revenue clubs have had sustained success utilizing the “conveyor belt” from their academy (as opposed to good recruiting strategy). I should note that I’m all for LDF being promoted - but who does he replace? Unfortunately, CB is one of the few areas where Fulham doesn’t need help. As far as Josh goes, I think he has tremendous talent, but he needs more than just playing time to become a solid PL player - he needs to develop physically, and that doesn’t happen overnight.
Fair play, Drew, appreciate the positive angle. Fulham probably a more natural step from the Castilla tham RM 1st team. And he has played in the PL too, so does know what it's like, on and off the pitch. Buuut....I'm still not convinced. This has Rene Meulensteen vibes all over it.
Toooooo be fair, I'm convince Rene would've worked really well under different circumstances (a la these ones!)
Fair point, and certainly might have been better sticking with Rene than bringing in Mad 'Cheese-Knees' Magath. Lol.
Like it Drew, like it.
I'm gunna follow you in on this.
It is clear outside the big teams that a model built on youth and pressing brings rewards.
Given SCR we have to change ( this may have been part of Silva's decision to leave?).
I am enthusiastic too
Goo article Drew. Looking forward to a new era.
I would still like a get out clause cos u need to prepare for the worse and hope for the best.
That's very generous. His record managing Castilla was won 10 lost 8. Not good given Real Madrid's resources. A high risk appointment. On the upside, hopefully he can attract some talented Spanish players.
Fulham U21s did OK in PL2 playing other U21s. However they also played competitive matches against Gillingham, Truro, Wycombe, Woking, Colchester and Aldershot and lost all of them. Perhaps there was a reason Silva preferred experience.
I hope you’re right but I don’t understand that argument at all. Castilla are a 3rd-tier side. Had we appointed the English equivalent, say the Lincoln manager, would we be excited about that? Absolutely not. I wonder if you’re being blinded by the Madrid spotlight.