Premiership Preview: Fulham

Fulham finally got their man (Photo: AP)

Fulham boast a talented squad capable of causing issues to any side they come up against. This is particularly noticeable at home where they achieved credible draws against Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal on their way to an 8th place finish and Europa League qualification (although this was achieved as a result of fair play). The loss of Mark Hughes to a seemingly bizarre piece of egotistical whimsy has resulted in the appointment of Martin Jol, an experienced and dependable manager. Wealthy, eccentric, conspiracy theorist Mohammed Al-Fayed has never been one to shy away of making money available for summer transfers.

Squad depth will be crucial to Fulham this season. The club's season has already started with a 3-0 home win over NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands, however if the club are to emulate their achievement of reaching the final it will take 23 matches; on top of the Cottagers' 38-game league commitment. And the FA Cup. And the League Cup. Ouch.

Goalkeeper
Mark Schwarzer is one of the league's most dependable keepers, although advance in age he has oodles of experience and is surprisingly limber; qualities that enticed approaches by Arsene Wenger last summer. In David Stockdale they have a highly rated back up who recently missed out sitting on a Wembley bench in England colours as a result of his marriage.

Defenders
The experience of both Aaron Hughes and the massive Norwegian Brede Hangeland are perfect complement to Schwarzer between the sticks, Philippe Senderos offers a dependable 3rd choice as well. Chris Baird is a dependable full back but further options are certainly something for Jol to have a look at. The acquisition of either Kyle Naughton or Kyle Walker from Spurs might be something to be looked at, and I'm sure Jol might have a joker up his sleeve with his Dutch connections.

Midfielders
Fulham have a strong midfield centred on club captain and chief schemer Danny Murphy. Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey enjoy forward forays whilst Dickson Etuhu's athleticism is a dependable asset. Sidwell, Greening and Davies greatly improve Fulham’s ability to rotate their squad. The signature of Thomas Hitzlsperger would further enhance this hardworking and functional midfield. Perhaps the only thing lacking in this midfield is a smidgen of pace. A fleet-footed winger would provide a useful change of attacking thrust. Winger Shaun Wright-Philips has been linked to the club, presumably with this in mind.

Strikers
Belgian striker Moussa Dembele was the West London's main threat up front due to injuries to the hardworking Andy Johnson and the increasingly talismanic Bobby Zamora. The former West Ham striker achieved his first England cap in August last year but broke his leg against Wolves the following September. Upon his return he proved to be a revelation, scoring five as the season reached its conclusion. These being the clubs only established first team strikers this is certainly an area that is going to require investment.

An organised and hardworking side who aren't just functional, but actually likeable; the appointment of Martin Jol has certainly enhanced this (have you ever heard him say the word 'schloppy?'). Investment at fullback and up front could see this side challenging for a league place that might allow them to enter the Europa League at a more sensible level. And there you have it, an article about Fulham FC without a single mention of the clubs ridiculous Michael Jackson statue...

Jim