2012/2013: 12th
Transfer(s) In: Adel Taarabt (QPR, Loan), Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma, Undisc), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, Undisc), Ange-Freddy Plumain (RC Lens, Free), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Free), Sascha Riether (FC Koln, Undisc), Scott Parker (Tottenham, Undisc), Darren Bent (Aston Villa, Loan), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur, £4 Million), Elsad Zverotic (Young Boys Bern, £0.25 Million)
Transfer(s) Out: Alex Kacaniklic (Burnley, Loan), Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Mahamadou Diarra (All Released)
Transfers Review:
Fulham's transfers indicate a move forward from the usual 'selling club' status that they are given. With big names leaving almost every season, with the likes of Dempsey and Dembele leaving in recent years, this tended to be the key to why Fulham have remained in vastly the same position in the Premier League over the last few years. This season appears to have broken that pattern, with the key names from the last season, such as Dimitar Berbatov, remaining at Craven Cottage.
They have also added a few top-quality players to the ranks, with the likes of Roma's Maarten Stekelenburg and Bilbao's Fernando Amorebieta their most high profile additions. By adding QPR's enigmatic playmaker to their squad, they have improved both their defence and their midfield, in order to aid the often isolated Berbatov. In Plumain and Riether, they have also invested in the future, so that when others are sold, or retire, they have strength in depth.
If we compare the actual transfers to my predictions at the end of last season, we see that I suggested that a more defensive-minded midfielder may be needed to break up the play and aid the flair players. In Derek Boateng, they have certainly signed someone of that ilk. In truth, Fulham have strengthened almost every area of the squad. This is a very impressive feat when you have only signed half a dozen players. They will be hoping that these signings will propel them to a top half finish, and that maybe they can be the West Brom of 2013/2014.
Pre-Season:
Fulham's pre-season started with a tour of Costa Rica, in which they took part in three exhibition matches. In all, Fulham dominated the match, winning against Cartigines by 3 goals to 0, before beating Alajuelense 3-1, and finishing their tour with a 5-3 victory on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Moving back to the UK, Fulham played two further matches, both against considerably more difficult opposition.
Beginning with Real Betis, Fulham started their run to the start of the Premier League season. After a Steve Sidwell goal in the 13th minute, Betis levelled after 55 minutes, as Igiebor rolled the ball home from close-range. Fulham dominated proceedings, continue to amass chances, and having a penalty claim turned down and a goal disallowed before the end of the game. But the score stayed the same, and despite a positive performance, Fulham were denied a winning return. They finished their pre-season with a game against Parma, and once again, Steve Sidwell opened the scoring after just 10 minutes. But the Cottagers' performance levels dropped as the match wore on, with Amauri only being denied a leveler by the offside flag, and Marco Parolo rattled the crossbar. After the interval, the Italians did not have to wait long before equalising, with Gabriel Palletta heading home just before the hour mark. As the game dragged on, the Serie A team bcame the more likely to score, until eventually, Fulham hearts were broken. Nicola Sansone latched onto a knock-down to fire home the winner four minutes from time, to end Fulham's pre-season in the worst possible manner.
Key Players:
With Mark Schwarzer leaving the Cottage for the Bridge this summer, a goalkeeper was needed. Here, Martin Jol pulled off a master-stroke, bringing in Holland international Maarten Stekelenburg. The Dutchman has proven his worth in just the pre-season friendlies, and I feel will be vital to Fulham's push for a top 10 finish. He has excellent reflexes, and has fantastic experience of both continental and international competition, having travelled and performed in a World Cup Final.
In order to succeed, not conceding is only half the battle, with scoring the other half. Dimitar Berbatov will continue to be an integral part of Fulham's team, and his goals will propel them up the table. He can at times seem disinterested and petulant, but every now and then he has moments of genius, that can often be the winner of valuable points.
Key Fixture Dates:
17/08/2013: Sunderland vs Fulham
31/08/2013: Newcastle vs Fulham
21/09/2013: Chelsea vs Fulham
26/10/2013: Southampton vs Fulham
30/11/2013: West Ham United vs Fulham
07/12/2013: Fulham vs Aston Villa
01/01/2014: Fulham vs West Ham United
11/01/2014: Fulham vs Sunderland
01/02/2014: Fulham vs Southampton
01/03/2014: Fulham vs Chelsea
15/03/2014: Fulham vs Newcastle
05/04/2014: Aston Villa vs Fulham
Top Goalscorer:
Just like last season, I see Dimitar Berbatov leading the line for the Cottagers. If he goes through one of his lean periods, Darren Bent will chip in, but I fear for Fulham's success, as they have very little in the way of alternatives. Whilst I cannot see him being up with the top scorers in the league, I certainly see him retaining his Fulham top goalscorer tag this campaign.
Prediction:
Fulham's team certainly now has the names to challenge for a top 10 finish, but it is the strength in depth that worries me about them. As much as I would like to see them get back to their former glories (the Europa League final a few years ago), I think that this will be a year of transition, and building the squad. Any injury to Dimitar Berbatov practically stops their goal threat, and I think that it is this that will consign them to another season in mid-table. If they manage to add further strength in January or next summer, then I feel they can compete higher up.
Fulham 2013/2014: 14th
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