WHAT'S YOUR PRIORITY?

I will be at the Cottage, tonight, to watch our lads, and to hopefully watch a good performance. I should, also, point out that the EFL cup means very little to me, as i would rather see us racking up the points in the league. 

So, what should our priority be? And, what does Slavisa think of a cup run in this minor competition? Fulham fans want to win every game, and rightly so, but would we take a win tonight or 3 points on Saturday, against the same opposition? I am fairly certain that Newcastle's 2-0 win over Wolves last night, was only scant consolation for the league defeat by the same opposition, and by the same score, on Saturday. The big prize, that is the Premier League, makes the EFL cup an inconvenience for teams in the top two divisions until the quarter finals and beyond. Most teams will be playing reserve or academy players in these early stages, which can make it a bit of a lottery.
The question is, how do Fulham approach this game? With promising youngsters such as Adeniran, De La Torre and Edun, coupled with some relatively new signings, surely it is time to give the first team regulars a little time to relax before a packed few fixtures. We have a strong squad although we could probably do with one or two more experienced players to augment the ranks. Players like Johansen, Piazon, Jozabed etc. are still finding their feet, and no matter how much they practice our system on the training ground, actually trying it in competitive football is the best way to understand how Slavisa wants the whole squad to play. In the Championship, teams need to use the squad, and the fluidity of being able to put in players who understand the system is of paramount importance. 
Tonight we can expect some of the new signings, and one or two youngsters to come in with, possibly, the less used regulars like Tunnicliffe and Woodrow getting a run. If we lose then we can easily bemoan what could be seen as experimentation, or saving our favoured players for bigger tests ahead. The simple truth is, that Slavisa wants a good league position, and these distractions are the perfect place to blend the rest of the squad into the system.
Ask a Newcastle fan which result they would take from the two Wolves games and we know how they will answer. It would be nice to win, both, tonight and Saturday, but, given the choice, I would take a win on Saturday above any result tonight. Whatever happens tonight, we will cheer the lads on, and then come back on Saturday, to watch the Whites get a much needed league win.

Prediction- FFC win after extra time.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST
COYWs

© Nic Smith

Our facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFC.Ambition/

TIME TO CALM DOWN AFTER WIGAN AWAY

Reading social media, you would think that we had started as badly as when Magath was in charge. Ironically, I am writing this on social media. Social media gives us all a chance to vent our opinions, and in any way we want. "Oh, the beauty of the anonymity (and safety) of sitting at home behind a computer screen". Too often we rush in without thinking, angry and disappointed at the failure of our beloved Whites to register another win. We were flying before the international break and people spoke of promotion, or a play off spot. Two poor home results and we were off to Wigan. Surely we could beat them, a team with 5 straight league defeats.

The game itself was a non-event, bereft of goal mouth action and very few chances. Kebano went close and Martin probably should have hit the target on at least two occasions. Wigan weren't much better, although MOM Gomez and Grigg caused a few problems. Maybe, it was a case of Wigan wanting to end their dismal run, and FFC being a little more cautious. Whatever the reasons for neither side being able to find a breakthrough, these coming weeks sees the games coming fast and furious and there will be topsy-turvy results all over the place. 
It is clear from the words of Slavisa, and the view from the stands, that we aren't creating enough in the final third. That is a problem that needs to be addressed. Tom Cairney is on a bad run of form, and with his quality it cannot go on forever. It doesn't help that he is not naturally disposed to covering for an attacking full back like Odoi. Cairney is much more effective in the centre, but he is also not a "false 9". Last season we played two up front, which often left us light in midfield. It is clear that Slavisa likes a 5 in midfield, which will leave Smith/Martin or Woodrow alone up front. As an "armchair coach", I could suggest that we need to play a "false 9" (Aluko when fit), which would mean effectively playing 4-4-1-1 when in possession. But, whatever our problems in the creative department, we should have faith that Slavisa is already working on it. 
What we have to do, as faithful fans, is to understand that we are still a new team, a team that will take time to gel, and that means not being disappointed when we only draw 0-0 at Wigan. There is nothing wrong in being disappointed, but we are not helping the team by going all Frazer-like and ranting "We're doomed" after any set back. Last season, we would have bit anybody's hand off if they had offered us P8W3D4L1, so where's the panic? If we are all honest, none of us would have expected the play offs at the start of the season. We are a team still being built and a long journey does not come without a few trips along the way. Our form is not good at the moment, but we have still only lost once. Last week QPR lost 0-6 to the Geordies, and yesterday the Geordies were hot favourites to beat Wolves, yet they lost 0-2. We have a great defence in Kalas, Madl and Sigurdsson, and the goals will come. We need to be patient and get behind the boys, instead of stamping our little feet on social media, just because we didn't get the result we expected.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST
COYWs

© Nic Smith

Our facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFC.Ambition/?ref=bookmarks

Comments can be left in the box below for moderation before publication.

WIGAN (A)- BACK TO WINNING WAYS?

Two home games, and for many, two disappointing results. But. let us not forget, that we are Fulham. After 3 or 4 abysmal seasons, we are starting to show promise. Birmingham are a good, well organized side, and Burton wanted nothing more than a point. When you win 3 of your first 5 games, then teams are going to notice, and show some much deserved respect to our boys. Slavisa will be working hard with the team to experiment on ways to break down sides at the Cottage. It seems that, this season, home wins are going to be much more difficult to achieve, because of this new found respect. We should also remember that we have made some impressive signings, which will not have gone unnoticed by our rivals. If we can score early goals, at home, we will find it much easier to win from leading, rather than looking for a goal after teams have "shut up shop". All of this suggests that we can become formidable away from home. Whereas, the less fancied sides will defend at the cottage, at home those sides will have the expectation of the crowd, meaning that they will have to come at us, allowing space for us to exploit. We have the quality and pace to take advantage of more adventurous teams who may not have the same class as we have. So, on to Wigan, and a chance to get back to winning ways.

The opposition-
This writer was stunned to see the bookies rating the Latics highly, pre-season. Looking at the Wigan squad, there are some good players, players with Championship experience, but nothing to suggest they would finish above mid-table. Adam Le Fondre is, probably, their biggest name signing, and like FFC their new players will take time to settle in. The DW is a strange place, packed for Rugby League, but I do not expect much of a crowd on Saturday. Whether this affects their home performances with a half empty stadium, we can only guess. However, Gary Caldwell is a highly rated young coach, and he will get them pumped up after 4 straight league defeats. We can expect Wigan to show us respect, but in reality they have nothing to lose by taking the game to us. Bogdan is a solid enough keeper, but I don't know much about their defenders, so that may be an area with little experience at this level. Perkins, Byrne and Jordi Gomez, are the more familiar names in their midfield, with Gomez the one who can cause us problems. Upfront, Le Fondre and Will Grigg are the two better known names and they certainly have goals in them if they are given the right service. Grigg has already banged in 5 goals, this term, and with two assists, we will have to watch him carefully. It is also worth remembering that the Latics have only lost by the odd goal in each of their league defeats. 

The Whites-
With Ayite and Aluko ruled out of this game, Slavisa has his first problem-solving exercise to deal with. I would expect to see Malone return for the impressive Sessegnon. Slavisa has already stated his need to protect Ryan, and the experience of Malone will probably be the way to go, despite the fans wanting to see as much of Sess as possible. Does the boss stick with Sigurdsson or does he bring back, the again available, Madl? If he asked Tomas Kalas, I would think that he would choose Madl because of their mutual understanding. Kalas will have to show hos top form to shackle Grigg. Midfield is where the problem solving will need to be done. Can Parker put in another 90 minute shift, so soon after Tuesday? Will Johansen be given a run, or does he still need time to settle in? I, would, imagine that McDonald is a shoe in, with Tunnicliffe and LVC, likely to make the bench at the least. However, he decides to play the two holding midfielders, the three attacking midfielders will be crucial in this game. Cairney, will be joined by, possibly Kebano and Jozabed. Piazon is a possibility, but Jozabed has been with us longer, and should get the nod. For me, Kebano, has looked impressive, and should start on the left. Up front, I would expect Martin to start, and he may just be more effective with the extra space he gets in an away game. Saying all of that, Slavisa may just surprise us all with one or two of his selections, but I would expect the starting line up to look something like this- Button. Odoi, Madl, Kalas, Malone. Johansen, McDonald. Cairney, Jozabed, Kebano. Martin. 

Predictions-
Expect Wigan to start on the front foot, before a cagey midfield game of chess takes over. The Whites should boss possession looking to use the wings and get low balls in to Martin, with Cairney and Jozabed looking to pounce on second ball around the area.
Score- 2-1 to FFC.
Star man- Martin to get off the mark. 

Please remember, this is only my humble opinion. 
Please submit your comments below where I will moderate and post the best comments.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST
COYWs

© Nic Smith

Our facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFC.Ambition/?ref=bookmarks
Our twitter- https://twitter.com/FulhamfcLadoce

BURTON ALBION REPORT- "EVERY CLOUD"

So, after the disappointment of losing to Brum on Saturday, it was back off to the Cottage. A beautiful hot day, and meet a couple of old mates in the Railway. Didn't help that I had gout in my right foot, when we walked to the match. Or in my case, I hobbled down to the ground. "Time to bounce back" seemed to be the theme of the day, against a Burton side who had started the season reasonably well. It is amazing that our expectations are exaggeratedly high after our impressive start to the season. In the first 10 minutes Burton looked threatening, but that was all it was, as we took control. A 70% possession statistic looks impressive on paper, but we hardly threatened their goal. I, for one, was disappointed that we found it hard to find a way through against a side who were much less defensively sound than the solid looking Brummies on Saturday. The hope at half time was that we would wear them down and an early goal would open them up. But, it didn't work out like that, as Burton scored, what can only be described as a soft goal. The ball was shielded in the area and laid back to an unmarked player who had way too much time to pick his spot past Button. From there on in, the script was obvious with more Whites' possession, and Burton spoiling. Their keeper should have been booked after about 65 minutes as he had only one thing on his mind, wasting time. A ref with more bottle should have shown the yellow card early, but this ref seemed to be more interested in socializing with the Burton players. When Ayite went off injured, it seemed that we would lose again, but Sessegnon popped up in the right place to fire home. A disappointment, yes, but for those fans who moaned constantly "We can't win every game".

Team report-
We, all, must remember that this is a totally new team, with only 1 or 2 players from last season. We are still a work in progress, and the little nuances of each individual player have to be understood by their fellow team mates. For example, if Aluko naturally comes short, or doesn't move towards the ball when picked out, then the passing player needs time to understand how he plays. There are so many complex intricacies to how each player naturally plays, that it will, over time, become second nature to those players around him. But, I repeat, this all takes time. Against Birmingham, and against Burton, we could see passes falling short or being hit too hard. Some of that is down to bad play, and some of that is down to players getting used to each other. One thing to remember, is that we can see the ideas and style of play developing and once it becomes natural, we will start to control games with much more effectiveness. How many Whites' fans would have foreseen us with a record of W3 D3 L1, after 7 games, and how many of us would have taken that before a ball had been kicked? Last night, I though Cairney, although being adequate and moving around a lot, was ineffective. In fact, when he was presented with a clear shot on goal, in the second half, he took an extra touch and lost out. Odoi played well, getting forward, but never really getting to the byline. Martin and Aluko, didn't create enough space up front, with Martin being the worst offender. Sessegnon had a good game, although he kept trying to cut in, rather than hitting the byline, and I didn't see him beat one player. To be honest, in my humble opinion, none of our players played to their true potential, with the exception of the outstanding Kalas. Composed and confident at all times, he was a rock at the back, and was the first player to decide, that if Burton were going to sit in shape, then he should run with the ball. Kalas is Premier league quality, and you can see why Chelsea won't loan him to another Prem. league club. By far and above our best player on the night and has to be MOM.
So, that was it, a feeling of disappointment as we sat in the pub, but in the cold light of day, we have still only lost once in seven.
IN SLAVISA WE TRUST
COYWs.

© Nic Smith

BORO (H) MATCH REPORT- STRENGTH IN DEPTH?

I don't normally go to EFL cup games, especially in the early rounds, but the optimism we can sense around the club changed my mind. The signing of Sigurdsson, after the "media reported" problems for Slavisa regarding transfer policy, made me feel even more optimistic. 
The normal couple of beers and it was off to the Cottage, via Bishop's Park, in what must have been one of the warmest evenings of the year. Surprisingly there seemed to be a lot of Boro' fans for the long journey south, but I have a feeling that many of them were "Smoggy's" who had relocated to the south.

Let's get to the match. The gaffer selected what amounted to a reserve side, even though Tunners, Ream, Stearman, LVC and Woodrow may disagree. Forgive me for this lads, but so far they have not been first choices. Edun and Adeniran got their chance again, and Malone was the only starter who could count himself as more of a first choice. When I saw Malone, it struck me that the gaffer will start with Sessegnon against Blackburn. Boro' for their part were giving a debut to new signing Fabio, and with Downing and Nugent also starting, we cannot say it was that weak a line up. Guzan in goal was the big surprise as I am a big fan of Konstantopoulos, and the excellent Greek must be wondering where his future lies. Boro' started brightly and for the first 15 minutes we were being pegged back, although they seemed to have little goal threat. Grimmer was given a squad number before the match, but his performance did nothing to suggest he will get many chances, as he was constantly being outplayed. The lads slowly came into the game, and we looked the more threatening with Edun growing in confidence. LVC, for his part, looked much more lively, and confident, on the back of his extended contract deal. But it was Boro' who took the lead through a well placed Nugent header. 

I don't know what the gaffer said at half time, but we flew out of the blocks, forcing a string of corners, and Jozabed's quality from set pieces was excellent. After 10-15 minutes of sustained pressure Boro' started to play keep ball, without really going anywhere. Then, the excellent, Scott Malone fired in a loose ball from the edge of the box, and although it was credited as an o.g., it was going in anyway. Kavanagh replaced the hapless Grimmer and Smith came on for Woodrow, Some our football was pure class with one touch football threatening, but not quite happening, to open them up. Jozabed grew in confidence , and some of his touches showed his massive potential. But the half wound down, and we were left to face extra time. 

De La Torre, replaced the tiring Jozabed and the boy is certainly talented, taking on, and beating, players at will. With penalties looming, an excellent move down the left saw a low cross turned in by LVC who was in the right place. And that was that, on to a home tie with Bristol City.

Summary-

An excellent performance with some outstanding performances from Edun, Malone, Ream, Stearman, De La Torre and Jozabed.

MOM- Although Malone won the official vote, I want to give it to Jozabed. Once he got going, he showed he has something different and was always looking to try things, and showed he wanted to get forward often. I believe that on this showing, once he has properly settled in, he will become a star.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST

COYWs

© Nic Smith

Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFC.Ambition/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter- @FulhamfcLadoce

WHY STATS SHOULDN'T MATTER.

With the media blowing out of proportion some comments made by Slavisa Jokanovic, we should look at what is really going on. Slavisa said he couldn't get some of the players he wanted, because they were vetoed by a certain Mr. Kline, a friend of Shahid Khan's son. Kline, apparently, works on maths and statistical analysis to assess if a player is good enough, even though the gaffer thinks the player is good enough, and is the right player for his football philosophy and style. Should Slavisa have gone public, or was he sending a subtle message? Those things are for speculation, and we will probably never know the truth. 

So, how much importance should be placed upon stats when assessing a new player? The reason why football is so popular is because of it's fluidity, it is free flowing, it is transient and the slightest bounce of the ball, or missed pass, can change the flow of the game. It is probably the most unpredictable sport on the planet, with so much complex interaction of players, coupled with the tactics and interactions of the opposing team. Naturally the more technically skilled, or organized teams will have the percentage chance of winning, but bad luck, a minute of lack of concentration, a bad refereeing decision etc. is what makes it the most beautiful and unpredictable game there is. When a manager sits down and chooses his particular philosophy, or style of play, he has to think which player will compliment each other player on the pitch. It is no good having 10 Lionel Messis and Manuel Neuer, in goal, and thinking that will be enough to win a football match. 

Let's look at statistics. Take a midfielder for example. He may have a 90% pass completion ratio, but does that mean he is the best passer in the team, in terms of effectiveness? Maybe the majority of his passes are short passes to team mates, rather than defence- splitting through balls, Maybe, he is playing in front of the back four, where the opposition are not pressing him when he is on the ball. Or take, a goalkeeper. Behind a well organized back four, he is likely to face more long range shots, and therefore may have a high save percentage. Whereas, a goalkeeper playing behind a defence like Fulham's, of last season, will be more exposed, and therefore have a lower save percentage. It would not necessarily make him a worse goalkeeper. A winger or creative midfielder is likely to have a higher assist record than a defender, but does that make him more important? And let's face it, if Sergio Aguero scores a wonder goal, the player who made the previous assist will still be credited, even if Aguero did all the skilled work, by himself. 

When it comes to stats in American sports, we are talking about sports that are much less interactive. Baseball is like cricket, and a good run scorer will always be a good run scorer because he is effectively doing it without any team interaction. If Kline had any clue or culture of football, he would know that whilst stats may help in Baseball, or Grid iron, they are not the same cultures as football. 

The main considerations when signing a footballer, after a manager has identified him as a target, should be those of a fitness and medical nature. Every professional club has physios, and doctors to assess the fitness and injury proneness of a player, and his medical history is the only stat worth looking at, in this respect. The running machines, heart rate monitors etc, in the club gym can tell all that is needed to be known about his stamina and current fitness status. 

Stats are all very well, and interesting, when reading the Sunday papers on the day after the match, and the statto nerds will pour over them for ages. Last season Middlesborough won the Championship with a top scorer of 8 goals. If we took the stat that an 8 goal top scorer would surely never be good enough for a team to win a Championship, then Boro' must have been guilty of match fixing. 

Sorry, Kline, but you should stick to US sports if you want to have a veto on who a coach signs, or better still, talk to some real football (soccer to you) coaches who will tell you "Sorry mate, it just don't work like that".

I, for one, would trust Slavisa all day long over some wet behind the ears yank, who only got the job through Shahid Khan's nepotism.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST.

COYWs

© Nic Smith

BACKING SLAV. CARDIFF REPORT

So, there I am, sitting on the bus as it reaches the top of Putney High Street, full of hope, after a great start to the season. I expect to see many Taffs, walking around like they own the place, but only one or two seem to be around. Maybe it is the school holidays, or something, but their numbers seem down on last year. But, for us, the Fulham faithful, we have high expectations of a win and 10 pts. on the board after four games. Slavisa has given us new optimism, and his brand of football is exactly what we know and love. A couple of beers later and we are off to the match. If anybody can tell me a better walk to a stadium than through Bishop's Park, "BY THE RIVER", then I challenge them. Still not many mouthy Taffs, maybe the "Soul Crew" are at a festival. 

The game kicks off and it seems very cagey, with Cardiff intent on placing two banks of four, on the edge of the penalty box. There seemed to be lots of Fulham possession without really going anywhere, and a few of the fans around me were getting impatient. Neither keeper was tested at all, until in the last few minutes Sone Aluko went on a mazy, and excellent run, in their box, before slipping the ball to "wonderkid", Sessegnon, to slot home. Nobody could see Cardiff coming back from that as we milled about behind the Hammersmith end, at half time. The second half was a transformation as Cardiff came at us with more ambition. It didn't take long before a cleared cross was expertly hammered past Button for the equalizer. But, questions need to be asked why he wasn't closed down. And it didn't seem long before their winger cut in, on a dribble, before firing another past Button. We can argue that they were two excellent strikes, and on another day, they wouldn't have hit the target, but it is what it is. With big Matty Smith up front we looked much better and we were causing them problems. With the clock ticking down, and after much pressure, Kevin McDonald fired in from the edge of the box, and thereafter Cardiff hung on for the draw they had come for. All in all it was a disappointing day, when we expected to win, but maybe we expected too much after our excellent start to the season. 4 league games unbeaten speaks for itself, and it is good that we score late in the game, and show fighting spirit.

After a couple of more beers, I come home to see that Slavisa has gone public about the recruitment policy, and the interference of Khan's son's best mate Kline. Does Kline coach the team? NO. Does a yank know anything about English football ? NO. Kline's remit seems ti be to look at statistic after statistic. and then decide if Slavisa can have his man. This writer, has never heard such nonsense. Statistics only count when applied to less interactive, and less fluid, sports, like baseball. Football (not soccer), is a totally interactive team game, constantly changing, and statistics are less important than how each player combines, and interacts, with those around him. If Messi only touches the ball twice and scores two goals, is he a bad player? NO. Slavisa knows which players will compliment his team, and footballing philosophy, and he must be given total control over which players pull on the famous white shirt. 

Below is a link to a petition where we can get Slavisa total backing, if Khan is prepared to listen.

IN SLAVISA WE TRUST.
COYWs

© Nic Smith

Our facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFC.Ambition/

The petition- https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/back-slavisa-jokanovic?source=facebook-share-button&time=1471780828