The Tanner report: Fulham1 Brentford 4
One of the most annoying aspects of the Fulham meltdown is the way it is represented in the programme and website. The earliest Fulham programmes were edited by Merula who did not hold back in his criticism. Under the stewardship of Dennis Turner, up at 7-30 to edit the programme for 30 years without remuneration, there was often the disclaimer that it was not the views of the club. You might have thought that with the fanzine culture and supporters blogs the clubs would realise that supporters want some something more than a combination of Pravda and a merchandising catalogue for £3-50.
In reading Kit’s comments post-Brentford there was an intro stating the game in which we were thrashed 4-1 was “deceptively close.” One of the features of this dismal season is how badly we have performed at the Cottage before our fans against the big boys: Derby, Watford and Bournemouth put 5 past us. Were these “deceptively close” too? Mind you, I don’t take issue with the adjective “deceptively” in the Fulham programme. Yesterday, aside from scoring from a debatable penalty, not closing down the Brentford midfielders for two strikes and missing bankable chances, it was indeed a close match. Why were Brentford given one whole end, 6000 fans, reducing the home effect? And why was Kit away on international duty for Wales when he could have worked with group and the new signings, Husband and Guthrie? Fulham fans are not fools and we expect honest answers from the club or the payback will be drastically reduced season ticket income.
In the week I was referred to an article on the Fulham business model over the past 6 years, basically survival at the Premier through a high wage bill and an elderly squad. Seeking some solace I watched a clip of our defeat of Hamburg in the semi-final of the Europa League in 2010. None of that team (Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Gera, Zamora) were under 27. Post Roy, youngsters like Frei, Kacaniklic, Burn and Kasami were introduced but for one reason or another never established themselves. The less said about the Magath regime the better but at least he gave youth its chance. Nonetheless this squad should not be peering at the relegation trap door if you think Bournemouth have 7 of the players that won them promotion from division one.
