The Tanner Report: promotion achieved

Last Tuesday, after a 3-0 victory over Preston, Fulham’s promotion was confirmed.

There were scenes of jubilation by fans and players alike.

Now we need a cooler, analytical assessment of Fulham’s prospects in the Premier.

In the last 5 seasons we have had 3 promotions and 2 relegations.

Previous promotions were via the play-offs which meant reduced time to recruit.

This time we can recruit more carefully.

Against this, we will lose Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool whose Neco Williams is only on loan.

Tim Ream after a distinguished career in central defence will return to the States.

Tom Cairney has fitness doubts.

There are more doubts as to whether many of the promoted team are good enough for the Premier.

Add to this the new stand is not completed.

It’s likely we will get loanees rather than permanent transfers.

Marco Silva was fired in the Premier by Everton.

Alex Mitrovic has scored 40 goals to date  season but only managed 3 in the Premier last time.

So it’s going to be a close run thing.

We need to beat the other two promoted sides at home plus Brentford, Crystal Palace. Leeds, Southampton, Aston Villa and Brighton – this would yield 24 points – and then hopefully pick up another 14 on our travels.

Easier said than than done.