Even though Fulham did not play last week I certainly have plenty of thoughts regarding the Cottagers. As I will do every week I will write about the subjects that are on my mind. Below are my " Ten Things I Think About Fulham Football Club".
1.I think Fulham really need to offer Danny Murphy a new contract. According to the Fulham Chronicle, the club has not offered him a new deal. The article states he becomes a free agent in January.
Murphy might be 33 years old, but I still think he has much left in his tank. He is the captain, and a very important part of the club. I hope Fulham do the right thing, and make a new deal with Murphy.
2. I am happy that Dickson Etuhu signed a contract extension with Fulham. Etuhu has looked like an improved player under Hughes. He is now playing a more attacking style in midfield. I think it is important to sign your own players. Etuhu could be a big part of Fulham's future.
3. I think that Fulham need to sign Bobby Zamora to a long term deal. According to the Daily Mail, Fulham are getting closer to signing a long term agreement with Bobby Zamora. He is only 29 years old, and is currently under contract until 2012.
Zamora is a must for Fulham to lock up long term. He has proven himself to be an elite striker. It is time to pay him on that level to make sure he is with the club for a long time.
4. I am hoping to see Carlos Salcido play this week against Wolverhampton. With Paul Koncheskey moving on to Liverpool I think Salcido was brought in as his replacement. Stephen Kelly is average at left back.
I have heard great things about Salcido, and he comes to Fulham with a fantastic reputation. I am hoping he will be able to do the job at left back for Fulham. Let's hope he plays against Wolverhampton.
5. I think it would be great to see new players Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic get some action soon for Fulham. These two young players came in the Paul Konchesky deal from Liverpool. Again, these are players that supposedly have wonderful potential. I would like to see them actually play for the first team soon.
If it is not in the Premier League games hopefully we will see these players in cup matches. Fulham are a veteran club. At some point it would be helpful to have some younger players having roles with the Cottagers.
6. I think Alex McLeish shouldn't be airing his dirty laundry regarding not landing two Fulham strikers. I wrote about McLeish on Sunday in a post. The Birmingham manager had no reason to discuss two players that are on Fulham. I guess he was just trying to prove to the press, and his fans that he was trying to upgrade his club. I just disagree with talking to the press about players he couldn't bring to Birmingham.
7. I think the Mark Schwarzer transfer rumors will continue until he leaves Fulham. I had a story yesterday that according to the Daily Mirror, Mark Schwarzer is planning on signing a pre-contract in January with another European club.
I really hoped the stories regarding Schwarzer would stop for awhile. I guess I was wrong. They will probably continue until he leaves Fulham at the end of the season. Let's just hope he plays well for Fulham in the meantime.
8. I hope David Stockdale is not out for a long period of time. Reportedly David Stockdale has an ankle injury that could have him out for considerable time. I think the young goalkeeper has a great future, and I want to see him get more experience in the Premier League. If Schwarzer does leave after the season the goalkeeper position could be handled by Stockdale. I am hoping this is not a long term injury. There has been no official word on Stockdale from Fulham.
9. When will Clint Dempsey be in the starting lineup again for Fulham? Clint has recently been coming off the bench a good amount for Fulham.This is a tough situation because Simon Davies and Damien Duff are both playing well. Clint is good enough to be a starter for Fulham. Unfortunately for him there might not be a starting spot for him right now. However, I do have a feeling we will be seeing a good amount of Clint Dempsey this season.
10. Fulham need a victory at home against Wolverhampton on Saturday. These are the types of games that Fulham have to win this season. I can understand getting the draws on the road, but then you need to win at Craven Cottage. If Fulham want to go far this season they need to dominate at home. It can start this Saturday against Wolverhampton.
Well, those are my thoughts for this week. I am sure next week I will have plenty to write about once again.