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Fulham's January Transfer Window Comes To An End

In a window resulting in just 3 newcomers arriving at the Cottage, we reflect on what has been a debatable window from boss Kit Symons.

By Ethan Ferrao
A magnificent result against Notts Forest in January. Alex Kaca (L) was recalled from loan in the window.
A magnificent result against Notts Forest in January. Alex Kaca (L) was recalled from loan in the window.
Ian Walton/Getty Images

Summary of the deals

Alexander Kacaniklic and Ryan Tunnecliffe recalled from loan into first team action

Ashley Richards signs from Swansea on a 1-month loan deal.

Aron Davies arrives from Bristol City.

Finally, Regan Poole also completed a move but this has not been officially announced by the club.

The Debate

Why Symons was right:

Has Symons been to cautious? Would splashing the cash have been the best option? Why was not a single experienced player brought into the side?

The answers to these questions lie in the club's results. The team has been finding consistency despite not reaping the rewards of good performances against Sunderland and Blackburn.  3 points have not been hard to come by, and last season proved what bringing new players in does to a side. It shakes them up...

Mitroglou and a host of other players had money thrown at them last January, yet they did not gel. Similar gelling problems can be found at QPR, Sunderland and even Tottenham. However, a team of youngsters, who have been together since the U18s, is a different matter. Alexander Kacaniklic has proven his development alongside Lasse Vigen Christensen and Marcus Bettinelli. Ryan Tunnecliffe is also an admirable mention though he was at the United youth squad rather than Fulham's 12 months ago. The development needs time to blossom, and with a squad already shaping up to be strong, why would a new signing have any kind of positive impact?

Owner, Shahid Khan, explained why there was no massive spending spree. He remains a firm believer in building a club which develops its' own players rather than bringing in highly paid mercenaries. One way of increasing spending power for the club will be by overhauling its' Craven Cottage home.

"We already have some permits to re-develop the ground", said Mr Khan. "We are continuing to look for the further permits we need. Football clubs must offer the facilities people expect in 2015,"he added.

Why Symons was wrong:

Bryan Ruiz, Chris David and Thomas Eisfeld all left the club in a deadline day departure swarm, so who is there to replace them?

Shahid Khan is worth billions of dollars, surely he should spend some of it? The sheer number of decent CAMs around the world must be attractive to Symons so surely one of them is worth a shot. Meanwhile, our closest rivals in the table have been busy signing strong players. Reading have the likes of Yakubu, Bolton have Heskey and Norwich are finalizing a deal for Fulham 'target' Graham Dorrans.

Graham Dorrans faces Fulham in the Premier League a few years back

What happened this window cannot be judged yet. Only time will tell whether it was a success or failure.

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