By Eye Of The Tiger
March 3 2009
Ahead of Wednesday night's game between Hull and Fulham at Craven Cottage Tiger Talk got a Fulham's fan view on their sides season so far and the upcoming game, as well as some views on players both of Fulham and Hull. We didn't have to go far to find our fan for this piece as the sportnework has a Fulham Site and the publisher JB kindly responded to my request and answered a few questions.
How long have you supported Fulham and why did you choose the them?
I came from a non football supporting family and moved about a lot as
my Dad was in the Military. I always loved the game but was never taken
to a match. When I left home I settled in South London, hated all the
big clubs, and as Fulham was my closest club, started supporting and
going along to games about 14 years ago.
What do think of your season so far?
So far it's going well. Last season was a nightmare for most of it,
and we just avoided the drop by the skin of our teeth. Just to be
almost safe is a relief, but Roy has made some great buys such as our
Centre Back Hangeland, and we have done better than most expected.
Do you think Roy Hodgeson has taken Fulham forward?
Defienlty yes! Sanchez was a disaster for us, and Roy has us
playing some intelligent football. Our away form is still terrible
though which has been the case for three different managers, so there's
still room for improvement.
What did you make of the whole Bullard to Hull transfer and do you feel
sorry for the player now he’s been ruled out for the season?
Bullard got a terrible injury soon after we signed him so I can
sympathise with Tigers fans. He is a hard worker and I'm sure will be
back for you guys. As for the transfer, we would have loved to see him
stay. He was very popular with players and fans alike, but I think that
the England call up went to his head and he was asking for too much
money and too long a contract at his age.
do you think you can maintain your top half place until the end of the season?
I really hope so, but to do it we need to start winning a couple of
away games. I think Roy and the team have done enough, and we might
even beat our all time Prem high of 9th place. But as there are so few
points between 7th and 19th (10 points) it could all go horribly wrong
if we have a poor run of results.
Who do you consider your star player?
I guess the obvious choice would be Andy Johnson. When he's on form
he looks great up front, and he's our most expensive signing but I
personally think Brede Hangeland is a real star, and we'll be lucky to
hang on to him for next season.
Which Fulham player has really surprised you this season and performed above your expectations?
I think John Pantsil is a real surprise. He came as a bit of a sweetener
from West Ham when we bought Zamora, but has been great value at right
back. Great tackler and good at counter attacking runs up the wing,
passing the ball well.
Which Fulham player has really disappointed you this season?
The obvious candidate is Bobby Zamora. his goal scoring has been
almost non existent, and as we paid near 6 million for him I'd hoped
he'd be a bit more prolific. Having said that the other areas of his
game has been good, linking up well with Johnson
Which player in the Hull side do you think will cause your side Problems?
Giovanni and Dawson pose the biggest threat. Dawson's accurate
passing into the danger area should be something we have to keep an eye
on. Of course it was Giovanni who scored against us in your first game
in the EPL, so we should be very aware of his scoring abilities.
What do you think will be the final score when Hull meet Fulham?
We are difficult to score against when at Craven cottage, but Hull
beating us on the first day of the season is sill a painful memory! I'm
going to say 2-1 to Fulham. Our home form Vs your away form seems to
favour us.
You're still in the FA cup and face Manchester United in the
Quarter Final do you fancy your sides chances of making the Semi‘s or
even the final?
Our chances of beating Man Utd are slim. They walked all over us at
Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago. But as we are at home, we might
catch them on a bad day, and raise our game. That's the beauty of the
FA Cup, you just never know.
Finally If you could have any Rival Premiership player in your side, who would it be?
I think going on stats it would have to be Ronaldo, but I can't
stand him as a character on the pitch! If not him the Tevez. He's a
great player, and seems pretty humble. He also showed what a difference
he can make to a side when he played briefly for West Ham.
Tiger Talk would like to thank JB for his time in answering the questions.
JB's Site can be found at http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s623.htm
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