1. 36
Official Matchday Programme • Fulham Vs. Crystal Palace | 30•07•16
Final Word
A
fter successful
pre-season trips
to Ireland and
Portugal, today’s
opponents will
arguably be Fulham’s toughest
test yet as Slaviša Jokanović’s
new-look side continue to
prepare for the 2016/17
Championship campaign.
Crystal Palace are our opposition
this afternoon and Fulham will be
looking to replicate their success
over the next few years. The Eagles
have become a formidable Premier
League outfit since being promoted
in 2012 and, despite a series of
managers and new ownership,
the club have developed a strong
foundation to build even more
success upon.
After securing Premier League
safety last season, Palace reached
their first FA Cup Final in 26 years,
narrowly losing to Manchester
United. Their success proves what
can be achieved after a period of
difficult years and manager rotation.
Fulham’s rebuilding has begun
and new signings Floyd Ayité
and Sone Aluko have already
made a strong impression on the
field, providing lightning pace
and creativity in the final third.
While Jokanović has added more
firepower to the squad, two full-
backs have also been recruited
in Denis Odoi and Scott Malone.
Belgian Odi has spent his entire
playing career in Belgium, but
over the years has developed into
a talented fplayer who is more
than comfortable on either side of
the back four. Possessing natural
pace and being technically gifted,
the defender will definitely be
one to look out for as the season
progresses.
We also welcome back Austrian
defender Michael Madl, who joined
on a permanent basis. The former
Sturm Graz captain signed for
an undisclosed fee after quickly
becoming the number one
choice at centre-back last
season. His arrival shows the
level of depth our scouting
network possesses, with very
few people knowing about
the player before he joined.
Madl could line-up alongside
Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalas
this season, with the youngster
impressing over the last 18 months at
Middlesbrough. The Czech is highly
regarded by many in the world of
football and his ability to operate at
the heart of the defence or as a right-
back could prove to be priceless.
Fulham have also strengthened
in midfield after securing a deal
for long-term transfer target Kevin
McDonald. Having spoken to a few
Wolves fans, they described the
Scot as a natural central midfielder,
possessing an impressive passing
range and enforcing presence,
which seemingly means that
Fulham have grabbed themselves
a bargain. Despite McDonald not
being an out-and-out ‘anchor man’,
his overall playing style should suit
the possession-based game that
Jokanović is trying to implement.
But not all our rebuild has been
through recruitment and transfers.
During pre-season, Jokanović has
placed his faith in several emerging
talents, with Stephen Humphrys,
Dennis Adeniran and Ryan
Sessegnon standing out.
With Jokanović’s faith, 16-year-
old Sessegnon could grow into a
tremendous player for the Club in
the near future, but considering
his age, his development cannot be
rushed. Whilst it may be hard for
supporters to be patient, ensuring
Sessegnon develops in the right way
is vital and the coaching staff will be
making sure his feet are kept firmly
on the ground.
It may have been tough for the
fans to lose Patrick Roberts, Moussa
Dembélé and Emerson Hyndman,
but it’s clear that the Club have
another set of top-quality talents
ready to fill the void created by
their departure.
The future’s bright, the future’s
black and white. Come on you
Whites!
Tweet your thoughts to me
@ABronsSmith
Ryan Sessegnon could grow into
a tremendous player for the Club in
the near future, but his development
cannot be rushed. Ensuring he
develops in the right way is vital”
Adam Brons-Smith
After a disappointing few years, freelance journalist and
Fulham fan Adam Brons-Smith believes the Whites
could take a leaf out of Crystal Palace’s book in order to
get back on track…
The
Craven
Corner
Middlesbrough. The Czech is highly
regarded by many in the world of
football and his ability to operate at
the heart of the defence or as a right-
back could prove to be priceless.
in midfield after securing a deal
for long-term transfer target Kevin
McDonald. Having spoken to a few
Wolves fans, they described the
Scot as a natural central midfielder,
After a disappointing few years, freelance journalist and
Fulham FC Honours
Champions: Football League Division One: 2000/01, Football League Division Two: 1948/49, 1998/99, Football League Division Three (South): 1931/32, Football Combination: 2001
Promoted:FootballLeagueDivTwo:1958/59(Runners-up), FootballLeagueDivisionThree:1970/71(Runners-up); 1981/82 (Third Place); 1996/97 (Runners-up)
Cup Competitions: Intertoto Cup Winners: 2002 • UEFA Europa League Finalists: 2010 • FA Cup Finalists: 1975 • Anglo-Scottish Cup Finalists: 1975
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