Tuesday 1 February 2011

Through the window

In:
Steve Sidwell - I must admit, while I was very familiar with the name, I had no idea how he played. Or even where he played. At first I thought he was a striker in the same mould as Kevin Doyle (possibly I'd got them mixed up) so was surprised to find Sparky  had signed a midfielder - especially as the team has them in abundance. However he as been decent enough across a couple of games. The question is whether he is back-up or a replacement to Dickson Etuhu?

Gael Kakuta - The reason behind Chelsea's amusing transfer embargo has yet to set the world alight at Stamford Bridge - hence his loan deal to Craven Cottage. Now billed as a winger, Kakuta arrives at Fulham on the promise of some first team action, but unless he hits the ground running it is hard to see how he will get any more game time here than at Stamford Bridge where he has featured in a dozen games this season. Irritatingly he is also cup-tied for the FA Cup. Another Giles Barnes? Probably not as I think Hughes will play him - I just don't know when while everyone's fit.

Eidur Gudjohnsen - Gratifyingly not cup-tied, the Icelandic striker has picked up trophies at several clubs, although has rarely been a first team regular for his sides over the last five years, which ought to sounds some alarm bells ringing. I last saw Gudjohnsen play live in the Nou Camp where he plundered a late winner against Real Betis and have always been impressed with him. A good showing up front while Bobby Z gets up to speed and he could earn a new contract at the Cottage this summer.

Out:
Eddie Johnson - Off to my favoured Preston North End on loan. PNE need a miracle in order to stay up this season and, let's face it, it will be a miracle if EJ can turn it on for them. I don;t expect to see him in a Fulham shirt again. Thanks Eddie, but it just didn't happen for you.

David Elm - Never given an opportunity under Hughes, despite the striker crisis. Despite his obvious limitations he could have been an adequate Zamora stand-in - moreso than EJ. Not under Hughes though and so he had to go.

Frederik Stoor - Another player whom I sense the fans would have liked to have seen given a bit more of an opportunity, but yet another mysterious low-key Hodgson signing who never quite made the grade. Might as well be off the wage list.

Rob Milsom - Was at his Fulham debut at Old Trafford, but that was the last seen of him. Clearly not fancied, which is a shame given his 12 years at the club, but he might find his level in Scotland. Strangely I may see him play for Aberdeen in a couple of weeks. 

Keanu Marsh-Brown - Not yet played for Fulham, but has joined MK Dons for a month, which is a shame as I have a natural revulsion for the club.

Any other business: 
I'm no fan of Liverpool but I think they've done okay business. A want away striker replaced by two eager young things desperate to prove something. To be honest I didn't think there was a need to instantly replace Torres with Suarez coming in, but spunking £35m on an 22-year-old English centre forward isn't as big a risk as it sounds given resale values.
£50m on a Torres without such resale value and fitting him into the current Chelsea set up seems a bit more of a risk, albeit one Roman can afford, but they are looking to secure Champs league qualification for next season as much as win the trophy this year.
However Newcastle are 8pts from the drop. Will that be enough to save them? 

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