Monday, 19 May 2008

End of season awards

A lot of other blogs appear to be putting together their awards for the year - so I thought I'd have a bash as well.

Survival Award - Simon Davies
Only Simon Davies has been an ever present in the Fulham squad this season, from the first game to the last and scoring some important goals along the way. He's been pressed in this award by Paul Konchesky (who suffered a three match ban) and Danny Murphy (who only joined on transfer deadline day). To be constantly in a team that has used many, many players during the season shows his dedication on the pitch and the training ground.
Also nominated: Fulham FC

Disappearing Act Award - Alexy Smertin
Where the hell did the Russian go? The only midfield 'enforcer' played most of the matches until mid January, resurfaced in March for the defeat against Man United and then disappeared again. He also scored two of the biggest deflected goals of the season.
Also nominated: Eddie Johnson

Surprise Package Award - Billy the Badger
There was one point of the season where Fulham's mascot was getting more favourable press coverage than the team, and with good reason. He was pictured consoling Chelsea manager Avram Grant and was then sent off against Aston Villa during a televised game for breakdancing in the corner while the game was about to kick off.
Also nominated: Woy Hodgson, Erik Nevland

Frank Spencer Award - Chris Baird
Poor Chris Baird. The £3m centre half embodied his manager Laurie Sanchez and for that reason the Fulham fans never took to him. Clearly suffering from having his confidence knocked (he was Southampton's player of the season last year), Baird put in one clueless performance after another, albeit at right back - not his natural position. Frequently out of position and with appalling distribution, it would not be a surprise if he returns to the south coast this summer.
Also nominated: Brede Hangeland for his 'performance' against Sunderland, Tony Warner

Laissez-Faire Award - Seol Ki-Hyeon
It is now apparent why Reading were so happy to see the back of the Korean. When he was up for it, Ki-Hyeon mixed skill and pace with a surprisingly robust physical presence. However most of the time he looked like he couldn't be arsed. Useless as a starter, Ki-Hyeon only made any impact on a game when introduced as a sub and then not often enough.
Also nominated: Diomansy Kamara

Goal of the Season - Diomansy Kamara v Tottenham Hotspur
In probably the best match the Cottage saw this season, Kamara's last minute, overhead kick equaliser probably generated the most celebration. An undeserved point against London neighbours in such spectacular and unexpected fashion was an incredible feeling and, in the end, was essential for Premiership survival.
Also nominated: David Healey v Sunderland, Hameur Bouzza v Man City

Atmosphere of the Season - Fulham v Everton
The Cottage came alive for this game, aided by the paper clappers which generated a background noise from which to progress. I think this was the game where the 'Great Escape' theme first started this season and caught the mood and I believe took the pressure off the players - helping them record an unlikely 1-0 win.
Also nominated: Fulham v Spurs, Fulham v Birmingham

1 comment:

Dom B said...

Many thanks for your musings on the season just gone guys, it has made very interesting reading. I hope you return next season although I can fully understand if you don't, it hasn't exactly made for enjoyable viewing in the main. Thats Fulham for you I guess.

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