Fulham News 24/7Writer: Andrew Joyce 
Date:Wednesday May 20 2009
Time: 4:25PM
UK time is: 02:11:03
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Fulham - The Challenge Ahead?
The biggest problem Fulham could suffer with if they do qualify for the Europa League is a lack of depth to the squad.
This season, in securing their highest ever finish, there`s no denying that Roy Hodgson has been lucky with injuries. Only during the back end of the season have they been unfortunate enough to suffer from a few knocks with Erik Nevland and Diomansy Kamara superbly filling the void.
But, with a hectic European programme in the pipeline there`s every chance that Roy Hodgson will be unable to stick with the mostly settled starting eleven that has been the backbone of a very successful season.
A prolonged European adventure could see Fulham reach the stage they are at now, with some forty-five plus games under the belt come March, still with three months of the season to go.
It makes you wonder if the current squad could adequately cope or would the introduction of the fringe players start to have a detrimental affect.
In fact with the likes of Dacourt, Stoor, Gray and possibly a few others not being envisaged as Fulham players next season, it looks as if Roy`s work is going to be cut out to ensure there is sufficient depth to cope with the challenge ahead.
Exciting times are ahead but times that will require some precision planning if our 2009/2010 season isn`t going to come off the rails.
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Your Comments
Quite right! To begin, we need to find permanent homes for many of our loanees. Seol, Volz, E. Johnson, and Bouazza have to go to create space. Pick up some youngsters like Simon Cox and let them shoulder the domestic cup competitions. Finally, look for the Bosman transfers. There are plenty out there. Cheap way to build squad depth.
Samboney
good post - in reality Roy could need as many as ten players in this summer!
Al Billy
it'll be interesting if there are any takers for those you mentioned Samboney!
Al Billy
I can see the likes of Stoor and Gray waiting to see Roy's european plans in all honesty. If he can guarentee them a game in that and we qualify then i'd expect them to stay. If not, then we need a lot of back up signings. Agree with Samboney, Cox would be a good little signing.
AlexFFC
yeah, i'd agree with alex here... a few of those departing players may stick around if we qualify for europe, hopefully dacourt and others... we shall see... roy assemble a resolute squad with a tight budget last summer, let's see what he can do...
woodysweats
Interesting article, as this will be your first time in Europe I assume that you are going to take the competition seriously and put out strong teams even in the early stages. This means playing on a Thursday night in some God forsaken frozen wasteland and then backing up in the EPL on Sunday. It is not just the physical pressure it places on your players but mentally as well. Based on this you are not only going to need a big squad but a decent one as well. If you get there good luck.
TeddyLyon
We were in europe before having won the intertoto cup but we had slightly bigger squad back then and there wasnt so many games to be played what with the new league layout. I think it will take its toll on the players regardless of who we bring in, lets just hope that we do not face a relegation battle next season as a result of it!
FFC Daz
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