Fan View: Fulham

Ahead of Blues’ visit to Craven Cottage tomorrow, Rob Wildey caught up with Fulham fan Oliver Beattie.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON SLAVISA JOKANOVIC?

He is a top manager. He struggled somewhat last season but was trying to build foundations over Kit Symons’ time at the club. This season, we have less big names but more of a hard working, close knit, team. I always thought Jokanovic would do a good job if given time and so far he is proving me and many others right.

WHAT WOULD REPRESENT A GOOD SEASON FOR FULHAM?

At the start of the season I’d have said a solid mid-table finish with a better ‘goals against’ column. However, after the start we have had, I perhaps feel we could sneak a play-off place. It will be hard but that has to be the aim.

HOW BIG A LOSS WAS ROSS McCORMACK?

Massive. His work ethic was never the greatest but he guaranteed Fulham 20/25 goals a season. We now have to hope someone else can take the baton. Matt Smith is ok and is doing well currently, but will not score more than 12/15. So we need to hope another player can step up and contribute as well.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF OUR OLD BOY, SONE ALUKO?

So far so good. He’s played 90 minutes in every league game so far and has found the net once. He is quick and skilful and always causes the opposition problems. No complaints with that signing. Yet.

IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE BIRMINGHAM PLAYER FOR THE FULHAM SQUAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I like Michael Morrison. I was shocked when Charlton let him go and since he joined Birmingham he seems to have settled your defence down. We could have done with a defender like him last season.

WHICH FULHAM PLAYER SHOULD BIRMINGHAM BE WARY OF?

Matt Smith can be a handful due to his heigh. Aluko for his pace. But Scotty Parker has to be one of the best midfielders in the league. His experience is vital.

FULHAM HAVE STRUGGLED SINCE COMING BACK DOWN FROM THE PREMIER LEAGUE. WILL IT BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME?

I hope so. Whatever happens, i don’t think we will flirt with relegation like we did last season and the season before. Finishing 17th and 20th was not good enough. However, the defence seems to be more solid now and we look a threat going forward. We may have to bide our time against attacking sides and play on the counter. If we play to our strengths, keep our main players fit and improve the squad in January, we may be capable of a top six finish.

WHAT IS YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE GAME?

Well, we are unbeaten and Birmingham haven’t lost away from home, So, predictably, I’m going for a 1-1 draw. Anything is better than the hammering you gave us at The Cottage last season!