TheItalianStallion

November 2022 ------- Results A pretty solid start to our career at Fulham. We kicked off with a home game in the league against West Ham and despite going a goal down in the first half we turned it around and came away with three points. It was a really pleasing performance to kick us off and gave us a much needed three points in the context of the league. Next up we travelled to Palace in the Carabao Cup and eventhough I played a heavily rotated side (where possible) we managed to coast through to the next round. Antonee Robinson scoring a terrific goal puts him in contention at left back and Tom Cairney scored to put his name into the hat. We then finished off with a tough trip to Anfield and despite coming away empty handed, we put up a stellar performance and I have no doubt that with a few important signing we can turn this team around and start heading in the right direction. ------------ Table Sadly we remain in the relegation zone for now but I do think we are going to be able to string a run of performances together that will lift us out of the relegation zone. Only 6 points separates us an Nottingham Forest in 12th. Sadly we now enter the winter break for the World Cup and we return to action on 20th December when we host Plymouth in the Carabao Cup and then we take on Crystal Palace in the league. --------- Transfer News I think it is no secret that I will look to use the winter break to conduct some scouting and get some players through the door in January. We currently have £30 million in the bank to spend and if I am able to spend that wisely I hope to get two or three quality players in to add some much needed depth. It's been very obvious from the first three games that we really do need better quality on the wings and this is something I hope to address in January. I have actually agreed one deal already. Victor Hugo will join us on loan in January for an initial 6 month period. Flamengo weren't open to selling him right away but they have agreed on a loan deal with an option to buy clause at £12.75 million in the summer. At 18 I think he has bags of potential and he can cover plenty of those attacking positions. I do seem him occupying the shadow striker role or the pressing forward role as his most natural position. The 6 month loan deal works well for us as it'll give me a chance to evaluate what he is really like. I don't think £12.75 million as an optional fee is awful but it is only optional at this stage.

Introduction With FM23 winding down, I thought I'd start a quick save to try and tide me over until the release of FM24. I've decided to give Michael Owen a new lease of life and start a journeyman save with him. Not sure quite how this goes, but let's see! So we are at the end of October 2022 and Michael has taken over Fulham who are lying 18th in the Premier League. A solid club to start a career at. ------------ Current Squad This is the squad I have inherited. Not awful but lacking in depth and also lacking in real firepower up top. If I am brutally honest, we probably need 4 or 5 big signings in January to progress the club. I could do with a top class central defender and left back to sort out the defence. I would also then really like a right and left winger to come in and strengthen that area. The most concerning area is the striker department. We have just Raul Jiminex and Carlos Vinicius. I do only plan to play with one striker but neither of those are world beaters. --------------- Tactical approach This how I plan to shape up until January. Once we are able to delve into the transfer market I may want to switch it around but I think this system suits the players we have. We are very light on attacking talent, especially out on the flanks so I may need to adopt a more narrow approach if we get injuries. I am very excited to have a midfield pairing of Pereira and Palhinha, I just hope the click together in there. ------------ Current Table It's not awful, and a good run of form would push us well up the table. I think Sheffield United have probably secured 20th position already but I'd like to think we can avoid relegation this season with the squad we have at our disposal. Up first is the visit of West Ham at Craven Cottage.

Last updated: 31st October 2022 at 09:30 BREAKING: Fulham have this morning announced Michael Owen as their new manager following the departure of Marco Silva who was sacked by the London club two weeks ago. Reports state that Owen had been set to accept the manager's role at West Brom before Fulham came in with a last minute offer for him. The 42 year old takes over at Craven Cottage with immediate effect. 42 year old Michael Owen has this morning been announced as the new manager of Fulham, following the departure of Marco Silva. Owen was set to join West Brom as their new head coach but has decided to join Fulham as they look to battle against relegation from the Premier League. Fulham sacked former manager Marco Silva on 15th October with the London club languishing in 18th place following a poor start to the season. Only Burnley and Sheffield United are below them in the table. Owen is yet to manage a club and this will be his first managerial position in his career. More news to follow.

Last updated 1st July 2022 Former England and Liverpool footballer Michael Owen has this morning announced his intention to enter the world of football management within the next year following the 43 year old completing his final coaching badges within the last year. BBC Sport understands that Michael Owen has announced his intention to take up a managerial role within the next 12 months. The former England international has recently competed his coaching badges which will allow him to pursue a role as a manager within world football. At this stage it appears that Owen has not formally found a role but makes the announcement in order to attract potential job offers from clubs seeking a new manager. The 43 year old had a successful career as a player, most notably with Liverpool between 1996 and 2004 where the Englishman scored 118 goals for the Merseyside club. Owen famously moved to Real Madrid in 2005 for £8 million before going on to play for Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. Owen retired from professional football in 2013. The 43 year old also made 89 appearances for England, scoring 40 goals in the process. Owen is new to football management having not held a coaching role since his retirement as a player.