Rumours concerning Fulham`s purchase of both Tom Huddlestone and Gareth Bale have been intensifying recently in the press. But would they be good signings?
Huddlestone has recently been described by none other than Fabio Capello as one of England`s most promising young players along with Theo Walcott and Joe Hart. However Huddlestone has fallen out of favour with Redknapp at Spurs and now, since their January signing of Wilson Palacios from Wigan, rarely plays. It seems likely that he will leave the club in the summer, but is Fulham the place for him? From what I have seen of him he does look like a very talented player. And with a bit of nurturing from our conveniently experienced and knowledgeable manager, he could turn into one of England`s finest.
Presumably his purchase would be as a replacement for Jimmy Bullard. But this speculation comes days after Dickson Etuhu, who has filled in for Bullard since his departure in January, scored his first Fulham goal in spectacular fashion against Man City at the weekend. Etuhu has received praise for his mature and accomplished displays alongside Danny Murphy. So do we really need Huddlestone? Huddlestone certainly would provide a more creative and attacking option, which is arguably what we need after a season of solid defending but slightly lacking attacking. But I think that all of this must be put back into the context of our scrape with relegation last season and that if we are to remain in the top flight for a considerable time, we must build a team slowly but surely without constantly updating a squad of able players.
Having said all that, I would welcome them him with open arms in the summer, especially as they would bring some youth to a “mature” side. The combination of unerring experience in Danny Murphy alongside spectacular youth in Tom Huddlestone is a mouthwatering one for any football fan.
As for Gareth Bale, a left-sided player would be useful whether he played in defence or midfield. In the 3-3 draw with us last season he looked very promising with a brilliant combination of pace and technical ability. Again, his youth would do know harm to the team. I fear that it would be Paul Konchesky who would face the axe over Clint Dempsey who yet again proved his goal-scoring threat against Man City. Konchesky has been a solid component in our stalwart defence. But despite his spectacular goal against West Ham his former club, he has been shaky on a few of occasions (Uhum…first day of the season…Hull away…90th minute winner…Uhum).
Whether the future holds European brilliance or mid-table mediocrity for us, both players would be a welcome addition to our squad that, with all its relative success this season with the last, has at times lacked attacking impetus and both of these players would certainly bring that.
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