Latest loss must serve as a wake-up call for relegation threatened Fulham

A few weeks back; I held the opinion that despite the steps forward under Slavisa Jokanovic being relatively minor, we most certainly would not be dragged in to the mire that is the Championship relegation battle given a comfortable seven-point gap.

Now a few weeks down the line and with that gap has gone down to just one point having just lost at home to fellow strugglers Bristol City without much fight.

It would be fair to say that we now face yet another stressful climax to the end of another ultimately disappointing season.

Jokanovic’s Fulham sit just one point above the Championship’s drop zone following three league defeats in their last four outings.

Logically; I look at our side and I am still convinced myself that we have far too much quality to go down, but at the same time, I question the amount of fight those same individuals seem to possess. Rotherham, MK Dons and Bristol City all seem to have realised the gravitas of their situation and are battling for survival, whereas we still seem to be under the impression that survival will just happen.

If the capitulation that led to Bristol City turning the game on its head does not serve as a wake-up call, then nothing will!

We are all aware by now that this goes far beyond a managerial issue, and in fairness, minimal blame has been laid at the feet of SJ so far by the fans. The transfer embargo has meant he would have to operate the remainder of the season with one hand tied behind his back, but there can be no doubt now that yet another major clear out will be needed this summer.

If not to improve the overall talent of the squad, then certainly to ensure we do not go into next season with a squad bereft of any leadership, passion or general desire to drag the club out of this hole we find ourselves in.

As is usually the situation in these cases, we as fans are left powerless to do anything but watch on and hope. As frustrating as it is seeing your side’s performance levels differ so much on a game-by-game basis, negativity and simply pointing out the problems that we all know are there is going to do little to further the cause at this stage.

All we can do is continue backing the manager and realise that his appointment was always regarded as a long-term strategy, rather than just this season. I don’t think any of us; including Jokanovic, expected things to reach this point again, but trying to put a positive spin on the situation will at least help make his mind up around who does and who doesn’t want to be at the club next year.

A trip to Birmingham awaits us this Saturday; and while I am not expecting to take much from the game, the frustrating issue will come when we end up putting in a performance that despite resulting in a lack of points, will leave us saying that if we play like that against teams around us, then survival will be assured. How very ‘Fulham-ish’!

COYW!