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‘Harlem Globetrotters football’ impresses Symons but Fulham boss demands ruthless streak too

Cardiff City 1-1 Fulham

Kit Symons wants Fulham to avoid becoming football’s Harlem Globetrotters after they impressed but could only take a point in their opening day clash with Cardiff City.

Matt Smith put the Cottagers in front after Simon Moore made a mess of debutant Ben Pringle’s cross, but Craig Noone’s strike ensured the home side took a point.

Despite fielding five summer signings – Andy Lonergan, Pringle, Tom Cairney, Jazz Richards and Jamie O’Hara – Fulham played some decent football, but manager Symons wants an end product too.

“There was some real nice rotation and movement, which we encourage obviously,” he said.

“What we need now is a little bit more of an end product; more shots on goal, more shots on target, and more crosses into the box.

“We’re not the Harlem Globetrotters, we’re not just here to look nice, I want an end product as well.

“So we’re fully focused on that but we’ve got some very talented footballers who want to play so we’ll always have that nice movement, that nice play through central areas but, like I say, we want a little bit more of a cutting edge as well to go with it.”

Fulham were involved in a relegation scrap last season but Symons is adamant the reinforced squad can challenge at the other end of the table and try to return to the Premier League.

“The whole group this season are really driven,” he added.

“We had Alex Kačaniklić on the bench who didn’t feature but has been outstanding in pre-season.

“There’s a real difference with the players individually and as a group.

“There’s a real drive and determination and a belief that we’re going to do well this season, so long may that last.”

Fulham travel to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow night for the first round of the Capital One Cup.

Feature image courtesy of Fulham FC, via Youtube, with thanks

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