The Fulham Supporters’ Trust have issued a statement expressing concern regarding ex- Fulham assistant director of football operations Craig Kline and the alleged circumstance surrounding his departure.
Kline was relieved of duties at the weekend and reports in the national press on Sunday suggest his behaviour behind the scenes at Motspur Park was a major factor in the American data analyst leaving the club.
Those reports suggest that Kline would not allow Slavisa Jokanovic to sign players such as Aaron Moy, Andreas Pereira and Tammy Abraham as the didn’t meet his stats criteria, while also alleging he wanted to burst into a press conference dressed as a sumo wrestler and wrestle Jokanovic to prove their relationship wasn’t strained, amongst other things.
In a statement, the Fulham Supporter’s Trust said: “Fulham fans are alarmed and concerned by further stories in the national press this morning about the circumstances surrounding the departure of Fulham Football Club's former assistant director of football operations and director of statistical research.
“Whilst employment issues at Fulham Football Club should remain confidential, any implications following Mr. Kline's departure interest anyone who cares passionately about Fulham Football Club. The Fulham Supporters' Trust intend to discuss this matter fully with Fulham Football Club's chief executive officer, Alistair Mackintosh, and other senior Club officials during our upcoming regular structured dialogue meeting at Motspur Park later this month.
“Tom Greatrex, chair of the Fulham Supporters' Trust said: ‘The Trust and senior management at Fulham football club have worked hard over recent times to develop a strong relationship where the independent fans organisation has structured dialogue with the Club on issues of importance.
“‘It is not enjoyable to read about such apparently stark division behind the scenes, and it should be no surprise that the implications for the club have prompted concerns and questions from Trust members.
“‘It is part of our role to put those concerns to the Club, and we will do so when we meet later this month. This is a very significant time for the Fulham both on and off the field, and we want to see a focussed and united organisation making progress.’”
