Europe d-Ream not Tim’s priority
TIM REAM insists high-flying Fulham are more concerned with making sure they avoid relegation from the Premier League than qualifying for Europe.
Marco Silva’s men are bang in the hunt for the European places after a surprisingly good first half of the season.
One that is in stark contrast to the dismal campaign they suffered two years ago when they were last in the top flight.
It has got fans dreaming of a return to continental competition for the first time since their run to the Europa League final in 2010.
Asked if Silva was allowing them to dream of Europe, Ream – whose side have 32 points from 22 games – said: “No. Right now, our sole focus is to get to survival as quickly as possible.
“We know what has gone and what has happened in the past. We haven’t been up to the standards and now that’s our goal, even now.
“Whatever comes after that, we will continue to take it game by game and we’ll see what the table says at the end of it.”
Ream reckons much of the upturn at Fulham this season is down to a happy dressing room.
The defender added: “The additions we have made, in the summer and in January, it’s just a good mix of guys, guys who understand the game, have good character, who get along with everyone.
“There are no bad apples and everyone is looking to back each other up and fight for each other.”
Wednesday’s FA Cup replay at Sunderland, Ream admits, is one he and his team-mates could do without.
He said: “The manager takes the cup seriously and it was a case of shoulda, woulda, coulda beat Sunderland in the first game.
“I’d like to not have to travel up there and now we do.”