Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk’s latest comment has left Newcastle and Brighton fans a little bemused after claiming that Fulham were the “best team” in the Championship last season – despite us lifting the title and finishing 14 points above the Cottagers in 6th.
Monk’s Middlesbrough travel to Craven Cottage this weekend and the former Leeds boss made this rather peculiar comment in his press-conference today:
“For me, Fulham were the best team in the league last season,”
“They were the most difficult team we played against and played very good football. Another season forward, they will have improved on that.”
The second bit is understandable. Fulham did the double on us, including an emphatic 3-1 win at St. James’ Park, and were arguably the best team to watch in the league, but there’s a big difference between that and who was actually the ‘best team in the league’.
As it turned out, they ended up 14 points behind us in 6th, winning 22 to our 29, conceding 57 to our 40 and scoring 85 times – the joint highest tally, only matched by us. The best ‘footballing’ side? Yes, I agree. The best team in the league? Clearly not.
Monk’s comments have went on to cause a bit of a stir on social media, with several NUFC fans reacting to his rather bizarre comments:
Strange that, cos they weren't in the top two & didn't get promoted..#NUFC #FFC #BHAFC https://t.co/2JLDMryv7s
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) September 22, 2017
Certainly one of the more attractive sides to watch last season, but nowhere near as efficient as the three that went up #nufc #bhafc #htafc
— Dan Sheridan (@dansheridan) September 22, 2017
Last season Fulham were the side that would beat Newcastle one week but lose to Burton the next
— Alex Daniel (@alex_daniel123) September 22, 2017
If Fulham were the best team how come they didn't win the championship what a load of poppy **** monk is talking
— wayne buckle (@BuckleWayne) September 22, 2017
6th in the league means they were 6th best team, although they did give us a football lesson at st.james park.
Decca63(Quote)