The signing of Franck Queudrue in the summer transfer window was quite a coup for Chris Coleman and Fulham Football Club.
The left back spot, which had been occupied by Wayne Bridge for the second half of the 2005/06 season, was up for grabs after Bridge returned to Chelsea and with only one recognised left back in the senior squad, in Niclas Jensen, the position was in desperate need of reinforcements.
After speaking to Chris Coleman, Queudrue was left in no doubt as to where his future lay.
Having made the move south, Queudrue has quickly settled into his new surroundings and become a firm favourite at Craven Cottage.
Fulhamfc.com caught up with the defender following the match against Chelsea for his reaction to the West London derby defeat and life at Fulham.
Why the move to Fulham?
“When I spoke with Cookie, he really interested me. It was exactly the same as when I first went to Middlesbrough and the discussions I had with Steve McClaren. He wanted to build a club, to achieve something step by step. I think I did that with Middlesbrough. So I wanted a new challenge and I’ve got that with Cookie. Hopefully the Club will reach the top ten this season and why not Europe in the next two years?
“I see the big picture at Fulham. I’ve got three years here plus one more and I want to go all the way and finish my contract, to honour it. That’s why I’m investing myself in the team.”
On settling down at FFC
“To be fair, it’s a very friendly Club. I have had a great welcome from every player and everybody at the Club. The training sessions are good. A good atmosphere really helps a lot when settling down, and we’ve got that.”
On his first West London derby
“You could feel that the fans were really up for it. We were playing a big team but it was also a derby match so it was a special atmosphere. We could feel the fans were right behind us and I would like to say thank you to the fans, because we needed it and we did our best. We tried and tried but we didn’t have much luck on the day.
“Their penalty was a penalty, it was a fair decision. But at the other end I think we could have had one or two penalties. They could have changed the game. At nil-nil, the penalty on Browny could have put us one-nil up and it would have been a different game."
His approach to the game
“I like to get involved with most of the action. The fans welcomed me very well and when you give your best, you will always get the recognition from the fans - even if you don’t play as well as you know you can."
On Jimmy Bullard
“It was a big blow for us for many reasons. On the pitch, he wanted the ball all the time and he’s really good at set pieces. He can give an assist and he can score. Around the dressing room he’s a funny guy, always joking about. I wish him all the best and I hope to see him back as soon as possible.”
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