Coleman slams Fulham 'pretenders'

Fulham manager Chris Coleman today fired a broadside at his club’s supporters and players.

The Cottagers chief, whose side were lucky to draw 0-0 with First Division West Ham in yesterday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Loftus Road, slammed his side’s supporters for their lack of noise, numbers and commitment.

And the Welshman, who forged a reputation as a passionate performer in his days on the pitch, attacked his players for yesterday’s showing, snapping: “We had too many pretenders and not enough men.”

West Ham fans took up their 3,000 allocated tickets at Loftus Road but just 11,500 home supporters turned up for a game which would have taken Fulham to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

There were 4,500 empty seats in the home end which only added to the frustration of the Hammers, who claimed they could have packed the ground to its 19,000 capacity.

Coleman, whose side were watched by a crowd of just 11,551 for Wednesday’s 2-1 fourth-round replay victory against Everton – who brought 3,000 of their own supporters – said: “I’ve had a go at our fans before. They’re too quiet, we need more of them and they don’t always show up.

“But how can I have a go at the fans when we performed like that? We’d be out of the cup if it wasn’t for [goalkeeper] Edwin van der Sar and there’s no doubt about that.

"We should be out of the cup as we had too many pretenders. We didn’t have enough men out there and we need to pull our socks up.”

Coleman saluted van der Sar, who was at his magnificent best in goal just six days after he publicly voiced his disillusion at his club’s lack of ambition.

“If Edwin was unhappy, I can’t see him putting in performances like that,” the manager said.

“He’s very bubbly around the rest of the lads and works very hard in training.

“He says what’s on his mind. Maybe that sometimes comes across in the wrong way but he doesn’t mince his words and I like that.

“What he says isn’t what people always like to hear but at least you know where he’s coming from.

“He’s definitely one of the best ‘keepers in the Premiership on his day and thank God he had one of his top days against West Ham. He was superb.”

West Ham had by far the better of yesterday’s match, with Michael Carrick outstanding in the visitors' midfield.

Hammers boss Alan Pardew believes the talented young player, who is returning to his best form after serious injury problems, must come under consideration for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England Euro 2004 squad.

Asked if he felt Carrick was one of the best midfielders in the country, Pardew said: “I do. Sven was at Loftus Road and Michael’s confidence is back and he’s playing at the top of his game, make no mistake about it.

“Fulham have some fantastic players but Michael was the best player out there.

“Sven could have looked at Matty Etherington as well.

“Moritz Volz has been terrific for Fulham at right-back but Matty gave him a tough time.”

West Ham will take on Fulham in the replay at Upton Park a week on Tuesday, with a quarter-final place at stake.