Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is on collision course with American data analyst Craig Kline who is running a strict Moneyball system over transfers at the club.
Jokanovic has become increasingly frustrated with the club’s transfer policy and is seriously concerned it could undermine their promotion chances this season.
Assistant Director of Football Operations Kline has rules in place which prevent any players over 28 being signed plus he now wants to interfere on coaching and have a member of his department sit in on team meetings.
Jokanovic has recommended 15 players as transfer targets, including Norwich’s Cameron Jerome, and he feels a mixture of experience and Championship know how is vital for getting out of the division.
But Fulham have not acted on any of them and their only signing has been 23 year-old Spaniard Marcelo Djalo from Club Deportivo Lugo and he arrived on the basis of stats.
Jokanovic is enthusiastic with the club tying down Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney to new deals but has now headed off on the club’s pre season trip to Poland without a No9 after Chris Martin’s loan ended.
Fulham had Lucas Piazon and Tomas Kalas on loan last season and Jokanovic recommended keeping them but deals have not been done.
Jokanovic is hugely popular among Fulham fans and will not quit under any circumstances but clearly wants more backing over transfers and his targets to help the club be successful.
Former Watford boss Jokanovic, who was a target for Crystal Palace but stayed loyal at Fulham, has been outspoken publicly over Kline in the past and the problem has flared up again.
Fulham insist the analysts have always been in pre and post match team meetings. They also say the signing of Djalo was down to scouting as well as stats.