Fulham have bolstered their squad further through the signing of Middlesbrough right-back, Cyrus Christie. The 25-year-old has arrived at Craven Cottage permanently on a three-and-a-half-year contract and this comes as a huge boost for the Lillywhites. When asked about Christie’s transfer deal, Fulham director of football, Tony Khan was quoted, “He is a fantastic young player who brings both an international pedigree and a wealth of Championship experience with him,” Khan said of Christie. I can’t wait for him to join us and help the squad continue to push for promotion.”
Christie started his professional career with Coventry City and made his debut 7 years ago in the 2-0 defeat to Morecambe in the EFL League Cup. But that was not enough to help him break into the first into the first team. Christie had to develop his game first and was sent out on loan to Nuneaton Town and Hinckley Town in the 2010/11 season which eventually helped him make 119 appearances for the Sky Blues. But it was at Derby County where Christie really came into the limelight of EFL Championship football.
Primarily a right-back by trade, Christie has a domineering 6 feet 2 inches figure which makes him a hard player to go past. The Coventry-born defender has spent the last three seasons with Derby County and Middlesbrough. He has made 26 appearances for Boro this season but was let go by the newly appointed manager, Tony Pulis. The former West Brom manager already has a strong grip of where the North Yorkshire club is headed and is looking to earn promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs.
Fulham have slid into the last playoff spot after going on an incredible 4-game lossless run. They thrashed Burton Albion 6 goals to nil before the 1-3 showing against Barnsley last Saturday at Oakwell. Slavisa Jokanovic has been successful in fending interests from other sides over his number 10 – Tom Cairney.
Ryan Fredericks has played every game except one in the Championship this season for the Cottagers. And Christie has come in as an all-important second option. The defence has been solid most of the time but still has looked a bit vulnerable.
After spending 3 and a half seasons in the Championship the fans at Craven Cottage are pushing the team for the promotion chase. The top 6 clubs have shuffled around in the playoff spots for some time now with Wolves at the top. Now with quality additions they are well equipped to face whatever challenges are thrown their way.
