The English Premier League (EPL) is a treasure trove of exhilarating football, and one team that carries a rich tradition and an unyielding spirit is none other than Fulham FC. Nestled by the River Thames, the club has seen many highs and lows and continues to delight its fans with electrifying performances.
Once Upon A Time On The Thames
Founded in 1879, Fulham FC is one of the oldest teams in the EPL. They’ve been a mainstay in the league for decades, having the tenacity to bounce back whenever they’ve faced relegation. Their peak performance was in the 2009-10 season when they secured a seventh-place finish, paving their way to the Europa League Final, an achievement that still fills their fans with immense pride.
More Than A Passing Through
Fulham has always been a hub for extraordinary talent. Past players like Bobby Robson, who later managed England and Barcelona, and Jimmy Hill, whose influence extends beyond playing to include groundbreaking stints as a broadcaster and union leader, are perfect examples of this.
More recent times have seen players like Clint Dempsey, who honed his talents at Fulham before making a significant impact at Tottenham Hotspur and on the Major League Soccer scene in the US. Louis Saha, another Fulham favorite, later became a key player for Manchester United.
Friendly Jabs and Fiery Jousts
While Fulham may not boast the aggressive rivalries that other teams have, they still enjoy spirited matches against their West London neighbors. Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers are among those local adversaries, with the games often providing entertaining spectacles for the fans. The contests with Brentford, known as the West London Derby, are equally passionate, demonstrating the depth of footballing quality within London.
In the past, Fulham has also encountered international rivals, like Atletico Madrid, whom they faced in the Europa League Final, and Hamburg, whom they dramatically overcame in the semi-final of the same tournament.
Welcome to Craven Cottage
The allure of Fulham wouldn’t be complete without a visit to their historic home ground, Craven Cottage. With its captivating blend of classic and modern architecture, the stadium is a beacon of tradition in the fast-paced world of Premier League football.
The Hammersmith End is perfect for budget-conscious fans, with tickets averaging around £45. From here, you’ll get to witness the die-hard supporters in action. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Riverside Stand offers premium seating, complete with a dining experience and lounge access, with prices averaging £110-£210.
The Joy of the Game
There is something truly magical about watching a match at Craven Cottage. You can feel the excitement in the air, the anticipation of what’s to come, and the raw emotion that accompanies every goal. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the Fulham family, the experience is one you won’t soon forget. So why wait? Book your tickets now and become part of the thrilling saga that is Fulham FC.
Time for a Great Match
- Origin of the Name “Craven Cottage”: Craven Cottage, Fulham’s home ground, got its name from a royal hunting lodge that once stood on the site in the 18th century. This lodge was known as “Craven Cottage” and belonged to William Craven, the sixth Baron Craven.
- Oldest Football Ground in London: Craven Cottage is the oldest football ground in London. It has been the home of Fulham FC since 1896, making it a significant landmark in English football.
- Fulham FC’s Role in the Establishment of the Champions League: Fulham’s chairman, Mohamed Al-Fayed, proposed the idea of the Champions League in the late 1990s. UEFA took on board the idea, which is why we have the tournament today.
- World Cup Winners at Fulham FC: Two of England’s 1966 World Cup winners, George Cohen and Bobby Moore, have played for Fulham FC.
- Fulham’s “Great Escape”: Fulham is known for its “Great Escape” during the 2007-2008 season when they were able to avoid relegation from the Premier League after being rooted at the bottom of the table for much of the season.
- Involvement in Women’s Football: Fulham was the first professional team in English football to have a fully professional women’s team, Fulham Ladies, who were fully professional between 2000 and 2003.
- Music Connection: Fulham has an interesting connection to music. Pop star Lily Allen’s father, Keith Allen, had a trial with the club when he was a youngster, and soul singer Amy Winehouse was a well-known fan of the team.
- Fulham’s Mascot: The team’s mascot is named “Billy the Badger.” He has been entertaining fans at Craven Cottage since his introduction in 2006.
