Fulham F.C.

Last updated

Fulham
Fulham FC.svg
Full nameFulham Football Club
Nickname(s)The Cottagers
Founded1879;145 years ago (1879) (as St Andrews Cricket & Football Club) [1]
Ground Craven Cottage
Capacity24,500 [2]
Owner Shahid Khan [3]
ChairmanShahid Khan [3]
Head coach Marco Silva
League Premier League
2022–23 Premier League, 10th of 20
Website Club website
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Fulham Football Club is a professional football club based in Fulham, Greater London, England. The team competes in the Premier League, the top level of the English football league system. They have played home games at Craven Cottage since 1896, other than a two-year period spent at Loftus Road whilst Craven Cottage underwent redevelopments that were completed in 2004. They contest West London derby rivalries with Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Brentford. The club adopted a white shirt and black shorts as its kit in 1903, which has been used ever since. [4]

Contents

Founded in 1879, they are London's oldest professional football club. [5] They joined the Southern League in 1898 and won two First Division titles (1905–06 and 1906–07), as well as two Second Division titles and a Western League title. Elected into the Second Division of the Football League in 1907, Fulham would win the Third Division South in 1931–32, four years after being relegated. They won the Second Division title in 1948–49, though were relegated after three seasons. Promoted back to the First Division again in 1958–59, the form of star player Johnny Haynes helped Fulham to remain in the top-flight until consecutive relegations occurred by 1969. They were promoted in 1970–71 and went on to reach the final of the 1974–75 FA Cup.

Fulham drifted between the second and fourth tiers until being taken over by Mohamed Al-Fayed in 1997. They went on to win two divisional titles in three seasons to reach the Premier League by 2001. They won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002 and were beaten in the 2010 final of the UEFA Europa League. However, thirteen consecutive seasons in the top-flight culminated in relegation in 2014. Since that time, the club have moved between the first and second tiers under new owner Shahid Khan. Fulham had changed divisions in five successive seasons between 2017–18 to 2021–22, being relegated after winning the 2018 and 2020 EFL Championship play-off finals. They then won the 2021–22 EFL Championship title, finally settling in the Premier League, where they have played since 2022.

History

1879–1907: Formation and Southern League years

The Second XI team, in 1886 Fulham team from 1886 season.jpg
The Second XI team, in 1886

Fulham were formed in 1879 as Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School F.C., [6] founded by worshippers (mostly adept at cricket) at the Church of England on Star Road, West Kensington (St Andrew's, Fulham Fields). Fulham's mother church still stands today with a plaque commemorating the team's foundation. They won the West London Amateur Cup in 1887 and, having shortened the name from Fulham St Andrews to its present form in December 1888, they then won the West London League in 1893 at the first attempt. [7] One of the club's first ever kits was half red, half white shirts with white shorts worn in the 1886–87 season. [8] Fulham started playing at their current ground at Craven Cottage in 1896, their first game against now defunct rivals Minerva. [9]


Postcard of the 1903-04 line-up Image of fulham squad c.1903.jpg
Postcard of the 1903–04 line-up

The club gained professional status on 12 December 1898, the same year that they were admitted into the Southern League's Second Division. They were the third club from London to turn professional, following Arsenal, then named Royal Arsenal 1891, and Millwall in 1893. They adopted a red and white kit during the 1896–97 season. [10] In 1902–03, the club won promotion from this division, entering the Southern League First Division. The club's first recorded all-white club kit came in 1903, and ever since then the club has been playing in all-white shirts and black shorts, with socks going through various evolutions of black and/or white, but are now normally white-only. [11] The club won the Southern League twice, in 1905–06 and 1906–07. [12]

1907–1949: Football League

The "Rabbit Hutch" stand along Stevenage Road sometime before Archibald Leitch's redesign in 1904-05 Rabbit Hutch at the Cottage.jpg
The "Rabbit Hutch" stand along Stevenage Road sometime before Archibald Leitch's redesign in 1904–05

Fulham joined The Football League after the second of their Southern League triumphs. The club's first league game, playing in the Second Division's 1907–08 season, saw them lose 1–0 at home to Hull City in September 1907. The first win came a few days later at Derby County's Baseball Ground by a score line of 1–0. Fulham finished the season three points short of promotion in fourth place. The club progressed all the way to the semi-final of that season's FA Cup, a run that included an 8–3 away win at Luton Town. In the semi-final, however, they were heavily beaten, 6–0, by Newcastle United. This is still a record loss for an FA Cup semi-final game. [13] Two years later, the club won the London Challenge Cup in the 1909–10 season. Fulham's first season in Division Two turned out to be the highest that the club would finish for 21 years, until in 1927–28 when the club were relegated to the 3rd Division South, created in 1920. Hussein Hegazi, an Egyptian forward, was one of the first non-British players to appear in The Football League, though he only played one game for Fulham in 1911, marked with a goal, afterwards playing for non-league Dulwich Hamlet. [14]

During this period, businessman and politician Henry Norris was the club chairman and curiously he had an indirect role in the foundation of Fulham's local rivals Chelsea. When he rejected an offer from businessman Gus Mears to move Fulham to land where the present-day Chelsea stadium Stamford Bridge is situated, Mears decided to create his own team to occupy the ground. In 1910, Norris started to combine his role at Fulham with the chairmanship of Arsenal. Fulham became the first British team to sell hot dogs at their ground in 1926. [15] Fulham had several high-profile international players during the 1920s, including Len Oliver and Albert Barrett. [16]

Yearly performance of Fulham in the Football League FulhamFC League Performance.svg
Yearly performance of Fulham in the Football League

After finishing fifth, seventh and ninth (out of 22 teams) in their first three seasons in the Third Division South, Fulham won the division in the 1931–32 season. In doing so they beat Torquay United 10–2, won 24 out of 42 games and scored 111 goals, thus being promoted back to the Second Division. The next season they missed out on a second consecutive promotion, finishing third behind Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City. A mixed bag of league performances followed, although the club also reached another FA Cup semi-final during the 1935–36 season. Fulham were also to draw with Austria in 1936 before Anschluss. [17] On 8 October 1938, Craven Cottage saw its all-time highest attendance at a match against Millwall, with a crowd of 49,335 watching the game. [18]

League and cup football were severely disrupted by the outbreak of World War II in 1939, with the Football League split into regional divisions temporarily, with a national Football League War Cup and a London War Cup up for grabs. Craven Cottage was used like many grounds for fitness and training of the army youth reserves. [19] Post-war, a full league programme was only restored for 1946–47. In the third season of what is now considered the modern era of football, Fulham finished top of the Second Division, with a win–loss–draw record of 24–9–9 (identical to that which won them the Third Division South 17 years previously). John Fox Watson made a pioneering transfer to Real Madrid in 1948, becoming one of the first players from the United Kingdom to sign for a high-profile side abroad.[ citation needed ]

1949–1970: First Division Cottagers

Promotion to the top tier of English football saw the club perform poorly, finishing 17th in their first year and 18th in their second. In only their third season of First Division football, Fulham finished rock bottom of the 22-team league in the 1951–52 season, winning only eight of 42 games. On 20 May 1951, Fulham played one of their first ever games in North America in an exhibition match against Celtic at Delorimier Stadium in Montreal in front of 29,000 spectators. [20] [21]

Fulham FC in 1958 with Johnny Haynes, player number two from right in the front line. Fulham FC 1958.jpg
Fulham FC in 1958 with Johnny Haynes, player number two from right in the front line.

Possibly the single most influential character in Fulham's history is Johnny Haynes. [22] "Mr. Fulham" or "The Maestro," as Haynes later came to be known, signed for The Cottagers as a schoolboy in 1950, making his first team debut on Boxing Day against Southampton at Craven Cottage in the 1951/52 relegation season. Haynes played for another 18 years, notching 657 appearances (along with many other club records too), his last appearance for Fulham coming on 17 January 1970. He is often considered as the greatest player in Fulham history, [23] and never played for another team in Britain. [24] He gained 56 caps for England (22 as captain), [25] with many being earned while playing for Fulham in the Second Division. Haynes was injured in a car accident in Blackpool in 1962, but by his own admissions never regained the fitness or form to play for England again, missing out on England's victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup for which he would have stood a chance of being selected. [26] The Stevenage Road Stand was renamed in his honour after his death in a car crash in 2005. [27]

Fulham reached the 1957–58 FA Cup semi-finals, the best cup run of Haynes' career and nearest he came to a major trophy win playing in England. They were eliminated in a replay by the remnants of Manchester United's Busby Babes team that had been decimated in the Munich air disaster the month before. United were the first top division team Fulham played in that cup run. Fulham won promotion back to the First Division in the following season by finishing second to Sheffield Wednesday. Also joining Fulham in 1958 was Graham Leggat, who went on to score 134 goals in 277 appearances, (making him the club's fifth all-time top scorer). In the 1959–60 season, they achieved tenth position in the First Division, which until finishing ninth in the 2003–04 season was their highest-ever league position. This accompanied another appearance in the last four of the FA Cup in 1962. By this time, the club were regularly playing in front of 30,000 plus crowds at Craven Cottage, [28] despite struggling in the league.[ citation needed ]

The club earned a reputation for constantly battling against relegation most seasons, with numerous narrow escapes; none more so than in 1965–66. [29] On the morning of 26 February 1966, Fulham were bottom with just 15 points from 29 matches. The last 13 games saw Fulham win nine and draw two to reach safety. Eventually, however, the club suffered relegation in the 1967–68 season, having won just ten out of their 42 games. Even that, however, was not as catastrophic as the calamity of next season. Winning only seven in 42, the club were relegated to the Third Division. [30]

1970–1994: Mixed fortunes outside the top flight

The aforementioned Third Division hiatus lasted only two seasons before the club was promoted back to the Second Division as runners-up in 1970–71. This spell also saw Fulham invited to the Anglo-Italian Cup, which saw the club draw four out of four games in 1972–73 season. This preceded a period of high-profile signings for the club under Alec Stock in the mid-1970s, including Alan Mullery and Bobby Moore. Fulham reached their only FA Cup final to date in 1975, having won their first semi-final in five attempts. The club lost 2–0 to West Ham United in the final at Wembley Stadium. This gained the club qualification for another European tournament, the Anglo-Scottish Cup, where they reached the final, losing to Middlesbrough. [31]

George Best played 47 times for the club in the 1976–77 season. Rodney Marsh, who having grown up with Fulham in the 1960s went on to play First Division football and play for England, rejoined the club in the same season, playing only 16 games. This capped one of the most successful eras in Fulham history.[ citation needed ]

The club were relegated again after winning only 11 in 42 matches in the 1979–80 season, which eventually resulted in Bobby Campbell's dismissal in October 1980, to be replaced by Malcolm Macdonald. With a strong squad during his 1980–1984 period in charge (with players such as Ray Houghton, Tony Gale, Paul Parker, Gerry Peyton and Ray Lewington), they won promotion again in 1981–82 back to the Second Division, although the promotion was overshadowed by the suicide of former defender Dave Clement a few weeks before promotion was sealed.[ citation needed ]

In 1980, Fulham founded the rugby league club that is now London Broncos designed to be an extra stream of income for the football club, but which made financial losses every year while linked to Fulham F.C. Then called "Fulham Rugby League," they played at Craven Cottage until moving away from the parent club in 1984. [32]

In 1978, Fulham had signed Gordon "Ivor" Davies who, during two spells at Fulham, became the club's leading goalscorer of all time with a total of 178 goals in all competitions; the record still stands. Fulham narrowly missed out on back-to-back promotions to the First Division, losing 1–0 to Derby County away on the last day of the 1982–83 season – although the match was abandoned after 88 minutes due to a pitch invasion and inexplicably never replayed or finished. The side which had shown so much promise was quickly sold off as the club were in debt, so it was little surprise when the club were relegated again to the Third Division in 1986. The club nearly went out of business in 1987 via an ill-advised merger attempt with Queens Park Rangers. It was only the intervention of ex-player Jimmy Hill that allowed the club to stay in business by formation of a new company, Fulham FC (1987) Ltd. In 1987, the club took part in what was then the longest penalty deciders ever recorded – it needed 28 spot kicks to sort out a winner between them and Aldershot following a Football League Trophy match.[ citation needed ]

In 1992, the foundation of the Premier League, and the resignation of 22 clubs from The Football League, restored Fulham to that league's Second Division. However, the club were relegated to the new Third Division after a poor 1993–94 season, following which Ian Branfoot was appointed as team manager.[ citation needed ]

1994–1997: Fulham's lowest ebb

After an eighth-place finish in Branfoot's first season in charge, the club hit its lowest-ever final league position in the 1995–96 season, finishing 17th out of 24. [33] [34] Branfoot was dismissed as manager, but remained at the club in other capacities for a short while. In February 1996, Micky Adams became player-manager. Adams oversaw an upturn in form that lifted the side out of relegation danger. The next season, he engineered a second-place league finish, missing out on first place because several years previously the league had dropped the old "goal difference" system in favour of a "goals scored" tally, meaning Fulham finished behind Wigan Athletic. The club's chairman Jimmy Hill had argued in 1992 that goals scored should decide places of teams tied on points, and the Football League clubs had voted the system in.[ citation needed ]

1997–2001: Al-Fayed takeover

Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed bought the club for £6.25 million in the summer of 1997. [35] The club was purchased via Bill Muddyman's Muddyman Group. [35] Al-Fayed had Micky Adams replaced in the aftermath of a mid-table start to the season. He installed a two-tier management "dream team" of Ray Wilkins as First Team Manager and Kevin Keegan as chief operating officer, [36] pledging that the club would reach the Premier League within five years. After an argument over team selection, Wilkins left the club in May 1998 to hand over the full managerial duties to Keegan. Keegan then helped steer the club to promotion the next season, winning 101 points out of a possible 138, after spending £1.1 million to sign Paul Peschisolido from West Bromwich Albion. Peschisolido was top scorer and captained by Chris Coleman – then the most expensive footballer outside the top two divisions of the English league.[ citation needed ]

In 1999, Keegan left Fulham to become manager of England, and Paul Bracewell was put in charge. Bracewell was dismissed in March 2000, as Fulham's promising early season form dwindled away to a mid-table finish. Frenchman Jean Tigana was put in charge and, having signed a number of young stars (including French striker Louis Saha), he guided Fulham to their third promotion in five seasons in the 2000–01 season, giving Fulham top-flight status for the first time since 1968. Fulham once again amassed 101 points out of a possible 138 in their scintillating title run, which was crowned with an open-top bus parade down Fulham Palace Road. They are the only team to have twice reached 100 points in a season. During the season, Chris Coleman was involved in a car crash that put him out of action for well over a year and eventually ended his playing career after he failed to make a sufficient recovery. Fulham's run through the divisions saw a large turnover of players, with the only player to play for the club in all four leagues being Sean Davis.[ citation needed ]

2001–2007: Early Premier League years

Fulham (white) playing Portsmouth (blue) in front of Fulham fans in the Hammersmith End Fulham v Pompey (1).JPG
Fulham (white) playing Portsmouth (blue) in front of Fulham fans in the Hammersmith End
A minute's silence for Jim Langley Jim Langley minute silence.jpg
A minute's silence for Jim Langley

Fulham returned to the top division of English football, and competed in the Premier League for the first time. The club finished the 2001–02 season in 13th place. Fulham were the only team to host top-flight football with some standing areas in the 21st century, but due to restrictions on standing, this was not allowed to continue; clubs promoted from the second division had only three years to make their ground all-seater. Fulham were forced to groundshare with QPR at Loftus Road during the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons while Craven Cottage was rebuilt as an all-seated stadium. There were fears that Fulham would not return to the Cottage, after it was revealed that Al-Fayed had sold the first right to build on the ground to a property development firm. [37]

In 2002–03, Fulham spent most of the season in the lower half of the table. Chairman Al-Fayed told manager Jean Tigana that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season. However, with five games left to play and relegation still possible, Tigana was dismissed, and Chris Coleman was temporarily put in charge. Fulham won 10 points from a possible 15 and managed to avoid relegation. Coleman was appointed manager on a permanent basis in the summer of 2003; despite predictions that the inexperience of Coleman would result in Fulham's relegation, [38] he kept the club well clear of relegation, guiding them to a club record ninth-place finish in his debut season. This might have been greater had the club not come under significant financial pressure to sell Louis Saha to Manchester United, for whom they received a club record £13 million.[ citation needed ]

Fulham lost a legal case against former manager Tigana in 2004 after Al-Fayed wrongly alleged that Tigana had overpaid more than £7 million for new players and had negotiated transfers in secret. [39]

Coleman notched up another satisfactory performance in the 2004–05 season and guided Fulham to a secure 13th-place finish. The following season Fulham improved by one place, finishing 12th – the high point of the season was a 1–0 win over local rivals and reigning champions Chelsea in the West London derby – Chelsea had only lost two games in two and a half years. The 2006–07 season proved to be Coleman's last, as on 10 April 2007, Fulham terminated his contract with immediate effect. His replacement was Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez. Fulham only gained four points from five games with Sanchez as caretaker manager. They ensured top-flight survival that season by defeating a weakened Liverpool side 1–0 in the penultimate match of the season, and Sanchez was appointed manager.[ citation needed ]

Fulham playing in their light blue away kit against Bolton Wanderers in the 2004-05 FA Cup. Fulham on the attack.jpg
Fulham playing in their light blue away kit against Bolton Wanderers in the 2004–05 FA Cup.
Robin van Persie takes a free kick as Fulham players form a defensive wall. Robin van Persie free kick.jpg
Robin van Persie takes a free kick as Fulham players form a defensive wall.

2007–2010: Hodgson's transformation

Roy Hodgson as manager at Fulham RoyHodgson.JPG
Roy Hodgson as manager at Fulham

Sanchez received strong financial backing from the board and made a number of signings during the summer break, but, after just two league wins in the first five months of the season and with Fulham in the relegation zone, he was dismissed on 21 December 2007 after a defeat to Newcastle United. [40] Roy Hodgson was named as the new manager of Fulham on 28 December 2007 and took up his contractual duties on 30 December, [41] just two days before the January transfer window opened.[ citation needed ]

Hodgson's tenure did not start well and it took a month to secure his first win, against Aston Villa, courtesy of a Jimmy Bullard free-kick. Fulham continued to struggle and a 3–1 home defeat in April at the hands of fellow strugglers Sunderland left Hodgson on the verge of tears in the post-match press conference and many pundits writing off Fulham's survival chances. [42] Despite the negative press, Hodgson continued to believe survival was attainable. The turning point of the season came in the third-to-last match, against Manchester City. Fulham trailed 2–0 at half-time and had the Premier League scores at that time become results, they would have been relegated. However, the introduction of Diomansy Kamara heralded the start of a fantastic comeback—Kamara struck twice as Fulham registered an amazing 3–2 victory. Fulham then won a crucial match against fellow strugglers Birmingham City at Craven Cottage, leaving survival in the club's own hands. Barring a goal-rush from fellow strugglers Reading, a win against a Portsmouth side looking ahead to their fourth FA Cup final would guarantee survival.[ citation needed ]

With 15 minutes to play at Portsmouth, Fulham were drawing, and with Birmingham City and Reading leading comfortably against Blackburn Rovers and Derby County respectively, they looked likely to be relegated. However, Fulham earned a free-kick with 76 minutes played; Jimmy Bullard's delivery found Danny Murphy, who headed home the decisive goal, sparking manic celebrations from the travelling fans. Hodgson had ensured survival against all odds, breaking several club records in the process and cementing his place in Fulham folklore. Fulham narrowly missed out on a UEFA Cup place via Fairplay by a dubious 0.8 of a point behind Manchester City, who lost 8–1 at Middlesbrough.[ citation needed ]

In the 2008–09 season, Fulham finished seventh, their highest-ever league placing, earning qualification for the inaugural UEFA Europa League, the second time that the club had entered a UEFA competition.[ citation needed ]

2009–10 was arguably the most successful season in the club's history. They were eliminated from the FA Cup in the quarter-finals for the second year running, and finished 12th in the Premier League, despite fielding weakened teams in the last few matches. [43] In the inaugural Europa League season, however, Fulham reached the final, meeting Spanish club Atlético Madrid, who had dropped down from the Champions League, at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. In their first European cup final, the Cottagers were beaten 2–1 after extra time, having drawn 1–1 after full-time. The achievement of taking Fulham so unexpectedly far, beating famous teams like Hamburger SV, Juventus, holders Shakhtar Donetsk and Basel in the competition, led to Roy Hodgson being voted the LMA Manager of the Year by the widest margin in the history of the award. [44] The home match in the round of 16 was arguably Fulham's greatest result in the history of the club. Despite losing 3–1 in the first leg at Italian giants Juventus and falling behind minutes into the second leg at Craven Cottage, Fulham scored four goals with no reply from Juventus.[ citation needed ]

At the end of the season, Hodgson left Fulham to manage Liverpool. [45]

2010–2013: Established in the Premier League

On 29 July 2010, Mark Hughes was named the successor to Hodgson, signing a two-year contract with the club. Hughes had previously managed Manchester City, the Welsh national team and Blackburn. [46] Hughes' first match in charge was against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. The highlight of the season was a 4–0 win in the FA Cup over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, all goals coming in the first half. Hughes resigned as manager of Fulham on 2 June 2011, having spent fewer than 11 months at the club. The Whites had an encouraging finish in eighth position and qualified for the Europa League via Fairplay.[ citation needed ]

On 7 June 2011, Martin Jol signed a two-year contract with Fulham, becoming successor to Hughes. Jol's first match was a 3–0 Europa League win against NSÍ Runavík of the Faroe Islands on 30 June. [47] Fulham then navigated their way with some ease to the group stage in the Europa League through late summer. However, the Cottagers were knocked out with the last seconds of the group stage matches, Odense Boldklub equalising to make a draw, leaving Fulham in third place, with Polish side Wisła Kraków instead progressing to the next round.[ citation needed ]

Fulham's Premier League form in the 2011–12 season was mixed, with the continuing away-record hangover of previous seasons dragging on. In October 2011, Fulham had an emphatic 6–0 home win over neighbours QPR, with Andrew Johnson scoring a hat-trick for Fulham in the match. [48] The January 2012 transfer window saw Bobby Zamora move over the Hammersmith flyover to Loftus Road, with Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak coming in place from VfB Stuttgart.[ citation needed ]

Clint Dempsey scored a club record 50 Premier League goals for Fulham between 2007 and 2012. Clint.JPG
Clint Dempsey scored a club record 50 Premier League goals for Fulham between 2007 and 2012.

The New Year saw two further hat-tricks scored by Clint Dempsey. On 11 February 2012, Progrebnyak scored on his debut in the 2–1 win over Stoke City. [49] In March 2012, a 5–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers saw a hat-trick from Pogrebnyak. [50] The Cottagers broke their historic drought on Merseyside with a 1–0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on May Day and another win against Sunderland in the last home game meant Fulham were only one point short of equalling their largest points haul in the Premier League, with just one game remaining. However, they failed to achieve this after losing their last game away at Tottenham. [51]

In the 2012–13 season, Fulham ended a seven-match winless run by beating Swansea City 3–0 away at the Liberty Stadium on the final game of the season on 19 May 2013. Fulham finished the season in 12th place. [52]

2013–present: Shahid Khan's ownership

Shahid Khan took over as chairman in July 2013, [53] but after a poor start to the 2013–14 season, having only amassed 10 points from 13 games, [54] Martin Jol was dismissed as manager in December 2013, with René Meulensteen taking charge as head coach. [54] [55] Meulensteen was replaced by Felix Magath after just 17 games in charge following no upturn in form, [56] but fortunes did not improve, and Fulham were eventually relegated to the Championship after a 4–1 defeat away to Stoke on 3 May. [57]

Fulham broke the Championship transfer record that summer in a restructuring of the squad by Magath, but after a disastrous start to the new season, amassing just one point in seven games, Magath was dismissed in September 2014, with Kit Symons appointed as caretaker manager. [58] Fulham eventually finished the season in 17th place. The team suffered an inconsistent start to the following season and after a 5–2 loss at home to Birmingham City, [59] and lying in 12th place, [60] Kit Symons was dismissed as manager in November 2015. [61] It paved the way for Serbian Slaviša Jokanović to be appointed on 27 December 2015. [62] Fulham's fortunes did not improve greatly following Jokanović's appointment, but the team finished the 2015–16 Championship season in 20th place, avoiding relegation by 11 points.[ citation needed ]

The 2016–17 season saw huge improvements in both results and performances. Despite an inconsistent start, the team saw a significant improvement from October onwards which saw them secure a 6th-place finish. They entered the play-offs, but lost to Reading 2–1 on aggregate in the semi-final. [63] During this time, club owner Shahid Khan's son Tony Khan was named as Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations, and he also holds the roles of General Manager and Sporting Director. [64] Despite a slow start to the following season, the club went on a club-record 23 game unbeaten run in the league which led to a 3rd-place finish, narrowly missing out automatic promotion. [65] The team went on to win the EFL Championship play-off final against Aston Villa to return to the Premier League on 26 May 2018. [66]

During the season, the club signed Aleksandar Mitrović, initially on loan until the end of the season. [67] Mitrović would go on to score more than 100 goals for the club, becoming the eighth player in Fulham's history to do so. [68]

Following a poor start to life back in the Premier League, Jokanović was dismissed in November 2018 and replaced with former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri. [69] Results ultimately did not improve under Ranieri, as well as him alienating several key players, and he left the club in February 2019. He was replaced by Scott Parker as caretaker manager who could not save the club from relegation on 3 April 2019. [70] Parker was appointed as manager on a permanent basis on 10 May 2019. [71] [72] In a season that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Parker led the club straight back to the Premier League on 4 August 2020, defeating London rivals Brentford 2–1 in the play-off final after a fourth-place finish. [73] However, the club would once again be relegated after just a single season back in the top flight after a 2–0 defeat to Burnley on 10 May 2021. [74] In the aftermath of relegation, Parker left the club by mutual consent and was replaced by former Everton manager Marco Silva. [75]

After relegation, Fulham under Silva earned promotion back to the top tier with four games to go, winning the 2021–22 Championship title. [76]

Fulham started the 2022–23 Premier League season much better than prior years. At the halfway point, Fulham sat in 6th place, had tallied a 2–1 win over West London rivals Chelsea, whom they had not defeated in nearly 16 years, and collected a string of four consecutive top-flight victories for the first time since April 1966. [77] [78]

Grounds

Between the years 1879 and when Fulham had a ground to call their own in 1896, they played at a number of stadiums, only some of which were recorded and this should not be regarded as a full or complete list. Only rivals and former landlords Queens Park Rangers have played at more home stadiums. Some of the early grounds listed below are likely to have been parks and parkland, which have now been developed. Even when the club purchased Craven Cottage and the surrounding land in 1894, they had to wait two years before they could play a game there. [79]

Club identity

Kit

Fulham's sponsorship by Betfair in 2002–03 was the first gambling sponsorship in English football, and came before the Gambling Act 2005 permitted the industry to advertise on television and radio; within fifteen years half of Premier League teams were sponsored by such companies. [80] [81]

On 27 July 2021, it was announced that World Mobile would become the official principal partner for the next three years. [82]

In July 2022, it was announced that the gambling company W88 would sponsor the team in a kit deal for the 2022–23 season. The deal saw the betting firm's logo placed on the front of both the men's and women's kit. The confirmation of the deal came during a decrease in gambling sponsors for Premier League teams. [83] In June 2023, it was announced that betting company SBOBET would replace W88 as the team's main sponsor for the 2023–24 season. [84]

Mascot

The Fulham mascot is Billy the Badger, [85] who was the winning design sent in by Kyle Jackson after an online competition by the club. Billy the Badger wears the number 79 Fulham shirt, in reference to the club's year of founding, 1879. [86] Controversy first surrounded Billy when he tried to cheer up Chelsea manager Avram Grant during a home match in front of the television cameras. Secondly, Billy was seen on television being sent off during the home game against Aston Villa on 3 February 2008 for break-dancing in the corner of the pitch after the referee had commenced the game. Billy blamed his badger hearing and eyesight for the incident, and apologised to referee Chris Foy. [87] On 11 March 2009, Billy walked across the goal during a match although it was not spotted by the referee.[ citation needed ] The former mascot for Fulham was Sir Craven of Cottage, the Knight. The cheerleaders were known as the Cravenettes.[ citation needed ]

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
1974–1977 Umbro None
1977–1981 Adidas
1981–1984Osca
1984–1985 Umbro William Younger
1985–1987Prestige Travel
1987ScorelineNone
1988 Emirates
1988–1990TeleConnect
1990–1991Ribero
1991–1992None
1992–1993DMF Sportswear
1993–1996Vandanel GMB
1996–1997 Le Coq Sportif
1997–1998 Adidas
1998–2001 Demon Internet
2001–2002 Pizza Hut
2002–2003 Betfair.com
2003–2005 Puma dabs.com
2005–2006 Pipex
2006–2007 Airness
2007–2010 Nike LG
2010–2013 Kappa FxPro
2013–2015 Adidas Marathonbet
2015–2017 Visit Florida
2017–2018 Grosvenor Casinos
2018–2020 Dafabet
2020–2021 BetVictor
2021–2022World Mobile
2022–2023W88
2023–2024 SBOBET

Rivalries and supporters

Fulham fans consider their main rivals to be Chelsea. Despite this fixture not being played that often in the years preceding Fulham's ascent to the top division, this is a clear local derby as Chelsea's ground, Stamford Bridge, is within Fulham and only 1.8 miles from Craven Cottage. [88]

Fulham consider their secondary rivals to be Queens Park Rangers. Fulham beat QPR twice in the 2011–12 Premier League season. They won 6–0 at Craven Cottage, and also 1–0 away from home at Loftus Road. [89] The two clubs have played each other several times since in the Championship.

Fulham's third closest rivalry is with Brentford, who they defeated 2–1 on 4 August 2020 in the Championship play-off final. Fulham also have rivalries with several other London clubs to a lesser extent, such as Crystal Palace.[ citation needed ]

Outside of London, Gillingham are still considered rivals to some Fulham supporters despite the two clubs not having played in the same division since the 2000–01 season. Fulham and Gillingham were involved in several ill-tempered matches in the lower leagues, including the death of a Fulham supporter. [90]

Fulham's fan base has fluctuated over the years, with high crowds coinciding with the club's success in the Premier League.[ citation needed ] Fulham supporters have played a vital role in the club's long term stay at Craven Cottage. [91] When the club moved temporarily to Loftus Road, a committee known as Back to the Cottage [92] was formed, committed to ensuring the club continued to play at their traditional home. Fulham fans have traditionally come from the Fulham and Hammersmith areas, and also from other areas in South-West London, such as Putney, Richmond, Sutton and Worcester Park. [93]

In July 2012, the club website asked supporters using Facebook and Twitter to pick their best FFC Premier League XI from 2001 to the present. The supporters picked their favourite goalkeeper, full-backs, centre-backs, wingers, centre midfielders and forwards in a classic 4–4–2 formation. [94] [95] In August 2022, the club asked fans for an updated all time Premier League XI as part of the Premier League's 30th anniversary celebrations. [96]

Records and statistics

Fulham in Europe

Fulham are a member of the European Club Association, having qualified four times for European Competition, firstly the UEFA Intertoto Cup after their inaugural season in the Premier League, then the UEFA Cup as a result of winning that, and then the UEFA Europa League twice. Fulham are unbeaten at home in European competition, in 23 games, with a record of 17 wins and six draws. In 2010, Fulham reached the UEFA Europa League final, which they lost 2–1 to Atlético Madrid. [97]

Players

Current squad

As of 2 February 2024 [98] [99] [100]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
1 GK Flag of Slovakia.svg  SVK Marek Rodák
2 DF Flag of the Netherlands.svg  NED Kenny Tete
3 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Calvin Bassey
4 DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Tosin Adarabioyo
6 MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Harrison Reed
7 FW Flag of Mexico.svg  MEX Raúl Jiménez
8 MF Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  WAL Harry Wilson
9 FW Flag of Albania.svg  ALB Armando Broja (on loan from Chelsea)
10 MF Flag of Scotland.svg  SCO Tom Cairney (captain) [101]
11 FW Flag of Spain.svg  ESP Adama Traoré
12 DF Flag of Senegal.svg  SEN Fodé Ballo-Touré (on loan from AC Milan)
13 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Tim Ream (vice-captain)
No.Pos.NationPlayer
14 FW Flag of Jamaica.svg  JAM Bobby Decordova-Reid
17 GK Flag of Germany.svg  GER Bernd Leno
18 MF Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA Andreas Pereira
19 FW Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA Rodrigo Muniz
20 FW Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA Willian
21 DF Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  BEL Timothy Castagne
22 MF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Alex Iwobi
23 GK Flag of Germany.svg  GER Steven Benda
26 MF Flag of Portugal.svg  POR João Palhinha
28 MF Flag of Serbia.svg  SRB Saša Lukić
31 DF Flag of France.svg  FRA Issa Diop
33 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Antonee Robinson

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
30 FW Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA Carlos Vinícius (at Galatasaray until 30 June 2024)
36 MF Flag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Tyrese Francois (at Vejle until 30 June 2024)
38 MF Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  WAL Luke Harris (at Exeter City until 30 June 2024)
No.Pos.NationPlayer
DF Flag of the Netherlands.svg  NED Terence Kongolo (at Rapid Wien until 30 June 2024)
DF Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  SUI Kevin Mbabu (at Augsburg until 30 June 2024)
FW Flag of England.svg  ENG Jay Stansfield (at Birmingham City until 30 June 2024)

Academy

Women’s team

Club management

Coaching positions

PositionName
Head coach Marco Silva
Assistant coach Stuart Gray
First-team coach Luís Boa Morte
Goalkeeping coach Hugo Oliveira
Fitness coachGoncalo Pedro
First-team analystAntonios Lemonakis
Head of performanceBruno Mendes
Academy directorMike Cave
Under-23s head coach Steve Wigley
Under-18s head coachAli Melloul

Managerial history

Fulham have had 37 managers in 114 years. Prior to the appointment of the first manager at the club (Bradshaw in 1904), the duties normally assigned to a modern-day manager would have been shared between club secretary, captain, and other officials.[ citation needed ]

NameFromTo
Harry Bradshaw 19041909
Phil Kelso 19091924
Andy Ducat 19241926
Joe Bradshaw 19261929
Ned Liddell 19291931
Jimmy McIntyre 19311934
Jimmy Hogan 19341935
Jack Peart 19351948
Frank Osborne*19481949
Bill Dodgin Sr. 19491953
Frank Osborne*19531956
Doug Livingstone 19561958
Bedford Jezzard 19581964
Vic Buckingham 19651968
Bobby Robson 19681968
Bill Dodgin Jr. 19691972
Alec Stock 19721976
Bobby Campbell 19761980
Malcolm Macdonald 19801984
Ray Harford 19841986
Ray Lewington 19861990
Alan Dicks 19901991
Don Mackay 19911994
Ian Branfoot**19941996
Micky Adams 19961997
Ray Wilkins 19971998
Kevin Keegan 19981999
Paul Bracewell 19992000
Jean Tigana 20002003
Chris Coleman 20032007
Lawrie Sanchez 20072007
Roy Hodgson 20072010
Mark Hughes 20102011
Martin Jol 20112013
René Meulensteen §±20132014
Felix Magath 20142014
Kit Symons 20142015
Slaviša Jokanović ±20152018
Claudio Ranieri 20182019
Scott Parker ±20192021
Marco Silva ±2021Present

Managerial records:

Temporary managers at the club have included:

Ownership

Shahid Khan, owner and chairman Shahid Khan 2015.jpg
Shahid Khan, owner and chairman
PositionName
Chairman Shahid Khan [105]
Chief executive officerAlistair Mackintosh [106]
Finance directorSean O'Loughlin [106]
Non-executive director Mark Lamping [106]

Fulham Football Club is owned by Shahid Khan. Khan completed his purchase of the club from Mohamed Al-Fayed on 12 July 2013 for a reported £150–200 million. [107]

During his ownership of Fulham, Al-Fayed had provided the club with £187 million in interest-free loans. [108] In March 2011, Fulham posted annual losses of £16.9 million, with Al-Fayed stating that he would "continue to make funds available to achieve our goals both on and off the pitch" and that "the continued success of Fulham and its eventual financial self-sustainability is my priority." [109] As of January 2013, Fulham were effectively debt-free as Al-Fayed converted the loans into equity in the club. [110]

Honours and achievements

Source: [111]

League

Cup

Minor titles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craven Cottage</span> Football stadium in Fulham, West London, England

Craven Cottage is a football stadium in Fulham, West London, England, which has been the home of Fulham F.C. since 1896. The ground's capacity is 24,500; the record attendance is 49,335, for a game against Millwall in 1938. Next to Bishop's Park on the banks of the River Thames, it was originally a royal hunting lodge and has a history dating back over 300 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackburn Rovers F.C.</span> Association football club in England

Blackburn Rovers Football Club is a professional football club, based in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, which competes in the EFL Championship, the second level of the English football league system. They have played home matches at Ewood Park since 1890. The club's motto is "Arte et Labore", meaning "By Skill and Hard Work" in Latin. They have a long-standing rivalry with nearby club Burnley, with whom they contest the East Lancashire derby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kit Symons</span> Footballer and manager (born 1971)

Christopher Jerry "Kit" Symons is a professional association football coach and former player who is assistant manager of Greek Super League side Atromitos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leigh Genesis F.C.</span> English amateur football club

Leigh Genesis Football Club, formerly known as Horwich Railway Mechanics Institute F.C. and Leigh Railway Mechanics Institute F.C., is an English amateur association football club that currently plays in the South Lancashire Counties Football League. The semi-professional senior side folded in 2011, following relegation from the Northern Premier League; however, the club continued, fielding youth teams in the North West Youth Alliance, and a women's team in the North West Women's Regional League. The senior team was reintroduced for the 2012–13 season in the South Lancashire League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maik Taylor</span> British footballer and coach

Maik Stefan Taylor is a former Northern Ireland international football goalkeeper and, since July 2022, goalkeeping coach at Birmingham City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damien Duff</span> Irish footballer

Damien Anthony Duff is an Irish professional football manager and former player, He is currently the manager of League of Ireland club Shelbourne F.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diomansy Kamara</span> Senegalese footballer

Diomansy Mehdi Moustapha Kamara is a former professional footballer who played as a striker. He played internationally for Senegal, whom he represented at three Africa Cup of Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Parker</span> English footballer and manager (born 1980)

Scott Matthew Parker is an English professional football coach and former player. He was most recently the manager of Club Brugge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fulham F.C. Women</span> Football club

Fulham FC Women, previously known as Fulham LFC, WFC Fulham and Fulham FC Foundation Ladies, is a women's football club based in London, England. The team were dissolved as of 16 May 2006, but were later re-established with independence from Fulham F.C. The club dissolved for a second time in June 2010 when sponsors pulled out following a second successive relegation. The club reformed again in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Lewington</span> English footballer and manager

Raymond Lewington is an English football manager and former player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roy Hodgson</span> English football manager (born 1947)

Roy Hodgson is an English football manager and former player, who most recently managed Premier League club Crystal Palace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dickson Etuhu</span> Nigerian footballer (born 1982)

Dickson Paul Etuhu is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Barry David Lloyd is an English retired professional footballer and manager. As a player, he most notably played as a midfielder in the Football League for Fulham, for whom he was captain and made over 280 appearances for the club. He also played league football for Brentford, Hereford United and Chelsea. After his retirement as a player, Lloyd managed Brighton & Hove Albion and non-League clubs Worthing and Yeovil Town.

The 2008–09 Fulham season was the club's 111th professional season and their eighth consecutive season in the top flight of English football, the Premier League, since their return in 2001. They were managed by Roy Hodgson in his first full season as Fulham manager. They played in the Premier League by virtue of staying up on goal difference from Reading on the last day of the previous campaign and were hoping to improve on their placing of 17th. They eventually finished in seventh place in the Premier League table with 53 points, an improvement of ten places and 18 points. Their league position secured a place in the newly formed UEFA Europa League for the 2009–10 season as well as their highest League finish in their history. The club received a number of additional awards from the Premier League, namely the Fair Play Award, the Behaviour of the Public Award and the Barclays Spirit Award for manager Roy Hodgson.

The history of Fulham Football Club, an English professional football club based in Fulham, West London, dates back to the club's formation in 1879.

The 2010–11 Fulham season was the club's 113th professional season and its tenth consecutive season in the top flight of English football, the Premier League. The season commenced on 14 August 2010 and concluded on 22 May 2011 after 38 league matches. Due to its 12th-placed finish in the league the previous season and defeat in the Europa League Final, Fulham did not qualify for European competition. In addition to the Premier League, the club entered the Football League Cup in the second round, and the FA Cup in the third round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013–14 Premier League</span> 22nd season of the Premier League

The 2013–14 Premier League was the 22nd season of the Premier League, the top-flight English professional league for men's football clubs, and the 115th season of top-flight English football overall. The fixtures were announced on 19 June 2013. The season started on Saturday 17 August 2013, and concluded on Sunday 11 May 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Statue of Michael Jackson (Fulham F.C.)</span> Statue at Craven Cottage, London, from 2011 to 2013

A plaster and resin sculpture of Michael Jackson stood outside Craven Cottage in Fulham, London, the ground of Fulham Football Club, from 2011 until 2013. Commissioned by the club's chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed, it was removed by his successor Shahid Khan. From 2014 to 2019 the statue was on display at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

References

  1. "History". Fulham F.C. Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  2. "Premier League Handbook 2022/23" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 July 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Welcome To Shahid Khan". Fulham F.C. 12 July 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  4. "Fulham – Historical Football Kits". Historicalkits.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  5. 1879 according to the club history Archived 13 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine on the official website and 1886/7 "St Andrews-Fulham Fields". Archived from the original on 18 October 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2009. according to 'How a church's cricket and football club became Fulham Football Club' – Morgan Phillips 2007.
  6. "St Andrews-Fulham Fields". Archived from the original on 18 October 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2009., Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School
  7. "Sir Leslie Bowker - Hammersmith & Fulham". Archived from the original on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  8. Historical Football Kits – Fulham Archived 25 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine Taken from Fulham FC – The Official 125 Year Illustrated History (Dennis Turner, 2004). This is the first kit known, and sock colours are not specified.
  9. "Craven Cottage". Fulham F.C. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  10. and has won premier league 27 times Historical Football Kits – Fulham Archived 25 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine Taken from Fulham FC – The Official 125 Year Illustrated History (Dennis Turner, 2004).
  11. Historical Football Kits – Fulham Archived 25 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine Taken from Fulham FC – The Official 125 Year Illustrated History (Dennis Turner, 2004) amongst other sources.
  12. England - Southern League Final Tables RSSSF
  13. See the FA Cup-specific page in the club history on the official website
  14. "Decades of progress since Hodgson played in South Africa - Hammersmith & Fulham". Archived from the original on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  15. Ged Martin (16 November 2010). "Fulham hot dog 1926". Archived from the original on 20 February 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2016 via YouTube.
  16. Ged Martin (16 November 2010). "Craven Cottage.1929". Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2016 via YouTube.
  17. Ged Martin (16 November 2010). "Fulham v Austria 1934". Archived from the original on 11 December 2021 via YouTube.
  18. "Craven Cottage". Fulham F.C. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  19. Ged Martin (16 November 2010). "Craven Cottage.1940". Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2016 via YouTube.
  20. "Celtic Programmes Online – Tours of the USA and Canada". Archived from the original on 5 September 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2007.
  21. "Canada and the USA - Hammersmith & Fulham". Archived from the original on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  22. This is of course somewhat subjective, but he is the first player mentioned in the Great names section of the club's history on the official website. He is also the only ex-player to have a stand at Craven Cottage named after him
  23. He is the first player listed in the great names section of the club's history on the official website, and was voted as Fulham's number one all-time 'Cult Hero' Archived 19 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine in a BBC poll
  24. He played for Durban City after leaving Fulham according to The FA
  25. According to his profile Archived 13 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine at the FA.
  26. According to an interview with him from The FA
  27. "Craven Cottage". Fulham F.C. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  28. According to the club history at the official website
  29. Ged Martin (17 November 2010). "Fulham V Liverpool 1966". Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2016 via YouTube.
  30. "Season 1968-69". rsssf. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  31. "1975-76 Anglo-Scottish Cup". Football Club History Database. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  32. "Throwbak Thursday". Fulham F.C.
  33. "Fulham 1994–1995 English Division Three Table". Statto. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  34. "Fulham 1995–1996 English Division Three Table". Statto. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  35. 1 2 Bose, Mihir (7 February 2003). "Fulham pushed out Hill". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  36. According to the 'Keegan & Wilkins' page Archived 1 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine the club's official website
  37. "Fulham's future hangs in balance". BBC News. 15 September 2003. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  38. Two of three writers of The Independent newspaper predict Archive index at the Wayback Machine relegation for Fulham in the 2003–04 season.
  39. "Fulham lose Tigana court battle". BBC News. 12 November 2004. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  40. "Manager Sanchez sacked by Fulham". BBC Sport. 21 December 2007. Archived from the original on 22 December 2007. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  41. "Fulham appoint Hodgson as manager". BBC News. 28 December 2007. Archived from the original on 31 December 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
  42. LTD, Digital Sports Group. "Crying shame for Hodgson as Fulham look doomed". Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  43. "Arsenal 4–0 Fulham". BBC News. 9 May 2010. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2010.
  44. "Fulham's Roy Hodgson voted Manager of the Year by fellow bosses – ESPN Soccernet". Soccernet.espn.go.com. 10 May 2010. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  45. "Roy Hodgson leaves Fulham to become Liverpool manager". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  46. "Hughes confirmed as Fulham boss". BBC News. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  47. "Fulham 3–0 Nes Soknar Itrottarfelag". BBC Sport. 12 November 2013. Archived from the original on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  48. "Fulham 6–0 QPR". BBC Sport. 2 October 2011. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  49. "Fulham 2–1 Stoke". BBC Sport. 11 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  50. "Fulham 5–0 Wolves". BBC Sport. 4 March 2012. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  51. Doyle, Paul (13 May 2012). "Jermain Defoe seals victory and fourth place for Tottenham Hotspur". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  52. Kempson, Russell (19 May 2013). "Alexander Kacaniklic sets Fulham on victory road against Swansea City". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  53. "Fulham: Mohamed Al Fayed sells club to Shahid Khan". BBC Sport. 12 July 2013. Archived from the original on 1 October 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  54. 1 2 "How do Premier League clubs fare after sacking their Manager?". Proven Quality. 18 February 2014. Archived from the original on 14 February 2014. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  55. "Fulham hire Felix Magath after sacking Rene Meulensteen". BBC Sport. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  56. "Rene Meulensteen, Ray Wilkins and Alan Curbishley exit Fulham". BBC Sport. 18 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  57. Chowdhury, Saj (3 May 2014). "Stoke City 4–1 Fulham". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 3 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  58. "Felix Magath departs Fulham with Kit Symons taking charge on temporary basis". Sky Sports. 19 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  59. "Match Report – Fulham 2 – 5 Birm'ham | 7 November 2015". Sky Sports . Archived from the original on 7 November 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  60. "Fulham results & fixtures for the 2015–2016 season". Archived from the original on 12 February 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  61. "Fulham sack manager Kit Symons". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  62. "Jokanović Appointed | Fulham Football Club". Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  63. "Reading 1–0 Fulham (agg: 2–1)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  64. "Tony Khan". Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  65. "Sunderland 1–0 Fulham". BBC Sport. 16 December 2017. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  66. "Aston Villa 0–1 Fulham". BBC Sport. 26 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  67. "Fulham: Middlesbrough's Cyrus Christie and Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic join". BBC Sport. 1 February 2018. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  68. "Mitrovic's 100 goals for Fulham: How a hurried loan signing became a modern legend". The Athletic. 29 August 2022. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  69. "Ranieri Named Manager". Fulham F.C. 14 November 2018. Archived from the original on 15 November 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  70. "Scott Parker: Fulham boss 'devastated' after Premier League relegation". BBC Sport. 3 April 2019. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  71. "Parker Confirmed As Head Coach". www.fulhamfc.com. 10 May 2019. Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  72. "Scott Parker: Fulham appoint ex-captain as permanent manager". BBC Sport. 10 May 2019. Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  73. "Championship play-off final: Brentford 1-2 Fulham (AET)". BBC Sport. 4 August 2020. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  74. Fulham are relegated from the Premier League as Burnley win, and stay up: live reaction Archived 10 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine - 11 May 2021 - via www.telegraph.co.uk
  75. "Fulham appoint Marco Silva as head coach on three-year contract". Sky Sports. 1 July 2021. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  76. "Fulham clinch Championship title in style with emphatic victory over Luton". BBC Sport. 2 May 2022. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  77. FC, Fulham (12 January 2023). "Fulham 2-1 Chelsea". Fulham FC. Archived from the original on 13 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  78. "Joao Felix sent off on debut as Chelsea lose at Fulham". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  79. "Craven Cottage". Fulham F.C. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  80. Longley, Scott (14 March 2018). "A short history of betting shirt sponsorship in football (part 1)". SBC News. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  81. Reuben, Anthony (22 September 2018). "Premier League shirts row: The fickle fashions of sponsorship". BBC News. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  82. "World Mobile Fulham's official Principal Partner". WorldMobile.io. 27 July 2021. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  83. Peter Rutzler (25 July 2022). "Fulham announce record kit deal with betting sponsor W88". theathletic.com/. Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  84. FC, Fulham (28 June 2023). "Fulham Announces Record Sponsorship With SBOTOP". Fulham FC. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  85. "A to Z Reference Guides". Fulham F.C. 24 July 2013. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  86. BBC Match of the Day, Sunday 3 February 2008
  87. "All Aboard!". www.fulhamfc.com. Archived from the original on 8 August 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  88. "Fulham". Premier Skills English. Premier League. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2023. ... main rivals are Chelsea, whose Stamford Bridge Stadium is actually in Fulham ...
  89. Match Report – Fulham v QPR – 2 October 2011 Archived 13 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine Sky Sports
  90. "BBC News | UK | Football fan jailed for killing rival supporter". news.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  91. "Craven Cottage". Fulham Supporters' Trust. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  92. "News". Fulham Supporters Trust. Archived from the original on 16 March 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  93. "Football Supporter Map of London". Archived from the original on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  94. "FFC Premier League XI". Fulham FC. 3 July 2012. Archived from the original on 6 July 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  95. "Fulham's Best XI". Fulham FC. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  96. "FULHAM'S BEST EVER PREMIER LEAGUE XI". 18 August 2022. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  97. "Atletico Madrid 2-1 Fulham (aet)". 12 May 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  98. "Fulham FC - MEN". Fulham F.C. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  99. "Fulham FC - Solomon Deal Agreed". Fulham F.C. 25 July 2022. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  100. "Fulham FC - Squad Numbers Confirmed". Fulham F.C. 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  101. "Captain's message". Fulham F.C. 21 June 2018. Archived from the original on 29 July 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  102. "Fulham Appoint Marco Silva". Fulham FC. July 2021. Archived from the original on 1 July 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  103. BBC News 'Coleman out as Sanchez takes over' Archived 23 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  104. "Fulham Football Club on Twitter: "Peter Grant, who will be taking the First Team for the MK Dons game, discusses training & looks ahead to the match"". Twitter. Archived from the original on 4 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  105. "Shahid Khan – Fulham Football Club". fulhamfc.com. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  106. 1 2 3 "Directors – Fulham Football Club". fulhamfc.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  107. "Fulham: Mohamed Al Fayed sells club to Shahid Khan". BBC Sport. 12 July 2013. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  108. Conn, David (19 May 2010). "Record income but record losses for Premier League". The Guardian. UK. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  109. "Fulham football club losses up despite on-field success". BBC News. 15 March 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  110. "Fulham effectively debt-free as Fayed converts loans into equity". Guardian.co.uk. 29 January 2013. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  111. "Honours". Fulham F.C. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  112. "GRANDEST FOOTBALL MATCH OF THE SEASON" . 22 April 1887.
    "FOOTBALL" . 17 December 1887.
    "FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB" . 17 December 1892.West London Observer. (via) British Newspaper Archive.