Messages from the Fulham family
The Fulham Supporters’ Trust and Fulham Football Club have collaborated to bring fans together this Christmas and celebrate the special nature of our club. We know that it may be a difficult Christmas for some, but we wanted everyone to know that as a Fulham fan, you will never be alone.
Les Strong
Can you tell us about your first memory of Fulham?
My first memory was my debut for the youth team against Arsenal in 1969. George Cohen was my manager. I played in midfield and scored with a header. I didn’t realise then that, 51 years later, I’d still be involved with the club.
Do you have a favourite game at Craven Cottage?
It is hard to pick out a favourite game – there were many memorable ones. All the derbies against Chelsea were special and the Lincoln game to win promotion in 1982 is up there, but strangely a game against Millwall in the early eighties stands out because it was the only one of my games that my brother came to watch. He hates football and was totally bored, but I tried to put on a show for him. I think I played well.
What makes Craven Cottage so special to you?
Everything is special. Seeing the ground as you walk down Finlay Street, the Cottage, the old stand, the wonderful memories, the great players we’ve had, the black and white kit, but above all the supporters. I’ve made many friendships over the years that have lasted until today and just to chat to them and listen to their memories is a joy.
What’s the greatest goal you’ve seen at Craven Cottage?
There are so many great goals. Allan Mulley’s against Leicester that won goal of the season in 1974, Roger Brown’s against Lincoln to win promotion, but the greatest ever goal was my first against Blackpool in 1973! It was my first goal – and I only scored five more in 427 games.
Do you have a Christmas message for the Fulham fans?
I wish all Fulham fans a happy Christmas and to make the best of it that you can at this difficult time. Put up your tree with lots of decorations and phone or text your family and friends.
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
I’m looking forward to the world getting back to normal and being able to watch Fulham play with our new stand sitting proudly by the Thames. It won’t get any better than that!
Paul Konchesky
Can you tell us about your first memory of Fulham?
My first real memory of Craven Cottage was when I signed for Fulham and obviously went to the stadium to look around with David Healy, Steve Davis, Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird as we all signed at roughly the same time!
Do you have a favourite memory of Craven Cottage?
My favourite game has to be the Europa League comeback against Juventus
What makes Craven Cottage so special to you?
I think Craven Cottage is really special because of how close the fans are to the pitch. It is at its best for an evening game, especially when the crowd really get the stadium buzzing and obviously with the old Cottage still being such a major part of the stadium.
What’s the greatest goal you’ve seen at Craven Cottage?
The best goal I’ve probably seen at the Cottage has to be that Clint Dempsey chip against Juventus to seal the game for us. I was luckily enough to be playing at the time! COYW!
Do you have a Christmas message for the Fulham fans?
Merry Christmas to all you Fulham fans. I hope you make the most of what you can do at this special time of year. Keep supporting such a fantastic football club and I hope to see you all back at the Cottage as soon as possible.
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
I’m looking forward to watching Fulham push up the league and really want to get myself down to a game, see so many friendly faces and get behind the team!
Ademola Lookman
Can you tell us about your first memory of Fulham?
The amazing 2010 Europa League journey to the final. I remember following that great run.
Do you have a favourite memory of Craven Cottage?
This season’s win against West Brom was really special.
What makes Craven Cottage so special to you?
The old wooden seats in the Johnny Haynes stand – they really add to the character of the ground.
What’s the greatest goal you’ve seen at Craven Cottage?
Ola Aina’s fantastic strike at Craven Cottage against West Brom.
Do you have a Christmas message for the Fulham fans?
Merry Christmas. I hope everyone is going to have a wonderful day. Stay healthy, stay safe and hopefully 2021 is going to be a big year for us!
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
To keep progressing and going up another level.
Joe Bryan
Can you tell us about your first memory of Fulham?
The game against Juventus in the Europa League at Craven Cottage and the incredible run in that competition.
Do you have a favourite memory of Craven Cottage?
The 4-0 win against Millwall.
What makes Craven Cottage so special to you?
It’s not a lifeless modern bowl – it has a lot of character.
What’s the greatest goal you’ve seen at Craven Cottage?
Clint Dempsey’s chip against Juventus.
Do you have a Christmas message for the Fulham fans?
Merry Christmas. Stay safe, don’t be too disheartened if you can’t see your family. It’s better to stay safe and look forward to the future when things will be better.
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
Staying in the Premier League and welcoming the supporters back to Craven Cottage.
Harrison Reed
Can you tell us about your first memory of Craven Cottage?
Wow – probably Clint Dempsey’s chip in the Europa League against Juventus. That’s the first memory that comes to mind: the atmosphere at the Cottage and that special goal.
Do you have a favourite game at Craven Cottage?
In my short career playing here, I’d probably go back to the win over Leeds last season. Also, the draw against Liverpool recently. Although I didn’t play a big part in it, the atmosphere with the fans back made that one a really special day.
What makes Craven Cottage special to you?
When you turn up the ground outside, you just feel the history straight away. You walk through and the changing rooms are a little bit different, it’s just got that special feel to it. It’s just a great stadium.
What’s the greatest goal you’ve seen at Craven Cottage?
I was going to say the Kasami chest and volley but that’s Selhurst Park, isn’t it?! I’d have to go for Clint Dempsey’s dink against Juventus.
Do you have a Christmas message for the Fulham fans?
Merry Christmas! Thank you for all your support. We’re missing you guys and we can’t wait to have you back at the Cottage.
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
A successful season with Fulham – and for everyone to remain healthy.
Bobby Zamora
Can you tell us about your first memory of Fulham?
Going into the training ground and meeting Roy. It was a good meeting – I liked what I saw. I left the club that I grew up supporting [West Ham] to sign for Fulham, so it was a big deal. Everything impressed me.
Do you have a favourite game at Craven Cottage?
Obviously, Juventus. It was a truly magnificent night and showed the togetherness in the changing room and how we all fought together to overcome some huge names.
What makes Craven Cottage so special to you?
We had fantastic memories there. Especially in the Europa League run season. We overcame so many great teams. That whole season was special at the Cottage.
What’s the greatest goal you’ve seen at Craven Cottage?
Clint Dempsey versus Juventus. Though I didn’t want him to score it as I wanted extra time so we could absolutely batter the life out of them with another half hour; I wanted more goals. But Clint’s was a nice one on such a big occasion.
Do you have a Christmas message for the Fulham fans?
Happy Christmas! Enjoy every moment.
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
A little bit of normality and going to watch a game in person. I’ve watched a lot of football at home this season, it will be nice to go to a stadium to see a game live.
We would like to thank Fulham Football Club, Carmelo Mifsud, Geoff Pruce and Sarah Brookes for helping the Fulham Supporters’ Trust bring the Fulham family together with these Christmas messages.
Extra special thanks of course to Les, Paul, Ademola, Joe, Harrison and Bobby.
