The likes of Rodney MacAree and Moritz Volz bring a special something to following the club but who have been your favourite Fulham 'Cult Heroes'? If you are in any doubt as to what constitutes a 'Cult Hero' then please see the handy explanation below -
The Essential Ingredients of a 'Cult Hero' in football
Date: 2nd March 2011 at 3:30 pm | Written by Matt_G-Freebody
The Cult Hero in football is a romantic and sentimental side to the beautiful game that will never fade away. In today's game, the cult hero is even more important with the vast amount of money involved with the sport and the multi-media coverage of the top players in the game. So forget Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, even your Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand at least for the time being as I construct the essential ingredients as to what makes a Cult Hero.
When constructing the recent Top TEN Cult Hero article, I had a list of 50 odd players and probably even more if I kept on researching. The fact is, the cult hero is in abundance in the game and this week they should be celebrated because without them, it just wouldn't be football as we know it! But what makes a cult hero? The standards are pretty high and wide so let's go through some of the necessary traits.....
The Unsung Hero – The player that does not make the headlines but always gives 110% without fail. He may not get on the score sheet often or be partial to a step over or a Cruyff turn but when he's out of the team you realise what an important player he is. Ian Holloway summed up this type of player with this funny quote : "It's all very well having a great pianist playing but it's no good if you haven't got anyone to get the piano on the stage in the first place, otherwise the pianist would be standing there with no bloody piano to play."
The Eccentric – This player is all about personality. Whether it's the comedy factor of Jimmy Bullard or Gazza, or the crazy hairstyles like Marc Bircham or Taribo West, there is something about them than the average footballer. Or it could be players like Andrei Kanchelskis or Lee Trundle who liked to do some showboating on the pitch, check them out on YouTube for your own entertainment. Also the likes of former USA defender Alexi Lalas fit this bill perfectly.
The Trouble Maker – The pantomime villain that the opposition love to hate but you love him for exactly that. Whether it's the exuberant tackles or moaning to the referee, it's always a fiery encounter when they are on the field. Robbie Savage deserves a mention here although he could also fit the eccentric side of things with his flowing blonde hair. Other shouts have to be Vinnie Jones and FFC's very own Neil Ruddock, without these types of players football wouldn't have character.
Mr Football Club – Joining the club as a young boy and playing out his whole career at the club. This Cult Hero is in the fans' hearts forever although he may not have been the best they've ever seen, his loyalty is seen as something far greater. Southampton can boast a fair few of these players with the likes of Matthew Le Tissier, Jason Dodd and Francis Benali. Also former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Steve Bull, these types of cult hero's are usually involved with the club long after they retire.
The Foreigner – Perhaps more favourable away from the top clubs where players from abroad are in abundance, the foreign signing can become a bit of a cult favourite amongst a section of supporters. I fondly remember the likes of Argentinean left back Gino Padula at QPR who looked a bit out of place playing in the old Division Two but was admired at Loftus Road during his time there. Other shouts have to go to 'Nobby' Solano of Newcastle and Richard Sneekes at West Bromwich Albion, let's not forget Juninho and Emerson at Middlesbrough.
It's in the Name – Everyone loves a good football chant and some players' names are just asking for it and in return they become a hit with the fans. It wasn't that long ago down at QPR where we had Doudou and Shittu playing in the same team, other names include the likes of Uwe Fuchs (Middlesbrough, Millwall) and Joseph Desire-Job. It does not have to be a funny name for a popular chant amongst the terraces, I have a dozen of examples I could use to prove my point but such language would not be appropriate.
So bad, they're good – In some cases the Cult Hero stems from the player being so bad that they actually have an ironic following by supporters. That striker who never seems to score but always finds a way into the first team, Carl Leaburn anybody? Or it could be the likes of former Arsenal midfielder John Jensen or current Watford defender Lloyd Doyley who score once every solar eclipse but the fans love to shout 'shoot!' whenever they get the ball.
One Hit Wonder – Ever heard of Jimmy Glass? He is a Carlisle United legend despite only making 3 appearances for the club on loan. Why? Because the Goalkeeper scored, yes scored, an injury time winner back in 1999 in the last game of the season which kept the Cumbrian side in the Football League.
At the moment it has to be Paintsil, a liability as a player but you cant fault his effort
I guess my main ones would be from my childhood, as in those days the players were more loyal club stalwarts than transient players looking for the next big buck.
Ivor and Roger Brown.
Luis Boa Morte - Probably the trouble maker.
Couldn't go a game against Everton without an incident.
I don't think Ivor is a cult hero, he is a hero full stop.
The one I would put in that category is Terry "The Warlock" Hurlock. He wasn't at Fulham long until he broke his leg in two places but every time he was on there was an anticipation of "it is going to kick off" any minute. Hardest man in my book to ever wear the white shirt.
(http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/terry_hurlock-thumb.jpg)
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/images/2007/07/11/rufus_brevett_203_203x152.jpg)
(http://www.volzy.com/gallery/Moritz-Voltz-14.jpg)
VTID!
Simon Morgan.
Sir Terry Angus.
Maurtiz Volz
Zübi, just because his only performances for the club... the Christmas videos! :clap_hands:
Has to be Voltz for the newer fans, with Panstil a close 2nd.
Quote from: Matt on March 13, 2011, 02:55:04 PM
Zübi, just because his only performances for the club... the Christmas videos! :clap_hands:
The "Boxtschämpion"! Indeed, a very funny one! :59: :011:
Simon Morgan.. always found time to chat and actually remembered me each time we spoke.. Brilliant player and a great servant to the club. After he retired and was just working for the club, it wasn't uncommon to see him in the local Fulham pubs. He wrote a great book as well On Song For Promotion.. well worth a read. :045:
Jim Hicks :yay:
Bobby Keetch
No one seems to mention Clive Walker these days but for a couple of seasons he was our outstanding player. Fast and direct. Great to watch.
...John 'Mash' Marshall, there whenever we needed him from player to scout...
Argh i think of one then someone else mentions anouther one. Ruufus, Morgs , Volzy and Roger Brown. Peschy perhaps ?
And have to agree with Finny that Ivor is more than a cult, infact he is a living God.
Quote from: FatFreddysCat on March 13, 2011, 08:39:20 PM
And have to agree with Finny that Ivor is more than a cult, infact he is a living God.
Amen to that.
:Sparkyticus:
There is only two for me....a clear winner:- Tosh Chamberlain, then Simon Morgan
Shefki Kuqi. The man gave us all hope of one day playing for Fulham :003:
Gus Uhlenbeek.
His name alone should put him on that list!
Oakeshott has got in one - BOBBY KEETCH.
Add to him, Freddie Callaghan, Tosh Chamberlain and John Chenhall and there you have the blokes who weren't the most gifted of players but would walk through fire for Fulham.
Jimmy Langley was another cult hero but he could also play a bit.
Easy: The vicar from The Omen who got shafted by the Bishop's Park steeple.
Nogood "being named Damion, isit" Boyo
CorkedHat
Eddie Lowe was another. In the days before substitutes were allowed, I remember a game where he took a knock and could barely move one leg, nevertheless staying on for the rest of the game, limping around in his central defender's role making a real nuisance of himself to the opposition.
Also Maurice Cook. Never stopped trying, I once saw him shoot from about twenty yards out and the ball go for a throw in! Two minutes later he shot from more or less the same position and scored. But my favourite memory of Cookie was when it was still legal to barge goalkeepers. He fairly shoulder charged Peter Springett (I think), then a top keeper who played for Sheffield Wednesday, as he caught the ball, into the net and we got the goal. I've a feeling that we won 4-1 but it was a very long time ago and I could be confusing games.
Quote from: Oakeshott on March 14, 2011, 05:34:50 AM
CorkedHat
Eddie Lowe was another. In the days before substitutes were allowed, I remember a game where he took a knock and could barely move one leg, nevertheless staying on for the rest of the game, limping around in his central defender's role making a real nuisance of himself to the opposition.
Also Maurice Cook. Never stopped trying, I once saw him shoot from about twenty yards out and the ball go for a throw in! Two minutes later he shot from more or less the same position and scored. But my favourite memory of Cookie was when it was still legal to barge goalkeepers. He fairly shoulder charged Peter Springett (I think), then a top keeper who played for Sheffield Wednesday, as he caught the ball, into the net and we got the goal. I've a feeling that we won 4-1 but it was a very long time ago and I could be confusing games.
I agree with all that Mr Oakeshott although it was Ron Springett who played for Sheffield Wednesday. That was an era when England had a surplus of good goalkeepers,
I loved Eddie Lowe and Maurice Cook and before them was a bloke called Joe Bacuzzi who was something of a cult hero. When you come to think about it, our beloved club had a few cult heroes over the years!
Quote from: MJG on March 14, 2011, 06:53:30 AM
Quote from: Edward_Winston_Malone on March 13, 2011, 09:57:41 PM
Ara Bedrossian...
Where's he now? :011:
(http://www.fulhamprogrammes.co.uk//programmes/specials/1994-95/156.jpg)
http://www.minigoals.com.cy/page_1rn7s1.htm (http://www.minigoals.com.cy/page_1rn7s1.htm)
Quote from: White Noise on March 14, 2011, 07:08:23 AM
Quote from: MJG on March 14, 2011, 06:53:30 AM
Quote from: Edward_Winston_Malone on March 13, 2011, 09:57:41 PM
Ara Bedrossian...
Where's he now? :011:
(http://www.fulhamprogrammes.co.uk//programmes/specials/1994-95/156.jpg)
http://www.minigoals.com.cy/page_1rn7s1.htm (http://www.minigoals.com.cy/page_1rn7s1.htm)
Actually when he found that his playing days were numbered he took a coaching course and acquired all the necessary qualifications, He went back to Cyprus and ended up coaching the Cypriot National Team but is now obviously doing as per WN's post
About Ara I read this article last year http://www.artsakank.com.cy/en/news/interviews/2010/interview-ara-bedrossian (http://www.artsakank.com.cy/en/news/interviews/2010/interview-ara-bedrossian)
A player I liked in the 1980's who was not particularly gifted, a journeyman really, but who always gave 100% for Fulham was JOHN EVANSON.
It can only be 'Dixie' Dean Coney.
What a ledge!
Ara Bedrossian - brilliant! Our very own Cypriot international.
Also gotta love Udo Onwere...
Personal cult icon: Sylvain Legwinski - the beard, the cigarette chain-smoking whilst driving his clapped out motor to away games, the trip to Monte Carlo (did I ever tell anyone about that?)....
[
Also gotta love Udo Onwere...
Why??? The only thing I could say in Udo's favour was that he wasn't quite as bad as Martin Ferney or Leo Donnellan.
Talking of player who would have run through a brick wall for the club, how about Jeff Hopkins?
Quote from: Tonywa on March 14, 2011, 12:06:24 PM
[
Also gotta love Udo Onwere...
Why??? The only thing I could say in Udo's favour was that he wasn't quite as bad as Martin Ferney or Leo Donnellan.
Talking of player who would have run through a brick wall for the club, how about Jeff Hopkins?
That's the beauty of it. He was such a shocking player everyone in the Hammersmith End would sing his name when he cocked up! UDO UDO UDO!
Talking about shocking players, how about John Watson?
"FFC's very own Neil Ruddock"
Eh? Did I miss a meeting? When did Ruddock play for us? I must have been pissed at the time.
Hes fat hes round hes worth a million pound Jim Stannard !
Robbie Hererra ..spelling ? some great parties back in the day.
Peter baah now that boy was $*"%
Simon Morgan great bloke and plenty of time to chat and sink a few .
Gary Brazil whilst in the players lounge talking to him i dropped two pints of larger one after the other at his feet and said "you even managed to miss those son" well i was pi$$ed.
Ah Mr Keetch..in his day was a hard man. Now, would comfortably hold the record for Fulham red cards.
Boa, Pantsil, Rufus, Cohen, and many more, all for different reasons. As a club we have been and still are blessed. Pound for pound we still get great entertainment at the institution that is Fulham Football Club.
Don't know about the rest of the Yanks on here, but I love this thread and threads like it. It's like when I was a kid and listening to my father talking about playing baseball in occupied Japan after WWII. It's so good to learn more and more about the club.
Keep it - and other threads like it - coming folks.
Quote from: finnster01 on March 14, 2011, 12:11:35 PM
Talking about shocking players, how about John Watson?
Didn't last too long for memory. Must have been back in the late 80s. Certainly not particularly gifted and abled!
Quote from: White Noise on March 13, 2011, 11:52:48 AM
The likes of Rodney MacAree and Moritz Volz bring a special something to following the club but who have been your favourite Fulham 'Cult Heroes'? If you are in any doubt as to what constitutes a 'Cult Hero' then please see the handy explanation below -
The Essential Ingredients of a Cult Hero in football
Date: 2nd March 2011 at 3:30 pm | Written by Matt_G-Freebody
The Cult Hero in football is a romantic and sentimental side to the beautiful game that will never fade away. In todays game, the cult hero is even more important with the vast amount of money involved with the sport and the multi-media coverage of the top players in the game. So forget Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, even your Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand at least for the time being as I construct the essential ingredients as to what makes a Cult Hero.
When constructing the recent Top TEN Cult Hero article, I had a list of 50 odd players and probably even more if I kept on researching. The fact is, the cult hero is in abundance in the game and this week they should be celebrated because without them, it just wouldnt be football as we know it! But what makes a cult hero? The standards are pretty high and wide so lets go through some of the necessary traits
..
The Unsung Hero The player that does not make the headlines but always gives 110% without fail. He may not get on the score sheet often or be partial to a step over or a Cruyff turn but when hes out of the team you realise what an important player he is. Ian Holloway summed up this type of player with this funny quote : Its all very well having a great pianist playing but its no good if you havent got anyone to get the piano on the stage in the first place, otherwise the pianist would be standing there with no bloody piano to play.
The Eccentric This player is all about personality. Whether its the comedy factor of Jimmy Bullard or Gazza, or the crazy hairstyles like Marc Bircham or Taribo West, there is something about them than the average footballer. Or it could be players like Andrei Kanchelskis or Lee Trundle who liked to do some showboating on the pitch, check them out on YouTube for your own entertainment. Also the likes of former USA defender Alexi Lalas fit this bill perfectly.
The Trouble Maker The pantomime villain that the opposition love to hate but you love him for exactly that. Whether its the exuberant tackles or moaning to the referee, its always a fiery encounter when they are on the field. Robbie Savage deserves a mention here although he could also fit the eccentric side of things with his flowing blonde hair. Other shouts have to be Vinnie Jones and FFCs very own Neil Ruddock, without these types of players football wouldnt have character.
Mr Football Club Joining the club as a young boy and playing out his whole career at the club. This Cult Hero is in the fans hearts forever although he may not have been the best theyve ever seen, his loyalty is seen as something far greater. Southampton can boast a fair few of these players with the likes of Matthew Le Tissier, Jason Dodd and Francis Benali. Also former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Steve Bull, these types of cult heros are usually involved with the club long after they retire.
The Foreigner Perhaps more favourable away from the top clubs where players from abroad are in abundance, the foreign signing can become a bit of a cult favourite amongst a section of supporters. I fondly remember the likes of Argentinean left back Gino Padula at QPR who looked a bit out of place playing in the old Division Two but was admired at Loftus Road during his time there. Other shouts have to go to Nobby Solano of Newcastle and Richard Sneekes at West Bromwich Albion, lets not forget Juninho and Emerson at Middlesbrough.
Its in the Name Everyone loves a good football chant and some players names are just asking for it and in return they become a hit with the fans. It wasnt that long ago down at QPR where we had Doudou and Shittu playing in the same team, other names include the likes of Uwe Fuchs (Middlesbrough, Millwall) and Joseph Desire-Job. It does not have to be a funny name for a popular chant amongst the terraces, I have a dozen of examples I could use to prove my point but such language would not be appropriate.
So bad, theyre good In some cases the Cult Hero stems from the player being so bad that they actually have an ironic following by supporters. That striker who never seems to score but always finds a way into the first team, Carl Leaburn anybody? Or it could be the likes of former Arsenal midfielder John Jensen or current Watford defender Lloyd Doyley who score once every solar eclipse but the fans love to shout shoot! whenever they get the ball.
One Hit Wonder Ever heard of Jimmy Glass? He is a Carlisle United legend despite only making 3 appearances for the club on loan. Why? Because the Goalkeeper scored, yes scored, an injury time winner back in 1999 in the last game of the season which kept the Cumbrian side in the Football League.
Great piece! FFC have loads of these and i give you a couple of Stans from yesteryear: Stan Brown & Stanley Horne. Tosh has got to be in there, the brief but brilliant stay of Allan Clarke, Morgs, Darren Freeman....How many are we allowed?
WW
Agreed. Over the years there have not been many players who have played regularly for the first team who haven't been popular with supporters. Not many "non triers" that I can think of; most won our respect, and often our affection, for their efforts.
Invidious to name exceptions, so I won't. But one of the reasons we've been more successful under Roy and now Sparky is that we always play with eleven players - and by that I mean eleven real triers. Under Chris, my perception was that sometimes there were eight or nine trying and two or three fairly disinterested.
Quote from: Oakeshott on March 14, 2011, 02:37:35 PM
WW
Agreed. Over the years there have not been many players who have played regularly for the first team who haven't been popular with supporters. Not many "non triers" that I can think of; most won our respect, and often our affection, for their efforts.
Invidious to name exceptions, so I won't. But one of the reasons we've been more successful under Roy and now Sparky is that we always play with eleven players - and by that I mean eleven real triers. Under Chris, my perception was that sometimes there were eight or nine trying and two or three fairly disinterested.
And where would you put Jari Litmanen then?
Quote from: finnster01 on March 14, 2011, 02:39:58 PM
Quote from: Oakeshott on March 14, 2011, 02:37:35 PM
WW
Agreed. Over the years there have not been many players who have played regularly for the first team who haven't been popular with supporters. Not many "non triers" that I can think of; most won our respect, and often our affection, for their efforts.
Invidious to name exceptions, so I won't. But one of the reasons we've been more successful under Roy and now Sparky is that we always play with eleven players - and by that I mean eleven real triers. Under Chris, my perception was that sometimes there were eight or nine trying and two or three fairly disinterested.
And where would you put Jari Litmanen then?
In a hospital bed ! Didnt slip off a ladder or something ? :029:
As I said, invidious to name exceptions.
Andy Thomas....Only 4 games but if we had bought him........
Me personally, having not been alive very long, would put in 5 contributions for my time as a Fulham fan- Moritz Volz, Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Heidur Helguson and why has no-one said Zat Knight :011:
Quote from: VicHalomsLovechild on March 14, 2011, 12:44:09 AM
Shefki Kuqi. The man gave us all hope of one day playing for Fulham :003:
:Sparkyticus:
Quote from: Sheepskin Junior on March 14, 2011, 04:43:16 PM
Quote from: VicHalomsLovechild on March 14, 2011, 12:44:09 AM
Shefki Kuqi. The man gave us all hope of one day playing for Fulham :003:
:Sparkyticus:
I think it's a close one between him and Julian Gray.
Sheepskin Junior
Possibly because some of us view Zat as having been pretty average, at best, much of the time and lacking the commitment of the others you mentioned. His sale to Villa for ? £5m was for me a real plus in an otherwise fairly bleak period of Club history.
I have to admit, though, that while Zat passed through Villa without making much impact he has seemed rather better on the odd occasion I've seen him play for Bolton.
Dragoman: "A player I liked in the 1980's who was not particularly gifted, a journeyman really, but who always gave 100% for Fulham was JOHN EVANSON."
Oh god, I remember John Evanson as if it were yesterday. This was in the day of short shorts. He had a lion's mane on his head and short, fat hairy legs under his ample bottom that prevented normal athletic movement. Seeing him play next to George Best had to be one of the more embarrassingly imbalanced views of the time. I believe he was actually with us in the seventies. Might be wrong.
Nogood "membering the ernie Wise of Fulham, iasit" Boyo
Jimmy Dunne
I remember him once chinning Mullery on our own penalty area.
Also once dropped his shorts I think.
Jeff Eckhardt - was nothing more than a journeyman pro but always made the journey fun...
Quote from: Edward_Winston_Malone on March 15, 2011, 12:14:28 PM
Jeff Eckhardt - was nothing more than a journeyman pro but always made the journey fun...
I have a photo in my office at home with me handing over a player of the month bottle (which unlike him he did not down in one) in front of the Hammersmith End to Jeff. I always thought he was a good player and he was one of those who gave his all in any position within the team. What about him and Leggy in central midfield..that could have been fun.
Quote from: Oakeshott on March 14, 2011, 08:18:01 PM
Sheepskin Junior
Possibly because some of us view Zat as having been pretty average, at best, much of the time and lacking the commitment of the others you mentioned. His sale to Villa for ? £5m was for me a real plus in an otherwise fairly bleak period of Club history.
I have to admit, though, that while Zat passed through Villa without making much impact he has seemed rather better on the odd occasion I've seen him play for Bolton.
Zat's not the worst I've seen. He, like Paintsil, put in effort but, unlike Paintsil, knew where the opposition's goal was on occasion. And when they came they were good.
Simon Morgan was definitely my cult hero, Mr Fulham
Udo Onwere a leg - end in his own right, absolutely awful. What about George Georgiou even worse than Udo.
Agree about Clive Walker who I thought was terrific for a couple of seasons for us.
I thought Martin Ferney was alright but just suffered with lots of injuries, could have been a good player apart from that.
Present day I think Danny Murphy is a big player for us.
Kenny Achampong
We are the whites
Gus Uhlenbeek
Never has a professional footballer so perfectly encapsulated my style of play. Love seeing the blank faces when folks say to me before kickabouts or tournaments "So what are you like?"..."Gus Uhlenbeek", I reply. Cue uncomprehending silence
Out of those categories....(and in times past)....
Unsung hero; Stan Brown
Eccentric; Jim Langley
One club man; Who do you think?
Bad boy; Bobby Keetch
Quote from: Mr Fulham on March 13, 2011, 05:50:18 PM
Quote from: Matt on March 13, 2011, 02:55:04 PM
Zübi, just because his only performances for the club... the Christmas videos! :clap_hands:
The "Boxtschämpion"! Indeed, a very funny one! :59: :011:
Ha ha one of my favorite videos... seeing hangerland and Gera together and gera calling him a Muppet was pretty funny too... especially since Gera, literally looked like a Muppet next to the Hangman. But you are right when zubi said "because I looks like boxtchampion" was one of the funniest things on that video.
I see McBride as my personal cult hero...
But 15,000 Volz has got to be right up there too... he scored our 10,000 team goal and then the 15,000th Prem goal in a short period of time if my memory serves, and that is epic.
And I'm adding Dempsey who's first goal was the magical goal against liverpool that kept us up, and that chip against Juve that got us past the italians ... he is the first american to score 10 goals in one season in the Prem... and his brace against Chelsea was a special moment that got us a draw against the hated blue poo. If you disagree maybe I can suggest he slip in the backdoor of Cult heroes as a "bad Boy"
