I started watching Fulham in late 1972, and it'll come as no surprise that my first hero was Les Barrett.
He epitomised everything that I felt was good about the game. A demon dribbler, a hard worker and a true sportsman. He's a major reason why I have bought in to Fulham.
Les was mine too!
The great Graham Leggat!
I was 8 when in 1963 he scored the fastest ever hat trick in English football (3 mins) and it just reinforced my admiration!
Started watching in the late 60s and same as above it was Les Barett followed closely by Alan Slough and then Terry Angus.
Terry epitomised everything that was good about the team that Micky Adams built and I can still never forgive the club for sacking him.
Very predictable for me.
My old man took me to Palace a couple of times and then to Fulham.
The next week there was a clash and he asked me which one I wanted to go to. But it didn't need much thought; even though I was only 8, I had seen Haynes and I knew I had seen something special.
My Dad nodded in approval happy to know that he hadn't brought up a complete idiot (he may have revised that opinion after some of my later exploits.)
Ivor - still a legend
Ivor for me to, always had a smile. Remember the goal against Chestetfield at home from a very tight angle near the corner flag, very cheaky.
Ronnie Rooke
Louis Saha [emoji146]
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Probably Alan Mullery and also due to wanting to be a goalkeeper Peter Mellor. The goalkeeping bug missed me by watching Malcolm Webster dont know why lol
My first hero was Jimmy Conway, even managed to get him to autograph his annual for me when it came out, a few years later my adulation switched to the one and only Gordon Davies,
And that was the last time that I had any adulation for a Fulham player, so I guess it must be an age thing.
Jimmy Langley, the original gentleman. Every time he came out on the pitch at a start of a game he would always tap his boots against a goal post.
He had a long throw, and the best executor of a scissor kick I have ever seen.
He made an immediate impression on me from the first time I saw him.
When he was born, they threw away the mould.
Sadly they don't make them like him anymore.
Wish I could say I have been following Fulham as long as some of you.
My hero that brought me to Fulham was Brian McBride and I wish we had someone of his character playing up top for us right now.
Jimmy Conway. We got Jimmy Jimmy Conway on the wing on the wing
Boa Morte
What an ageing messageboard lol
Quote from: fcfulham55 on September 02, 2017, 09:46:04 PM
Boa Morte
What an ageing messageboard lol
The youngsters are still out partying....... they'll be along later after we've had our cocoa, lol
Quote from: Peabody on September 02, 2017, 07:58:09 PM
Ronnie Rooke
Oh how I wish I had seen him play.
092.gif
Charlie Mitten.
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Julian Hails for me. I thought he was excellent. Then I saw Paul Broker replace him due to injury against Swansea in cup.... wow.... that was a debut
Johnny Haynes for me
Tony Macedo.
Started supporting the whites in '58. Johnny Haynes was the biggest thing in football ever. He could split a defence in two with a shrug of his shoulders. later Georgie Cohen was my hero and the man I tried to copy when playing RB . I even used to run with my elbows out. Wonderful days.
Luis boa for me
Paul Peschisolido. 👍🏻
John Marshall.
First match was 1968 Fulham 4 Burnley 3. I was torn between JH, LB & Allan Clarke. Settled on Clark - thought it 'looked stylish to wear my shorts slipped down on waist, in the days shorts were really short to make them look longer - clearly a fashion trend setter lookibg at todays shorts:Get Coat gif:
Switched to LB when he left for Leicester. He clearly influenced me as I ended up playing No 11 but always saw myself as a Keegan type CF
Can't separate them.
Haynes
Leggatt
Macedo
In the day's of no subs, remember an injured Jimmy Langley playing on the wing,
Got to give it to Peabody never did see Ronnie Rooke
All the 60's team were my heroes, with my scrapbook of photos I would get signed, with a piece written about each player - like 'Eddie Lowe hails from Halesowen...', or 'Johnnie Haynes has represented his country at all levels of the game...'
Obviously JH, and Graham Leggat and Tony Macedo, but since I myself played left-half (defensive midfielder) it was the defensive players I saw as role models. Like Alan Mullery, George Cohen and Jim Langley, with his long throws and overhead kicks.
But Eddie 'Sticks' Lowe was a player I particularly modelled myself on in those early Fulham supporting days. He played left-half too, though ended up as a cb, skinny legs pumping as he chased down an attacker, and then perfectly executed a sliding tackle to get the ball, while, legally, bringing down the player.
I also used to admire him and Alan Mullery for their engines and enthusiasm, always running and working, battling for the team as well as their passing skill and tackling, of course.
I used to practise the slide tackles of Eddie and Jim Langley when playing games with mates in the park.
I have had many Fulham heroes since, but nothing compare to how I revered those players I first saw wearing the white shirt, and whose autographs I would queue for.
Quote from: Dodgin on September 03, 2017, 08:05:15 AM
In the day's of no subs, remember an injured Jimmy Langley playing on the wing,
Got to give it to Peabody never did see Ronnie Rooke
Yes that was against Sheffield United and we won 3 1. Jimmy Langley had quite a bad ankle injury but soldiered on through thick and thin.
Wouldn't see that happen today if all the subs were used, they roll over holding their faces when they sustain a broken finger nail.
When I first started going I took a liking to Robbie Herrera straight away. But when I was 12 we signed Boa and he's been my hero ever sense. He's the only player I think I'd cry if I got to meet again lol.
Quote from: dannyboi-ffc on September 03, 2017, 09:32:47 AM...But when I was 12 we signed Boa and he's been my hero ever sense. He's the only player I think I'd cry if I got to meet again lol.
Dunno about a hero - but there are plenty of players out there who cry at the thought of meeting Michael Brown again. 096.gig
I always liked Viv Busby, only because I liked his name!!
That '75 team were all heroes !!!
COYW
Quote from: cmg on September 03, 2017, 09:43:09 AM
Quote from: dannyboi-ffc on September 03, 2017, 09:32:47 AM...But when I was 12 we signed Boa and he's been my hero ever sense. He's the only player I think I'd cry if I got to meet again lol.
Dunno about a hero - but there are plenty of players out there who cry at the thought of meeting Michael Brown again. 096.gig
Lol. He's gotta be the player I'm most ashamed to say wore the white shirt and had the armband for a season!
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on September 03, 2017, 07:57:40 AM
Can't separate them.
Haynes
Leggatt
Macedo
That would be exactly the same as my dad...
Allan Clarke and, later, Vic Halom.
Quote from: One Martin Thomas on September 02, 2017, 09:56:54 PM
Julian Hails for me. I thought he was excellent. Then I saw Paul Broker replace him due to injury against Swansea in cup.... wow.... that was a debut
7-0
First watched the team in 1957 but can't say I had a favorite player until Steve Earle came along. He would surely fit today's team with his style of play.
Malcolm MacDonald was the only player who caused me to write a letter to the club exalting his center forward play. They ignored me and sold him for peanuts.
Robbie Herrera. Played left back most of my footballing youth because of him.
Quote from: _Putney_ on September 03, 2017, 12:26:25 PM
Robbie Herrera. Played left back most of my footballing youth because of him.
We must be a similar age then. What was it about him? Gotta be the hair lol
J. Haynes. Having just moved from Scotland to Southfields at age 11, became a Haynes fan first and went back just to see him play. Of course after 2 games, Fulham stuck. Also liked Graham Leggat, (the Scottish connection). I think he should have played for Scotland more often than he did but in those days, there was a lot of competition.
Charlie Mitten & only just remember watching Jim Taylor
Quote from: Dodgin on September 03, 2017, 08:05:15 AM
In the day's of no subs, remember an injured Jimmy Langley playing on the wing,
Got to give it to Peabody never did see Ronnie Rooke
I remember Macedo dislocating his shoulder & playing on the wing with his arm in a sling.
I loved and worshipped the Fulham 'Gods',ie Haynes,Cohen,Leggatt,but my hero during schoolboy days had to be Rodney Marsh.
I tried to emulate his swagger and arrogance,(failed miserably)and the way he held the cuffs of his shirt,stretched out and clasped
in the palms of both hands.(Could do that ok) He was a real breath of fresh air when he came on the scene.
Neck & neck between Gordon Davies & Roger Brown
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on September 03, 2017, 07:57:40 AM
Can't separate them.
Haynes
Leggatt
Macedo
Same for me but would add Jim Langley. Never missed a penalty as he rolled them inches inside the post
Quote from: OdecaMynoT on September 03, 2017, 05:08:43 PM
I loved and worshipped the Fulham 'Gods',ie Haynes,Cohen,Leggatt,but my hero during schoolboy days had to be Rodney Marsh.
I tried to emulate his swagger and arrogance,(failed miserably)and the way he held the cuffs of his shirt,stretched out and clasped
in the palms of both hands.(Could do that ok) He was a real breath of fresh air when he came on the scene.
My old man has spent the best part of 50 years moaning about Fulham 'giving' QPR Rodney Marsh.
Queens Park Rangers the club Fulham built he likes to say referring to big Fulham fan Jim Gregory & Rodney Marsh practically transforming them
Besides the Maestro, my first "hero" was Graham Leggat ( I also enjoyed Eddie Lowe and the calls of "get a haircut, Eddie).
Leroy, his autobiography is good too, half way through.
Saha was the first and McBride the last.
Super Geoffrey Horsfield for me!
My first game was against Nottingham Forest in 1965 with my Dad, Still to this day Jimmy Conway was my first Fulham hero. 049:gif 049:gif 049:gif
Simon Morgan for me.
Ronnie Rook. As a lad he always signed your programme or book. Some even went to the extent of knocking on his door. I believe he lived in Kenyon Street.
Joe Bacuzzi. A great fulback and a real gentleman.
Later George Cohen. A friend asked me to go as he couldn't. I reported back on his first game and said he will play for England!!
Back in the 60's there were 11 icons in the side from 1- 11 Macedo to Barrett. Everyone a hero
Les Barrett.
Quote from: Peabody on September 02, 2017, 07:58:09 PM
Ronnie Rooke
My first visit to the Cottage was shortly after Arsenal snatched Rooke but his name was always heard in the school playground so he was a hero even to those that hadn't seen him play.
As for the first hero I saw playing there was a whole cluster of them whom I just can't separate now. I am thinking of Joe Buccuzi, Len Quested, Jim Taylor, Ted Hinton.
The Maestro
Quote from: GrumpyWhite on September 04, 2017, 06:32:08 PM
The MaestrQuote from: GrumpyWhite on September 04, 2017, 06:32:08 PM
The Maestro
Yes of course, if you saw him play he just has to be your all time hero but there was life at the Cottage before Haynes.
The 1949 team that took us up to our first ever season in the top flight contained some very good players and memorable characters.
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on September 02, 2017, 07:21:31 PM
The great Graham Leggat!
I was 8 when in 1963 he scored the fastest ever hat trick in English football (3 mins) and it just reinforced my admiration!
Graham Leggat for me too. A superb finisher, he had everything. Pace, good with either foot and for someone who was only average height was pretty good in the air and was extremely brave into the bargain. A true FFC great.
Quote from: The Enclosurite on September 04, 2017, 10:17:56 AM
Simon Morgan for me.
I was with Morgs yesterday, Fulham still holds a strong place in his heart.
Quote from: The Enclosurite on September 04, 2017, 10:17:56 AM
Simon Morgan for me.
Morgan was an immense hero of mine, just not the first. He's a great shout.
The Maestro
Freddie, Freddie, Freddie ! Fred Callaghan who may not have matched JH or GL for skill but made up for it with his enthusiasm and personality. ( By the time I got to see our beloved team Tosh was beginning to be in and out of the team. This was when I was a boy with black cinders on my shoes.... Ha ha !)
Got to be Kenny Achampong. At a times when all your school mates were supporting Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal it gave me a reason to be excited by Fulham when there was little reason to be optimistic.
Brian McBride because Merica
Quote from: filham on September 04, 2017, 06:38:37 PM
Quote from: GrumpyWhite on September 04, 2017, 06:32:08 PM
The MaestrQuote from: GrumpyWhite on September 04, 2017, 06:32:08 PM
The Maestro
Yes of course, if you saw him play he just has to be your all time hero but there was life at the Cottage before Haynes.
The 1949 team that took us up to our first ever season in the top flight contained some very good players and memorable characters.
Yes that`s the problem with these questions you tend to lean towards what you saw first - would have liked to have seen the 1949 team - but was not born until 1952!!!!!
Quote from: One James stannard on September 05, 2017, 08:11:57 PM
I think mine is a tad obvious :dft001:
Would it be Malcolm Webster, just hazarding a guess.
I had two!
One obvious: Johnny Haynes
One rarely mentioned: Roy Bentley in his #5 role in our promotion 58-59.
I remember one headed goal the he rocketed in from the edge of the D, I cannot recall the opposition but the goal lives with me forever.
Quote from: MarryatsChild on September 06, 2017, 09:20:23 AM
I had two!
One obvious: Johnny Haynes
One rarely mentioned: Roy Bentley in his #5 role in our promotion 58-59.
Roy Bentley, thankfully still with us at age 93, had a remarkable 'second career' with us.
He is, rightfully, regarded primarily as a Chelsea icon. He was regular centre--forward for them and for England and was captain of Chelsea when they won the top-tier Championship (now PL) in 1955.
He was almost immediately discarded as being too old and he then enjoyed a season or so up front for us. We then converted him to centre-half (CB) where he was an immediate success. There wasn't much he didn't know about centre-forward play and combined with his tough-tackling and indestructibility he became a nightmare for 2nd Div strikers. If it hadn't been for his age he would have probably added to his England caps as a number 5.
Quote from: howitis on September 05, 2017, 09:30:11 AM
Got to be Kenny Achampong. At a times when all your school mates were supporting Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal it gave me a reason to be excited by Fulham when there was little reason to be optimistic.
Agree, miserable days, the ground under threat, the club in turmoil, falling like a stone, seemingly hopeless and then came this light in the darkness, a jewel who for just a little while, stood above the chaos and played the game like only a very few can.
Oh, kenny, kenny... kenny, kenny,kenny,kenny Achampong
Super Simon Morgan was my first hero. And to me, will always be Mr Fulham above anyone else.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 02, 2017, 09:07:15 PM
Jimmy Langley, the original gentleman. Every time he came out on the pitch at a start of a game he would always tap his boots against a goal post.
He had a long throw, and the best executor of a scissor kick I have ever seen.
He made an immediate impression on me from the first time I saw him.
When he was born, they threw away the mould.
Sadly they don't make them like him anymore.
:plus one: :plus one: :plus one:
Graham Leggat
Ronnie Mauge.
