Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 20/06/23...

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Robinson wins CONCACAF Nations League with USA
Fulham full back Antonee Robinson won his second successive CONCACAF Nations' League title this morning as the United States of America beat Canada 2-0 in the final in Las Vegas.

An early header from Crystal Palace centre back Chris Richards put the USA in front and Folarin Balogun doubled the lead with both goals made by the recalled Gio Reyna, who was replaced by former Fulham academy graduate Luca de la Torre at half time.

Robinson, who enjoyed an excellent season as Marco Silva's side finished tenth on their return to the top flight, was one of nine members of acting head coach B. J. Callaghan's starting line-up aged 25 and under with the States starting to prepare for the 2026 World Cup which they are hosting alongside Canada and Mexico.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/06/robinson-wins-concacaf-nations-league-with-usa/

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Internationals: Jedi Wins Nations League

The United States Men's National Team won the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday night, with Antonee Robinson playing the full 90 minutes.

Two Premier League players were on target in the 2-0 win over Canada, with first half strikes from Crystal Palace's Chris Richards, and Folarin Balogun of Arsenal doing the damage.

It marks a second successive Nations League triumph for the States, after they also defeated Mexico in the Final two years ago.

In European Qualifiers, João Palhinha helped Portugal to a comfortable 3-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina.

They were two up through Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes by the time Palhinha exited the action on 87 minutes, with Fernandes adding a third in stoppage time.

The result maintained Portugal's 100 per cent record in Group J.

In Group D, Harry Wilson was on target on a difficult night for Wales, who were beaten 4-2 by Armenia in Cardiff.

Daniel James had opened the scoring but the hosts were then stunned by three Armenia goals, prior to Wilson pulling one back.

Another Armenian goal and a straight red card for Kieffer Moore capped a disappointing 90 minutes for the Welsh.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/june/19/internationals-jedi-wins-nations-league/

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Fulham centre-back Issa Diop in police custody for "repeated death threats"

Fulham centre-back Issa Diop (26) is currently in police custody in Toulouse, according to a report from regional outlet La Dépêche du Midi. The French defender was arrested at Toulouse's Pullman Hotel on Sunday evening around 8pm by the anti-crime brigade. The former Toulouse youth product is suspected of sending repeated death threats to his partner. The outlet report that the Fulham centre-back and his partner are in the midst of a separation, which is reportedly turning sour. Diop's partner is said to be claiming large sums of money that the French defender is reportedly not willing to pay her.

La Dépêche understand that Diop mentioned the possibility of "definitively getting rid of her". Diop's partner filed a complaint last week against the Fulham centre-back. Police detectives allegedly waited for the former West Ham player to leave London, where he lives, to make their move and arrest him. Diop's hearing is reportedly already underway this Monday. According to the outlet, Diop has already acknowledged some of the facts held against him, although he stated that his words were "not serious".

Diop signed for Fulham on a five-year contract last summer. The 26-year-old played 25 Premier League gamers with the Cottagers last season.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/fulham-centre-back-issa-diop-in-police-custody-for-repeated-death-threats/

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Fulham Rumour Round-Up: Navarro, Begovic, Castagne

The transfer window's well and truly open and in our second instalment of the summer, Cam's gathered a few of the latest whispers from the never-ending rumour mill.

Fran Navarro – Gil Vicente
While Fulham have been touted in the running for Gil Vicente striker Fran Navarro, reports from Portugal (A Bola) suggests that the 25-year-old is on the verge of penning a five-year deal at Liga NOS giants FC Porto, a switch which was apparently agreed upon in January. Nothing has been made official as yet but if Navarro is to depart imminently, it will set Dragoes back €7m, a seriously cheap figure for a player of his ability.

One of the Portuguese Primeira Division's hottest marksmen, the Spaniard hit 17 goals in 34 league appearances as his club finished 13th and overall, in all competitions, he racked up 21 goals and three assists. A highly profitable striker for a pittance if the shallow asking price is to be believed? It's a no-brainer.

Asmir Begovic – Free Agent
Respected journalist Alan Nixon disclosed via his Twitter account that Fulham are prepared to offer free agent Asmir Begovic a fresh start, after the Bosnian goalkeeper bid farewell to Everton at the season's close. It's not certain whether Marek Rodak will remain a member of Silva's squad next term and Begovic, a tried and tested veteran of the Premier League, would be a fantastic replacement if our current second choice is headed for the exit door.

The 35-year-old stopper may not have gained many minutes during his time at Goodison Park, but it's worth remembering that Begovic has plied his trade on English soil amid a series of fairly recent loan spells elsewhere since 2003, he's one of only five 'keepers to have scored in the English top-flight (a 97.5-yard missile for Stoke City against Southampton after 13 seconds in 2013, a world record for the 'longest goal scored in football') and he's still a national team member for his country. This is as risk-free as they get and I'd have him on our books even if Marek stays put.

Timothy Castagne – Leicester City
Following their relegation to the Championship, Leicester City are gearing up for a summer of wholesale changes and well-known journalist Chris Wheatley believes that Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and Fulham will battle it out for the Foxes' Belgian right-back Timothy Castagne.

Wheatley also earmarks Arsenal as a could-be suitor for the 27-year-old, although he is supposedly not the Gunners' primary target. Castagne featured 37 times for Leicester last season, a mainstay in a doomed side that was mismanaged and led astray but under the right support and supervision, the former Atalanta defender would be an excellent addition and he would definitely keep Kenny Tete motivated to maintain his starting spot in SW6.

Aske Andresen – Silkeborg
According to Danish publication BT, Fulham were in Denmark for a week towards the back end of the previous campaign to monitor Silkeborg's 17-year-old goalkeeper Aske Andresen, who became the youngest stopper to guard the sticks in the Danish Superliga last October.

The teenager extended his contract at Silkeborg until 2025 in December, but this hasn't deterred admiring clubs such as the Whites from casting a blind eye on his burgeoning expertise. A Denmark U18 representative, Andresen still has much to learn about his profession but he is certainly one for the future and if Fulham can tempt his parent club to sell up, his development could be even more beneficial at a Premier League outfit.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-06-19-fulham-rumour-round-up-navarro-begovic-castagne/

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BREAKING NEWS: Fulham defender Issa Diop, 26, is arrested in France for 'making repeated death threats to his former partner', with the Frenchman 'refusing to pay out large divorce settlements'

    Fulham defender Issa Diop has reportedly been arrested in Toulouse, France
    Reports in France claim he's made repeated death threats to his former partner

Premier League footballer Issa Diop has reportedly been arrested in France for making repeated death threats to his former partner.

The 26-year-old Fulham defender is currently in police custody in Toulouse, according to regional news outlet La Depeche du Midi.

The report claims he was arrested at the Pullman Hotel in Toulouse on Sunday evening around 8pm.

French media are reporting that Diop and his partner, 29, are currently in the midst of a divorce which has led to heated arguments between the pair.

Diop's former partner has allegedly claimed large sums of money through the divorce which the former West Ham star is unwilling to pay.

With the relationship turning sour, it has been claimed that Diop mentioned the possibility of 'definitely getting rid of her' according to La Depeche du Midi, with complaints filed against him last week.

It is also alleged that investigators had to wait until Diop left London, where he now lives, before making their move to arrest him.

The Toulouse academy graduate's hearing is reportedly already underway.

Diop has claimed his threats were 'not serious' while he has acknowledged some of the claims that have been held against him, according to the French newspaper.

According to The Sun, a local police spokesman said Diop, who used to play for Toulouse, was in custody at the city's Central Police Commisionerate.

The centre-back signed a five-year contract with Fulham last summer after completing his £15million move from West Ham.

He made 25 Premier League appearances for Fulham last season, helping them secure a 10th-place finish.

A Fulham statement said: 'We are aware of reports emanating from France this morning regarding one of our players, Issa Diop. We are currently liaising with the player's representatives to establish the facts.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12210185/Fulham-defender-Issa-Diop-arrested-France-making-death-threats-former-partner.html

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Diop arrested for 'death threats'
Fulham centre back Issa Diop has been arrested for allegedly making death threats against his former partner, according to reports in France.

The 25 year-old defender was detained at Toulouse's Pullman Hotel last night for threatening the life of his ex-partner. The couple are currently in the middle of separation proceedings and the French newspaper La Dépêche du Midi claims that Diop had refused to pay her significant sums of money and had mentioned the possibility of 'definitely getting rid of her'.

The French anti-crime brigade reportedly waited for the former West Ham defender to live London and return to Toulouse, where he had started his footballing career, before arresting him. The regional outlet reports that the proceedings against Diop are progressing this morning and that he has admitted a number of facts against him in the case, but insists his words and threats were not to be taken seriously.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/06/diop-arrested-for-death-threats/

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Fulham defender arrested in France over alleged death threats towards partner

Fulham defender Issa Diop is in police custody in France after allegedly making death threats towards his partner.

The 26-year-old was arrested at the Pullman Hotel in Toulouse at around 8pm local time on Sunday evening, according to regional newspaper La Depeche.

Diop is suspected of repeatedly threatening his 29-year-old partner, while the pair are currently going through divorce proceedings.

It's understood that the woman filed a complaint with French authorities last week but investigators had to wait to arrest Diop, as he has been living in London.

A Fulham spokesperson said in a statement: 'We are aware of reports emanating from France this morning regarding one of our players, Issa Diop.

'We are currently liaising with the player's representatives to establish the facts.'

Fulham signed Diop in a £15 million deal from West Ham last summer.

The French defender quickly established himself as a regular for Marco Silva's side last season, making 29 appearances in all competitions.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/19/fulham-defender-issa-diop-arrested-over-alleged-death-threats-towards-partner-18974721/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Fulham showing 'great insistence' to sign player – Selling club getting transfers in order

Three days ago, journalist Rudy Galetti stated Fulham are ready to open talks over a deal for Fiorentina's Igor Julio.

The Serie A side are aware they could see the centre-back and his partner, Nikola Milenković, move elsewhere in this window and are searching the market for their replacements.

That's according to Viola News, who point out Fulham's interest in the Brazilian, who had mixed performances last season.

This, however, didn't have an impact on his market value and suitors as Marco Silva's side are still showing 'great insistence' to sign him. The Italian club paid €6m to take him from SPAL in 2021 and the report states he's now worth at least €8m.

Faced with the possibility of losing Igor and Milenković, it's said Fiorentina are evaluating signing Lecce's Federico Baschirotto and Brescia's Andrea Cistana.

Last week, Idor's agent admitted they are "looking around" for a new club this summer. With Silva's side remaining keen, at least according to multiple Italian reports, and Fiorentina already looking for his successor, Fulham seem to be in the driving seat to secure the Brazilian's services.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-still-showing-great-insistence-sign-player-selling-club-getting-transfers-order/

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Willian Wins Goal of the Season!

Willian's remarkable finish against Nottingham Forest has been voted Fulham's Goal of the Season for 2022/23.

With a weighted ballot system, a very similar number of fans voted for Willian and João Palhinha (versus Leeds United) as their number one, but the volume of people listing Willian as their second and third favourite meant the Brazilian took the crown in the end.

    Willian v Nottingham Forest (19.7%)
    Palhinha v Leeds United (17.3%)
    Palhinha v Nottingham Forest (9.2%)
    Mitrović v Brentford (7.9%)
    Solomon v Brighton (7.5%)

After learning of the outcome, Willian said: "I want to say thank you to all the Fulham fans for voting for this goal for their Goal of the Season.

"You guys were amazing during the whole season. Thank you for all your support, and I hope you guys have a good summer."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/june/19/willian-wins-goal-of-the-season/

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Sergio Rico: Former Fulham goalkeeper out of coma after horse riding accident

Sergio Rico has come out of a coma following a horse riding accident in Spain, the wife of the former Fulham goalkeeper has announced.

The Paris Saint-Germain player suffered potentially serious injuries when knocked off a horse in Andalusia on May 28.

Transferred to Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio in Seville, Rico was placed under sedation and suffered a minor setback in his recovery last week when doctors attempted to bring him out of his coma.

However, the 29-year-old has made positive steps forward in his recovery, as confirmed by his wife, Alba Silva, outside the hospital on Monday.

"[He's] taking small steps forward and the truth is that we already see the light a little more," she told Telecinco.

Rico has enjoyed a career across the upper echelons of European football, earning a single cap for Spain in 2016 while playing for hometown club Sevilla.

He spent time on loan at Premier League side Fulham and PSG before making a permanent move to Paris three years ago, with his clubmates and fans showing their support for him in the aftermath of his accident.

The goalkeeper's wife continued: "Thanks to the hospital and the staff who have been incredible not only with Sergio but with all the patients. Thanks to them and thanks to God, to everyone who has sent us a lot of strength, we are moving forward.

"Little by little he is recovering and I knew from the beginning that he was going to get better because he is a champion."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sergio-rico-accident-fulham-psg-b1088871.html

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Diop has 'no case to answer'
Issa Diop has been released without charge after being dramatically arrested on Sunday night under suspicion of making death threats against his ex-partner – with the Toulouse prosecutors saying the Fulham defender has no case to answer.

The 26 year-old centre half had been arrested in his home town, according to local press reports, with his former partner having alleged that Diop had threatened her life. But a spokesperson for the Toulouse prosecutor said this afternoon:

    "The suspect has been released. There is no case to answer."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/06/diop-has-no-case-to-answer/

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Rico out of coma after horse riding accident
Former Fulham goalkeeper Sergio Rico has come out of a coma three weeks after suffering a horse riding accident in Spain, his wife has confirmed.

Rico, who played 32 games for the Whites whilst on loan from Sevilla during the Whites' 2018/19 relegation season, suffered life-threatening injuries when he was knocked off his horse by another horse in Andalusia at the end of May. The former Spanish international, who has spent the last three seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, suffered a setback when doctors tried to bring him out of a coma but his wife shared happier news with Telecino this afternoon.

Alba Silva said her husband was 'taking small steps forward and the truth is that we already see the light a little more.' She added:

    "Thanks to the hospital and the staff who have been incredible not only with Sergio but with all the patients. Thanks to them and thanks to God, to everyone who has sent us a lot of strength, we are moving forward. Little by little he is recovering and I knew from the beginning that he was going to get better because he is a champion."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/06/rico-out-of-coma-after-horse-riding-accident/

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West Ham United step up move for £50m-rated Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha

West Ham United are pressing ahead with their move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg.

talkSPORT reported on 10 June that the Hammers had identified the 27-year-old as a replacement for Declan Rice. It was believed the Portuguese international had a release clause.

Steinberg has since shared on 19 June that the Fulham man is valued at around £50million and that Marco Silva is reluctant to lose him during the summer window.

David Moyes has identified Palhinha as a "key" target and it's understood West Ham must assess whether he is worth that value.

Up for debate
At present, the Fulham midfielder is probably worth that much – but his age has to be considered. His performances during the 2022/23 season have certainly seen his stock rise but just how many good years of service with the 27-year-old give the Hammers.

Three or four at best?

If you are going to shell out £50million-plus, you should be expecting at least four to five years of top-quality output. Furthermore, we are talking about a Rice replacement here. The board cannot get this piece of recruitment wrong.

With £100million set to arrive in the coffers, the board will be in a strong position. It will allow Moyes' squad to undergo significant surgery. A new striker, a couple of midfielders and a winger would mark a successful window for the Hammers.

Let's hope there's more success compared to the 2022 summer window, with Maxwel Cornet, Gianluca Scamacca and Flynn Downes being largely disappointing additions.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/west-ham-united-step-up-move-for-50m-rated-fulham-midfielder-joao-palhinha/

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Midfielder 'presented' to Crystal Palace and Fulham for transfer – 20-year-old has PL as 'preferred solution'

Following an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan, Aster Vranckx is expected to return to Wolfsburg in Germany, where he isn't going to stick around for long.

That's according to Sacha Tavolieri, who took to Twitter to reveal that an avenue to the Premier League is being tried, with Crystal Palace and Fulham targeted.

He explains that the 'preferred solution' for Vranckx is a move to the Premier League, and while he probably knows the top clubs won't want him just yet, the prospect of a transfer a bit further down the table can appeal.

That's why his profile 'has been presented' to both Crystal Palace and Fulham ahead of July, with both seemingly seen as ideal landing spots for the young Belgian.

There's no denying how well the Craven Cottage side did under Marco Silva this season following their return to the Premier League, as they finished the campaign in 10th with 15 wins from 38 games.

Crystal Palace, down their end, struggled a bit more, but turned everything around after re-appointing Roy Hodgson, finishing 11 points clear of the relegation zone in 11th.

Therefore, a move to a mid-table side, which is exactly what the Eagles and Fulham are at this moment in time, is being targeted for Vranckx.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/midfielder-presented-crystal-palace-fulham-transfer-20-year-old-pl-preferred-solution/

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Fulham defender Issa Diop, 26, is released without charge after being arrested in France having been accused of making repeated death threats to his former partner

    Fulham's Issa Diop has been released without charge after being arrested
    Diop was accused of making repeated death threats to his former partner

Fulham defender Issa Diop has been released without charge after being arrested in France.

Diop was arrested after being accused of making repeated death threats to his former partner.

The 26-year-old Fulham defender was in police custody in Toulouse after he was arrested at the Pullman Hotel on Sunday evening at around 8pm according to regional news outlet La Depeche du Midi.

French media reported that Diop and his partner, 29, are currently in the midst of a divorce which has led to heated arguments between the pair.

Diop's former partner has allegedly claimed large sums of money through the divorce which the former West Ham star is unwilling to pay.

With the relationship turning sour, it has been claimed that Diop mentioned the possibility of 'definitely getting rid of her' according to La Depeche du Midi, with complaints filed against him last week.

It is also alleged that investigators had to wait until Diop left London, where he now lives, before making their move to arrest him.

On Monday afternoon a spokesman for Toulouse prosecutors said: 'The suspect has been released. There is no case to answer.'

Fulham earlier released a statement that read: 'We are aware of reports emanating from France this morning regarding one of our players Issa Diop. We are currently liaising with the player's representatives to establish the facts.'

Diop has claimed his threats were 'not serious', according to the French newspaper.

The centre-back signed a five-year contract with Fulham last summer after completing his £15million move from West Ham.

He made 25 Premier League appearances for Fulham last season, helping them secure a 10th-place finish.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12211393/Fulham-defender-Issa-Diop-26-released-without-charge-arrested-France.html

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Complaint against Issa Diop over "death threats" dropped

After reports emerged this morning that Fulham defender Issa Diop had been taken into police custody over suspected "repeated death threats" against his partner, L'Équipe indicate tonight that the legal complaint against the Frenchman has now been withdrawn.

As indicated by The Athletic as well, the former Toulouse man has been released without charge. Diop is currently separating from his wife, as process which has been described by both L'Équipe and La Dépêche du Midi as particularly bitter.

The former French youth international, who made 25 Premier League appearances for the West London club this season after moving from West Ham, had been taken into custody on his return from London.

L'Équipe understand that Diop's partner is asking for a sum of money as part of the divorce proceedings which the defender is not prepared to pay. He had been arrested on suspicion of speaking of "getting rid of her", which the 26-year-old is said to have argued was not a serious threat, according to La Dépêche.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/complaint-against-issa-diop-over-death-threats-dropped/

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Jacob Steinberg shares utterly baffling £50 million Joao Palhinha West Ham transfer claim

West Ham United are reportedly set to press ahead with a move to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham.

According to the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, Joao Palhinha is now the number one central midfield target for West Ham after a move to sign Edson Alvarez hit a brick wall.

It is suggested that the Hammers believe Alvarez is too expensive for £45 million, so will instead try to bring Palhinha, 27, to the London Stadium.

Here's the strange thing though – Fulham are demanding £50 million for Palhinha.

So why on earth would the Hammers view that as good value for money but decide against a move to sign someone who's two years younger and £5 million cheaper than the Portugal international?

I suppose you could say that the Fulham star is Premier League proven, and that always means that the price will be a premium.

And it seems as though West Ham are ready to crack on with their pursuit of the Fulham man...

Jacob Steinberg shares utterly baffling £50 million Joao Palhinha West Ham transfer claim
David Moyes needs to sign a top-class defensive midfielder with Declan Rice heavily expected to leave the club this summer.

And the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg claims that Palhinha could be the man for the job at the London Stadium.

It was recently claimed that the Hammers are very keen to sign the 27-year-old midfielder, and now it seems as though the East London outfit are ready to ramp up their pursuit.

Palhinha is a very good player, don't get me wrong, but this makes absolutely no sense to me.

Sure, Moyes might prefer Premier League proven players but come on, how can you turn down Edson Alvarez for £5 million less than what the Fulham midfielder is available for?

As I've said before, the Portugal international is a good player, but we shouldn't be paying anywhere near £50 million for him, and Alvarez is on another level to the Fulham midfielder in my opinion.

West Ham should be prioritising a move for the Mexican rather than Joao Palhinha. However, it appears as though Moyes thinks the complete opposite, unfortunately.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/jacob-steinberg-shares-utterly-baffling-50-million-joao-palhinha-west-ham-transfer-claim/

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Johansen's departure is confirmed by QPR

QPR have confirmed the departure of Stefan Johansen.

West London Sport revealed last month that the former Fulham midfielder, 32, could leave the club this summer despite having a year remaining on his contract.

That contract has now been terminated by mutual consent, enabling Johansen to move on.

He is unsuited to head coach Gareth Ainsworth's more direct style and was on the fringes of the side during the final stages of last season.

Johansen told the club website: "There is no bad blood at all, I have had conversations with the club and I think it's time to move on.

"It suits all parties that I am leaving now. I have had a great time but do wish that I could have achieved what I came here to do, which was promotion to the Premier League."

Ainsworth is keen to revamp the squad before the start of the new campaign.

A number of transfer targets have been identified and signings are expected to begin in the next week or so.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-confirm-johansen-exit-as-ainsworth-eyes-new-signings

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'A step up': West Ham United and Fulham sent Joao Palhinha transfer message

Darren Ambrose has backed Joao Palhinha to switch from Fulham to West Ham United this summer by claiming that it's a 'step up' for the midfielder.

With rumours that Declan Rice could be headed for the exit door this summer, West Ham are going to need a replacement, or for some, two or three.

But with Joao Palhinha's name popping up in the transfer rumour mill, Ambrose has backed the deal to happen, as he told talkSPORT.

In the Premier League, it was a season of struggle for David Moyes and Co. because they were battling relegation most of the time.

But what transformed their campaign was their Europa League Conference triumph, which wasn't just their first trophy in 43 years, but also a ticket to next season's Europa League.

All of that might just tempt Palhinha to join, with Ambrose confident that it would be a 'step up' even though Fulham had a far better season than their London rivals.

"I can (see him making that move across the capital)," said Ambrose. "Depending on what he is being offered.

"West Ham, at the moment, you would say it's a step up from Fulham, however well Fulham did last season. They surprised a lot of people.

"I think West Ham massively underachieved last season. They need to improve, and in order to improve, they need to get players that were better than them last season and Palhinha is one of them.

"If you have got the chance to sign Palhinha, people will be screaming at their radios 'how is that a step up?' But if you look at the actual football clubs and what they achieved last season, Fulham overachieved and West Ham underachieved, so I can see that happening."

How much would Joao Palhinha cost?
This might become a situation where Fulham play West Ham at their own game and demand a big amount for their star midfielder.

No-one made more tackles in the Premier League last season than the Portugal star, so if Fulham are clever, they inflate the price on his head, just like Rice will do with Arsenal, and they can get some added tax for such a key player.

But if the Hammers do land his services, then they will be securing the talents of a very underrated player.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/06/19/a-step-up-west-ham-united-and-fulham-sent-joao-palhinha-transfer-message/

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Happy birthday, Brian McBride
You aren't supposed to get tongue-tied as a journalist but when I had the opportunity to meet Brian McBride five years ago, I couldn't get the words out. The Fulham cult hero graciously gave me a second chance during his return to Craven Cottage to watch the Whites take on the club that gave him his first taste of English football, Preston North End, and I hope I was vaguely coherent during take two. McBride is the total opposite of the garrulous American we've all met: for a man who has scored in World Cups, captained a Premier League side and played all over the world, he's remarkably humble and self-effacing.

Perhaps that's because he's grateful to made a living as a professional footballer in the first place. The pathway to prosperity didn't appear to be accessible when young McBride led his Buffalo Grove Bison to the Illinois State Championship in junior year, but then money has never been his primary motivation. The Cottage cult hero credits his mom, Maddie, his wife Dina and John Erfort, his high school English teacher and soccer coach, as three of his biggest influences and they had to rally round after his first taste of European football, with Wolfsburg in the 2. Bundesliga, didn't go to plan.

He benefited from the inception of MLS, which was formed following USA '94, and was the Colombus Crew's first draft pick in 1996. He scored 77 goals in 195 appearances for the Crew over eight seasons – winning the MLS Cup in 2002 – and found his way to Deepdale on loan. His North End manager was David Moyes and McBride was keen to show he can take the physicality of the English game. He threw himself into a tackle, come off worse and thought nothing of his arm swelling up in the aftermath. It turned out to have been caused by a blood clot near his brain and McBride had surgery Stateside before spending Thanksgiving with his family. He met Dina Lundstrom at a party organised by a friend of his sister's.

He finished his loan spell with Preston and returned to play another season with the Crew before being loaned to Everton, where Moyes had now taken charge. He made a strong impression in the Premiership, scoring four goals in eight games for the Toffees, but Everton weren't able to make the transfer permanent. A disappointed McBride returned home, but salvation arrived in the shape of Chris Coleman, who was seeking a replacement for Louis Saha at short notice. I don't need to remind readers of this site how McBride made an immediate impression on the Fulham fanbase, especially after scoring past his great friend Kasey Keller to secure a win over Spurs on his debut.

McBride's goalscoring made him a regular in Coleman's Fulham sides, although we were all frustrated by the Welshman's steadfast refusal to ditch his preference for a lone centre forward. But what made the Arlington Heights native a truly special character was his bravery. A man who suffered at least four career-ending injuries, three of them to his head, never shirked a challenge and he remains unrecognised for his aerial ability even after scoring so many goals for the Whites and the United States. The Great Escape might have been masterminded by Roy Hodgson but McBride played a vital role after returning from a dislocated near cap to score a winner against Everton and grab crucial goals against relegation rivals Reading and Birmingham City.

It was fitting that McBride finished his Fulham career with that nerve-shredding victory at Fratton Park. Character makes men and his is second to none. I'll always remember how he joined the away fans behind the goal at West Ham whilst he was out injured, making sure he chatted with as many supporters as possible, signed autographs and posed for pictures. Today, this unassuming family man celebrates his 51st birthday. He got a glimpse of how adored he is at Fulham when he visited the bar named in his honour for a Q&A the night before the Preston game, where Slavisa Jokanovic's side stormed back from 2-0 down to pinch a precious point courtesy of Denis Odoi.

I wanted to tell Brian how much his example meant to me. His never-say-die example encouraged me to put my football boots back on, which wasn't my wisest idea, and then to pursue coaching qualifications whilst at university. I think I managed to blurt something out about a wonderful strike that put the Whites ahead at West Ham in an FA Cup replay. They say never meet your heroes: but I'll always remember the five minutes I shared with my favourite Fulham centre forward.

Happy birthday, Brian, and thanks for the memories!



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