Games of interest for weekend 24-25/02

This weekend top of the table Wolves visit Craven Cottage

 

This game will be a tough test for Slaviša and the lads however if we play like we did the last home game against Aston Villa I believe that Fulham will have enough to beat Wolves although I’d take a point for a draw if offered.

If you can’t make it to the game you’ll be able to watch it on Sky TV (17:30 kick-off)

other Championship games of interest this weekend include…

SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

Sheff Wed v Aston Villa

Reading v Derby

SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY

Cardiff v Bristol City

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Interesting games…

After an impressive run of 11 unbeaten games Fulham have given themselves a real chance of automatic promotion, it won’t be easy and I’m sure we’ll face some setbacks however there’s a real  “belief” among Fulham fans.

With 13 games left in the Championship run-in here are some of the games that will be of interest…

SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

Fulham v Wolves

Sheff Wed v Aston Villa

Reading v Derby

SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY

Cardiff v Bristol City

FRIDAY 2ND MARCH

Middlesbrough v Leeds

SATURDAY 3RD MARCH

Aston Villa v QPR

Brentford v Cardiff

Bristol City v Sheff Wed

Derby v Fulham

Wolves v Reading

TUESDAY 6TH MARCH

Cardiff v Barnsley

Fulham v Sheff Utd

Preston NE v Bristol City

QPR v Derby

Sunderland v Aston Villa

WEDNESDAY 7TH MARCH

Leeds v Wolves

SATURDAY 10TH MARCH

Burton v Bristol City

Cardiff v Birmingham City

Preston NE v Fulham

Aston Villa v Wolves

SUNDAY 11TH MARCH

Nottm Forest v Derby

SATURDAY 17TH MARCH

Fulham v QPR

Bristol City v Ipswich

Wolves v Burton

Bolton v Aston Villa

SUNDAY 18TH MARCH

Derby v Cardiff

FRIDAY 30TH MARCH

Barnsley v Bristol City

Cardiff v Burton

Norwich v Fulham

Middlesbrough v Wolves

Derby v Sunderland

SATURDAY 31ST MARCH

Hull v Aston Villa

MONDAY 2ND APRIL

Preston NE v Derby

Bristol City v Brentford

Sheff Utd v Cardiff

TUESDAY 3RD APRIL

Aston Villa v Reading

Fulham v Leeds

Wolves v Hull

SATURDAY 7TH APRIL

Cardiff v Wolves

Derby v Bolton

Millwall v Bristol City

Norwich v Aston Villa

Sheff Wed v Fulham

TUESDAY 10TH APRIL

Aston Villa v Cardiff

Bristol City v Birmingham

Fulham v Reading

Wolves v Derby

SATURDAY 14TH APRIL

Aston Villa v Leeds

Burton v Derby

Fulham v Brentford

Middlesbrough v Bristol City

Norwich v Cardiff

SUNDAY 15TH APRIL

Wolves v Birmingham

SATURDAY 21ST APRIL

Bolton v Wolves

Bristol City v Hull

Cardiff v Nottm Forest

Derby v Middlesbrough

Ipswich v Aston Villa

Millwall v Fulham

SATURDAY 28TH APRIL

Aston Villa v Derby

Fulham v Sunderland

Hull v Cardiff

Nottm Forest v Bristol City

Wolves v Sheff Wed

SUNDAY 6TH MAY

Birmingham v Fulham

Bristol City v Sheff Utd

Cardiff v Reading

Derby v Barnsley

Millwall v Aston Villa

Sunderland v Wolves

I’m sure that the teams currently just outside the top six, Shelf Utd, Middlesbrough, Preston & Brentford will have a say in how the season ends the games where the top six play each other will be interesting to watch.

It should be an interesting run in with, at a minimum, a play-off place

COYWs

Joka’s Puzzle

Joka’s Puzzle by Kent Cassandra

A nice little poem written by a member from Friends of Fulham about Slavisa Jokanovic. Have a read here, our over at the Forum

Image result for slavisa jokanovic

“Joka’s puzzle is a promise for a group of fit boys
To play attacking football with skill and poise.
In the premiership this would not be a prob,
But in the Championship, one has to play against yobs.
Even Messi would struggle in this league,
Soon succumbing to battle fatigue.
Smart fouling, cheating and up for a brawl,
Bombarding defences with the long ball. 
It’s the toughest league in the world
Refereed by black shadows from the underworld.
It’s a league that most good players try to avoid,
As the skilful ones soon get destroyed.
Teams can’t take out loans as businesses do
They are fined if too many debts accrue.
So, what is the solution to Joka’s conundrum,
It seems an almost impossible task to overcome.”

“Sometimes teams just click, like in Leicester’s year,
They were not considered good enough for the Premier.
Most Fofers say they want Joka to stay
So, we must back him to do it in his own way
From the current squad which players should he choose,
When playing against teams that ‘Mustn’t lose’?
Should he go positive to win every game?
Knowing if he loses he will get the blame.
To play joka’s way, needs a lot of support,
Cos players are human and sometimes fall short.
A factor of fail can be the rub of the green,
Injuries happen and refs can be mean.
Players lose form, trying too hard to please.
Teams can rise or fall on such things as these.
He’s trying his best to stick to his plan,
One should wait until May to judge him, if you can.”

“So, what can Fulham Fans do to help with his quest.
Give him encouragement, give bad mouthing a rest.
Dim all the ‘Gaslighters’ who have lately appeared,
For if he’s successful he will be revered.
He needs time and support from us and the bosses,
No one ever made it without some losses.
Blame is far far away from support,
Without evidence it is just like a kangaroo court.
Keep blame at bay cos if there’s too much distaste,
We will all be tainted by the toxic waste.”

Are you a member of Friends of Fulham? If not, you can register here

 

Mike Conroy FOF’erview

Mike Conroy FOF’erview

Having interviewed Mike, Super Micky Conroy, back in 2015, we thought it’d be nice to resurrect this one, for any new members, or Fulham FC fans, that didn’t get the chance to read it. Alternatively, you can have a read over at the Friends of Fulham Forum.

Q) What was it like playing under 3 different managers between 1995 and 1998 and what were their differences?

A) Playing under 3 different managers was not really much of an issue. Obviously once Mr. Branfoot moved upstairs within the club and Mickey Adams came in I think he started planning straight away for  the following season. We managed to avoid the dreaded drop and once that was achieved he could concentrate on who he wanted and who he didn’t, I might have fallen into the latter. In fairness Mickey changed a lot of the training and also concentrated on fitness levels although Mr.Branfoot was big on fitness also. Mickey just went about it with maybe more updated training in regards to fitness work. he also had a different playing style which at the end of the day helped me in a round about way. To be honest I can’t say I spent a lot of time working with the new regime but small sided games seemed to be Kevin Keegans method.

Q) How much of an effect did the boo-boys have on your confidence when you first joined us? How much of a boon or a hindrance can the supporters be when things are tough on the pitch?

A) I am glad the boo boys issue was raised, something you don’t forget in a hurry. I believe at the football everyone is entitled to voice their opinions, it’s how that individual reacts to that sort of treatment. I was lucky that i was brought up with a never say die attitude and if things are not going the way you want them to, then you need to work harder and turn things around. My father gave me  great advice as a youngster and even to this day. I can’t say it is nice but it comes and goes with the fact you are a professional footballer. Don’t get overly down when things are not going well but don’t get to carried away when the tables turn. What you put in you should generally get out. If you don’t put in you can’t expect anything out.

Q) What was the change at the club like from a players perspective when Al Fayed took over?

A) The change at the club was not dramatic but i think all playing staff and management new that it was only a matter of time. The club became so much bigger with two playing squads after Kevin and Ray came in. they started to bring players in that they wanted and the squad of 97 started to go elsewhere. Again that is the tough business of pro football. i suffered a foot injury at Millwall and that was more serious than thought and that was me finished as a Fulham player.

Q) During his period at the club who did he think was the best player he played with?

A) That is a very tough question to answer, all players played their part in gaining promotion and it’s hard to compare a m/f with a striker or a defender. You had international players like Chris Coleman and players of the caliber of Paul Bracewell all be it at the end of his career. We had Gleno who played top level with Southampton. Very hard to point to one individual.

Q) Was it true Micky Adams got you to shed 2 stone, leading to your blinding performances for FFC?

A) Another good question, after a difficult first season i spoke to Mickey and he told me he was making me available for transfer as he was looking to bring in some new faces and needed to sell first. I had no problems with that, the shedding of two stone was never brought up, i never felt i was a player who had issues with his weight. I am a non-drinker, non-smoker, non-gambler and so not the type of professional who over ate at any stage. I missed a lot of pre-season the year i joined Fulham as I was up and down to my family in Lancashire, I was out looking for property to rent when at times I should have been training. I had a new 5 month old baby we had to get settled quickly but not easy to do with London rental market. Certainly not an excuse but sometimes people don’t see the whole picture. In no way was there a mention of losing two stone.

Q) That goal from the half way line against Wycombe… What the heck were you thinking about????

A) The goal from the halfway line…what can I say? Miss and hit the corner flag and I am in for some stick not only from the coaches but no doubt the fans. I remember it well. Glen passed me the ball just at the edge of the circle. The centre backs had backed off and allowed me to turn, I had a quick look, then another, and noticed the goalkeeper out off his line. if you don’t shoot you don’t score. Luckily for me the gamble paid off this time. One goal I am very proud of but would have been just as happy to tap in from 6 yards. There is  no such thing as an easy or bad goal, not in my book.

Q) What is your best memory of the promotion winning season?

A) My best memory, happy to say I have lots of great memories during that time. Looking as far back as the game against Carlisle when we went head to head with what was thought the best team in the league, we won 1-0 in a very tough competitive game and I managed to get the goal. I remember the game against Cambridge when they were flying high and we hammered them 3-0 and I managed to get two. No complaining from me about not taking the penalty when Blakey made it three. Keep things right until the final whistle. Then we played Swansea, again they were riding the wave and we beat them 2-1 with Paul Brooker getting the second after the goalkeeper had parried my attempted lob. Obviously the day we won promotion is up there, up in a wet cold Carlisle. My mum and dad came down from Glasgow to see the game so was very pleased to get on the scoresheet and take part in another very good game of football and Rod’s winner was good enough to grace any game of football.

Q) You were our leading goalscorer with 21 league goals in our promotion winning season in ’96-’97 from division three, was that your most memorable season of your career?

A) It would be fair to say it was a very memorable season. I started the season on the transfer market and finished with a medal and the honor of being the first Fulham player to score 20 league goals in 20 years. Talk about football being a funny game. Certainly that season that started the ball rolling for Fulham would be a season to remember. However the Championship winning year with Burnley maybe just tops it. As I stated earlier, no Burnley player had scored 20 league goals in 26 years so to do that and actually win the league must just be the best a player can ever dream of. It is frustrating though that we had a better goal aggregate in 97 although Wigan had scored more we had a better goal difference.

Q) Did you feel proud seeing Fulham in the Premier League and Europa League final? Did you feel part of the era which started all of that off?

A) It was great to see Fulham reach the Europa Final and of course the Premier League, however the Fulham I joined and the Fulham of then I have to say was a totally different club. It will always be a lovely thought to know that you played a small part in the history of such a club but very difficult to compare as the club had went through so much change within that time. I will always be very proud though that I represented such a club and knowing I was the first player in 20 years to score 20 league goals. Many good memories.

Q) Of all the teams you have played for, which one did you feel the closest affinity with, and why?

A) As you are probably aware I had my fair share of clubs throughout my career. I enjoyed every minute of every day playing for all the clubs I represented. If I had to pick one then I think Burnley would get the nod. Moving from Reading to Burnley turned out to be a fantastic move for myself. Burnley went on to be Champions of the very last 4th division and I again managed to be the first player to score 20 league goals in 26 years. I also lived in Burnley which I suppose brings you closer to everyone as you are often seen walking down the shops or just getting petrol for your car. With London being such a big city even the big stars can walk about unnoticed. Burnley as a town revolves around the Football Club and in a big way reminded me of Glasgow. The passion and love they have for their club is total and living so close to that I would have to say my closest affinity came with playing with Burnley. I had made a lot of friends while there and would have probably lived in that area if I had not moved down under.

Q) What was your most memorable goal in your whole playing career?

A) Goals, goals, goals, I loved scoring goals. Whether it be a tap in or from the halfway line or a header I loved scoring goals. Having to pick a favorite or most memorable is very difficult. i scored a nice header for Clydebank playing against Rangers in the Scottish premier league 1986 just after Souness had taken over as coach. We beat them 2-1, the first time ever Clydebank had beaten them. Being a Celtic supporter might have something to do with that! My very first senior goal for Clydebank away to Kilmarnock, came on as sub with 15 minutes to go scored with three minutes to go, I got booked for celebrating with the 30 or so Clydebank supporters who came through to Ayrshire. Then we conceded with 30seconds left. The goal against Carlisle I feel was a very important goal as I think with that result we really took a lot of confidence going into the season. 1-0 Victory at the Cottage. then there was the equalizer in the 2-1 victory on promotion day. I am sorry i can’t really single one out. I loved them all and remember all.

Q) You scored a memorable hat-trick in one hour in our 7-0 win against Swansea City (who were a division higher) in the FA Cup in 1995. Do you remember the goals? Nick Cusack was your provider for two of the goals that game, were there any other players in your career you developed an understanding with?

A) If memory serves me well the goals came from Nick getting a flick on, then one came from the goalkeeper parrying and I got on the end of it with the third coming from  a corner that Nick flicked on at the near post. Can always say I scored a hatrick in the F. A. Cup. While at Burnley myself and Roger Eli struck up a very good partnership with Roger getting 14 goals the season we won the league while I got 24. I think Nick and myself were a wee bit similar but Roger complemented me with his speed while I was stronger in the air.

Q) When Al Fayed bought the club and had the money to buy players like Paul Moody, did you feel the writing was on the wall for you at Fulham, and did you feel you still had something to offer?

A) Paul Moody was actually bought by Mickey Adams if my memory serves me well. I think all the players including Simon Morgan believed the writing was on the wall. Morgs did very well to survive the cull and go on and get more success with Fulham, which in my mind could not have been more deserving to a great Fulham player who gave so much to the club. Did I have more to offer? i think goalscorers always have something to offer.

Q) Do you still visit the Cottage regularly?

A) I now live in Melbourne so don’t get a chance to see any live football. I really miss being involved.

Q) What are you up to now?

A) I am now involved with the Japanese sport brand Mizuno. We do running shoes which i do at least three times a week and we are Luke Donalds club of choice. We do fantastic running shoes and golf clubs. So get on board!

And a final word from Mike…

If I could just sign off by saying that although my first season did not go down to well I still finished top goal scorer and that I always tried my best whenever selected to play. I have no issue with taking some stick as it’s part and parcel of being a footballer and especially if you are a striker. It comes with the territory. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Fulham and have many happy memories that outweigh the not so happy. i would like to thank everyone for their backing during the 97 season and I hope you enjoyed watching the team as much as we enjoyed playing as a team. I feel very blessed to have played my part in the ongoing story of Fulham Football Club.

Thank you Mike!!

Turnstile Talk – Our View

Our friends over at Turnstile Talk have taken the time to put together an interesting document that is meant to start a discussion with all Fulham supporters, here’s a flavour of what they’ve said…


Supporters of Fulham FC

Please feel free to click on the link below which will take you to the ‘Our View’ document which was created by using feedback from supporters over a 6 month period. It’s been drawn up from a cross section of fans so we could obtain a wider view.

This isn’t a Turnstile Talk document, it’s all of our document in some way  shape or form as it’s your voice we’ve amplified and it should be viewed as such. It really isn’t a document created by one lone supporter, it’s the voices and views of the masses.

Once again, we would like to thank everyone that took the time to provide us with feedback via Facebook, Twitter, emails, texts and one to one’s on Stevenage Road, within the ground and on our travels up and down the country supporting Fulham.

Feel free to comment by either replies to this post or email us at [email protected] as this will help us create ‘Our View 2’ which we’ve already started brainstorming for.

We’ll take everything on board regardless of positive/negative opinions as it’s ‘your view’ after all.

Turnstile Talk has become the voice of the ‘fans’ not the voice of ‘Fulham Football Club’ and we’ll always remain totally independent from all other supporter groups and the club itself, however, we have expressed that we’ll work closely with whatever group sees us in a positive light and not as a hindrance. We’ll also work alongside all employees (regardless of status) and departments of FFC to do the best we can for our wonderful club and move it forward.

Best,

TT


You can read the ‘full’ document here
https://online.flippingbook.com/view/557151/

 

… and we at Friends of Fulham would ask you to either contact them via Facebook, email, text, twitter or join in the debate on the forum

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=62356.0

 

Rufus Brevett FOF’erview

In this FOF’erview Dannyboi speaks to the one and only Rufus Brevett. 2 promotions, the Intertoto Cup and playing in the Premier League. It’s a fantastic Fulham career and one of the many reasons RUUUFUUUUS was so popular.

Dannyboi Hi Rufus. Thanks for agreeing to speak to us, its an honour for me personally as your team gave me the best memories so far as a supporter and that Tigana side remains my favourite team.  I suppose I’ll start off by telling you what a legend you are and that you’re very popular with supporters. How did you feel about your relationship with the fans?

Rufus Right from the minute I signed the fulham fans have been amazing with me, the chants of Ruuufffuuusss use to make me give everything for them and the club, great fans who deserve to be back in the premiership.

Dannyboi I’ve met you a few times, most recently at the Cottage. I saw you and Barry Hayles in McBride’s last game of last season against Bolton. All the supporters were queuing up for a photo with Tunnicliffe and I tapped you on the shoulder and said “sod him, I want a picture with the legends lol”. I don’t suppose you remember, you must get this a lot?

Rufus Yes I remember, it’s always nice to be appreciated from the fans for my time there.

Dannyboi You played for Doncaster, QPR, Fulham and West Ham amongst others. What club do you class as home?

Rufus I loved my time at Doncaster Rovers. Its where it all started for me. But QPR and Fulham I class as home (even though I’m not a Londoner!).

Dannyboi Lets talk about how you started out for a second. Who was your role model in football growing up?

Rufus I loved watching Kenny Sansom and Stuart Pearce, I replaced Kenny at QPR which was very strange.

Dannyboi Did you always set out to be a left back?

Rufus I started playing as a striker then moved to left midfield. When I got released by my home club team Derby County, Doncaster Rovers needed a left back and the first time I played left back was for Doncaster on trial, I signed the next day and was in the first team 3 months later!

Dannyboi How did you become a footballer?

Rufus Being a footballer is always what I wanted to do, when I got released from Derby I was determined to proved them wrong, I did that when I signed for Fulham. Arthur Cox, who released me at Derby was now the Director of Football at Fulham, and said to me “I knew you’d make it”. I didn’t reply!

Dannyboi Looking back at your career, when it became clear that you were not going to get an opportunity to play for England, were there any other countries you were eligible for and do you look at it as a missed opportunity that you never played international football? Barry Hayles played for Jamaica for example, and Matthew Briggs has a cap for Guyana!!!!

Rufus I had a chance to play for Jamaica but there was a lot of unrest in their squad with all the English jumping on the band wagon so I decided not to. I regret that decision…

Dannyboi What made you choose Fulham? Was it the fact it was a straight forward move from QPR, Kevin Keegan or a different reason?

Rufus I never wanted to leave QPR but I was told if I didn’t leave I would be stuck in the reserves. Kevin Keegan sold it brilliantly and all what he said came true. In a phone call to me he said “this is Kevin Keegan, we are the big club around the corner from your little club”, I laughed because QPR were a division higher, and he said you won’t be laughing in a couple years! He was true to his word!

Dannyboi Was it weird playing under Bracewell after just being promoted with him as your team mate?

Rufus Brace is a great guy and a proper football man, we all wanted him to succeed and he tried is best.

Dannyboi What was the reaction of the squad when Tigana arrived and did he have all the players teeth checked? I bet that was a first lol?!

Rufus We all knew what a world class player he was and there were rumors going round that he would bring all his own players in. I had been out for 6 months when he came in and only just started pre season, he set out how he wanted us to play from Day One. I ended up getting a gold tooth!!

Dannyboi A game that’s often spoken of is the famous win over Blackburn with Seany Davis popping up with the winner. “IN YOUR FACE SOUNESS!!!” Sorry, got a bit carried away there lol. Obviously this game was a mixed bag for you as you were sent off in the first half. I know how I felt during the game and then afterwards. What was going through your mind in the changing room and how did you react to that goal?

Rufus That was one of the most satisfying wins of my career , a lot said before the game from Souness how they were the best team in the league and right from the start they tried to rough us up. I stupidly got sent off and I just thought I’d let everyone down. When Sean scored it was an amazing feeling. Even the usually-quiet Tigana showed some emotion running down the touchline! He just said to me to learn from it. We stayed up north and clinched promotion on the Saturday

Dannyboi It was a special occasion at Old Trafford for the first premier league game. Was this the first time you’d played there and can you describe how it felt? I was there and I remember feeling the whole occasion was surreal, like a dream. But the team didn’t seem overawed by the occasion, if anything we looked the better team for most parts.

Rufus I was suspended for that game, there was no pressure on us and we were magnificent on the day.

Dannyboi Where’s your medal for winning the Intertoto Cup? It’s always a trophy that is the butt of most jokes and of course we have the song “we won it one time”. But deep down I think Fulham Fans are proud we won it, I certainly am. It’s just a shame we won it “over there” rather than at the home of football – the Cottage. Where does it sit in a list of your proudest career achievements?

Rufus It will be in a drawer somewhere, it’s a very proud moment lifting the tiny cup, it was a great experience playing teams in Europe. I captained the team so I was thrilled .

Dannyboi How many of your Fulham team mates would make up the best eleven you’ve ever played with throughout your career?

Rufus

Maik Taylor

Me
Melville
Coleman
Finnan

Boa
Collins
Davis
Goldbaek

Les Ferdinand
Saha

Subs
Van Der Sar
Goma
Lee Clark
Di Canio
Hayles

Dannyboi What was Al Fayed like?

Rufus Al Fayed was brilliant, who else would bring Micheal Jackson to a championship match??

Dannyboi The promotion under Keegan was also special but it gets forgotten a bit, overshadowed if you like by the Tigana promotion. Yet both teams achieved 101 points. Do you prefer one to the other looking back or are you equally proud of both?

Rufus Both were great achievements, and both teams played without fear. I think Tiganas team kept the ball more than the other team who would get tired trying to chase the ball, then gaps would open and we’d be 3 or 4 up.

Dannyboi This is a tough one. Who’s got a bigger mouth, Clinton Morrison or his mother?

Rufus For the record his mum never had a go at me, Clinton had all the mouth on the pitch but couldn’t back it up off the pitch! He started trying to talk Jamaican to me so I politely reminded him that he was actually Irish 😂😂😂

Dannyboi Who was your room mate when staying in hotels?

Rufus Wayne Collins was my roomie.

Dannyboi Who were you closest to in the team?

Rufus We all got on with a great team spirit. Collins, Coleman & Finnan if I had to pick.

Dannyboi Do you keep in touch with anyone?

Rufus A few via twitter.

Dannyboi During your time at FFC who was the best player that you played with?

Rufus Best player played with has to be Van Der Sar or Saha.

Dannyboi You played for Keegan, Bracewell and Tigana. What were the differences between the 3 of them?

Rufus Tigana was a great coach and had a “total football” approach. Keegan was a great motivator. Bracewell was very organized.

Dannyboi Do you remember either of your two Fulham goals (one was a winner v Stoke in a league match, the other was an equaliser v Rochdale in the league cup).

Rufus Stoke was a 1-2 with Bracewell and a finish from a tight angle. Rochdale was on 9/11, we got to the hotel and saw the pictures on the TV, just awful. We were losing the game and I gambled on a flick on and shot from inside the box, my celebration was taking my shirt off only because that’s what their player did when they scored! Very embarrassing.

Dannyboi When you joined West Ham it was a bit sudden. Was there any particular reason why you left?

Rufus Because Tigana told me he was leaving, if I knew Coleman was going to be the manager I would’ve stayed.

Dannyboi You’re back in management now with Hanworth Villa. How did that opportunity come about and how do you feel about the upcoming season? Have you clashed with the stats guy over transfers yet??

Rufus We have a good bunch of players, finished third last season so hopefully we can build on that.

Dannyboi And finally, it’s a Friends of Fulham tradition to ask……..pie or pasty (which filling)

Rufus Pie, steak and kidney please .

Dannyboi Thanks again Rufus for giving us so much of your time and effort. We really appreciate it. On behalf of Fulham fans everywhere, thank you for some very special times and I wish you the best of luck with Hanworth Villa.

Rufus Thank you.

www.friendsoffulham.com

“Foundation History of The Fulham Football Club”

 

Foundation History of Fulham Football Club

 

Foundation of Fulham FC

“Foundation History of The Fulham Football Club”

by H.D. Shrimpton (ex Fulham F.C. player and secretary)

 

 

Introduction

LBNo11

During the 1969-70 season Fulham FC published in it’s programme a serialisation of a booklet from a former player and club secretary Mr H.D.Shrimpton entitled “Foundation History of Fulham Football Club”. The first part appeared on December 27th 1969 for the game against Barrow. The editor added this postscript to the serialisation:-

“Mr. E.W. Alexander, who lives in Birmingham yet supports Fulham with an inspiring tenacity, has sent us a copy of a booklet he bought recently. We found it fascinating. It is a great opportunity to set the record right on a number of things, so we will be reproducing parts of it from time to time.

We are not sure of the date but assume it is from before the first (world) war.”

In the spring of 1997 the same booklet was re-published for £1.00 to help with the funding of Fulham 2000 campaign.

I have always wanted to have such an important historical document available for a wider audience and with the advent of the cyber age this is now possible. I managed to trace (thanks to Geoffrey the cabbie on the official message board, and Jenny Gower at Fulham FC) Henry Shrimpton’s grandson, the former Fulham FC director David Shrimpton, whose family still support Fulham, and he very kindly gave me permission to reproduce the booklet exclusively for Friends Of Fulham, TOOFIF and Fulham USA. It must be noted that the writing is in the vernacular of that period, and that although at times the information appears disjointed it is nonetheless enthusiastic and interesting. I have deliberately not changed the wording of the publication in any way, and have left the original programme editors notes from 1970 in italics.

In the original accompanying notes with the series, there was a foreword from G.H.T Shrimpton, CBE., TD. The father of David Shrimpton. “My father published the booklet in 1950 and it is pleasant to learn there is still interest in his account of the origins of the club. My family still takes some pride in its association with Fulham. The record of four brothers playing for it, three of them regularly, seems unlikely to be equalled and is enhanced by the fact that one of them, Tom Shrimpton, captained the first Fulham team to play at Craven Cottage. My father and brother were in the side.

When his employers required my father to reduce his commitment to football, he turned out for Fulham under the name of S.D. Henry. However he was always known locally as ‘Mo’, a name he acquired as a young full back for Fulham against Dartford in an away Cup tie. Fulham who were not expected to win, took a 1 – 0 lead in the second half and thereafter my father put so many clearances in the river that the name of the boatman who was called each time to retrieve it remained with my father until he died in 1956, aged 81.

I was weaned on Fulham football and although I played rugby football for Kent and London Counties and was for fifteen years chairman of the Old Blues R.F.C., I used to return with my father to Craven Cottage when I was injured or the ground too hard for rugby.

Now my early conditioning has re-asserted itself. My sons, fourth generation Fulham supporters, and I rarely miss a first or reserves game there”

David Shrimpton has written a further postscript to accompany this ‘electronic’ serialisation.

“The family connection with Fulham is a genetic defect, but this applies to many long-standing Fulham supporters!

Our family involvement in Fulham goes through four generations. My grandfather, Henry, captained Fulham and claimed to be the first person to kick a football at Craven Cottage when on 10th October 1896 he led the team out to play Minerva, the opening game at the new ground.

Three of his brothers also played for Fulham; he then became Company Secretary, and the registered office of the Club was at the family home in Fulham, so he was well qualified to write the ‘Foundation History of Fulham Football Club’.

My father, George Shrimpton, was a life long supporter and a Vice President, and he and his father took me to my first match in 1949. I became a Director of the Club in 1991, worked with the Muddyman family to rescue the Club, developed the Dream Scheme to find someone seriously rich to take over the Club (instead of the terminal plan to reduce capacity down to 12,000 by building flats on three sides of the ground) and through an unplanned act of fate was responsible for introducing MAF to Fulham – and the rest is history”.

Fulham FC began it’s life 130 years ago this year (2009), and so to commemorate this – we bring you:-

Part I

TWO CLERICS WERE THE REAL FOUNDERS

The Fulham Club was founded in 1879 – not 1880 as sometimes published. In its very varied existence it has been faced by many set-backs but has invariably come out on top.

The Club today boasts a neat, compact and comfortable ground on the banks of the Thames at Craven Cottage, and a very loyal and ardent array of followers who, win or lose, continue to give their unstinted support while good, clean honest to goodness football is played.

The real founders of the club were the Rev. Cardwell of St, Andrew’s, Fulham and the Rev. P.S.G. Propert (later Prebendary) of St. Augustine’s Mission, Lillie Road.

The latter in his earlier days at Oxford had been a footballer and a general all-round athlete, but he never played for the club. These two clergymen in their spare time fostered sport among the youngsters of St. Andrews Youth Club.

Football and cricket were their main sports, the cricket section being coached by Mr. W.H. Patterson, one-time captain of Kent County Cricket Club. The football club was known as St. Andrews.

Its ground – not enclosed – was situated in Star Road, Fulham, adjacent to the school, and was commonly known as “The Mud Pond.”

Although it has been stated from time to time that Fulham F.C. started their career at Lillie Road, this is not correct, for one goal backed on to Star Road School wall and, moreover, Lillie Road School was not built until 1893.

The first secretary of the club was Mr.Tom Norman. Playing colours were at first nondescript, but when the club began to get into its stride, definite colours were decided on, these being light and dark blue quartered jerseys, later changed to shirts in keeping with the then prevailing patterns.”

Part II

The goalposts at this time (1893) consisted of two uprights with tape across to act as the crossbar. Although the main basis of the game, the rules and the number of players were the same as today, football was then a very simple sporting affair compared with the vast business organisation, governed by finance, that operates today.

The football enthusiast had to make do with such waste ground as might be available. In the case of the ‘Mud Pond’ the playing area was only some 85 x 65 yards compared with today’s minimum 100 x 80 yards (Editors note: this was written before the First World War. The dimensions in 1970 are – not more than 130 yards or less than 100 in length and not more than 100 yards or less than 50 yards in breadth).

There were no stands, no ‘gates’ financially and literally. If as many as an odd hundred or so turned up to watch, it was considered quite an occasion.

The spectators stood right up to the touchlines, in fact they made the lines, as there was no marking out with whitewash by a mechanical contrivance that looks like a lawnmower, as is neatly and efficiently done today. There were no nets behind the goals. Usually the playing time was half an hour each way – or possibly forty minutes if all concerned had energy enough left. This is easily understood because there was no training, coaching, tactics, elaborate tackling or the other trappings of professionalism. The men played football for the simple and very good reason that they liked football.

They played it when and where they could in spare time, usually Saturday afternoons, for no other reason than that they enjoyed it. They turned out in what clothes they could lay their hands on at the moment; some wore caps, some played in long trousers and some wore knickerbockers.

The game itself might be described as a rough and tumble sport with lots of mud, almost no holds barred, plenty of hefty tackling and shoulder charging. There were two umpires, one in each half of the field. Perhaps after all, ‘those were the days.’ Special football boots were not worn by players in the class of the St. Andrew’s Club at this period. Usually any old boots served the purpose, but to avoid slipping, bars of leather were nailed across the soles and the heels.

Studs were not brought into use until after pukka football boots were generally adopted. Then several members of the Club had their boots made to measure by a local bootmaker for 12s. per pair. (2)

In the early days there was no such luxury as a dressing room. The players donned their kit at home and shed their outer gear on the ground to be taken care of by friends manning the touchline. After the game the players dragged their weary way homewards – typical ‘muddy oafs’. Washing accommodation too was of limited character. Even for a few years after the migration to Craven Cottage the sole provision consisted of family-type zinc bowls placed on a bench outside the dressing room. Stripped to the waist, players found it far from pleasant scraping the grime off in bitter wintry weather.

Part III

After a few years of existence the club found private accommodation at the old Ranelagh Club, under Putney Bridge Railway arch, where the present Ranelagh Gardens are situated. The dressing rooms were at the ‘Eight Bells’, (3) Fulham High Street, and the Club name was changed from Fulham St. Andrew’s to avoid confusion with other London clubs called simply St. Andrew’s.

Jack Howland a big, jovial fellow of some two hundred pounds or so-was the skipper of the team. When the Putney Bridge ground was required for building purposes, the Club became more or less a wandering side. For two years it fought out its matches on Eelbrook Common, Putney Lower Common and Roskell’s field situated in Parsons Green Lane. During games on the last named site players had to keep their eyes skinned as a tree stood in magnificent isolation in one corner of the pitch.

It has been stated in other accounts of the Clubs history that it rented a ground from Captain James in Halford Road. This is entirely erroneous. That ground was once occupied by Stanley F.C. – strong opponents of Fulham F.C. in all competitive football.

Eventually the club migrated to Barn Elms, Ranelagh, Barnes. Dressing accommodation was at the ‘Red Lion’ public house, Castelnau. (At the time it was the usual practice for clubs not boasting accommodation of their own to change in public houses.) It was on the Barn Elms ground that wooden crossbars for the goals were first used.

While playing at the Barnes the Club had a fair run of success, and by now had got together a loyal band of supporters. Among these was Mr. Teddy Fox, well-known local sportsman who was, very conveniently, mine host at the ‘Half Moon’ public house, Putney. Incidentally this hostelry was opposite to the playing ground. Fox, by his great enthusiasm and kindly interest in the Club, was instrumental in the move is seasons 1889-90 to the ‘Half Moon’ ground behind the boathouses at Putney.

At this time, the number of supporters began rapidly to increase, mustering in hundreds. The most enthusiastic followers and supporters displayed a card stuck in the bands of their bowlers or pinned on their caps bearing the legend ‘PLAY UP FULHAM’. The presence of ladies at matches was quite a rare sight. Perhaps one or two girlfriends of players would put in an appearance. As time went on however, the number of the fair sex attending games rapidly increased, and this eventually called forth the comment in the Press that ‘ladies again graced the match’.

At the present day it is common to see a large feminine attendance, and the Fulham Supporters’ Club testifies to the great appeal the game now has for the ladies by the large number on its membership roll. It is interesting to recall that in 1894 a ladies’ football club was formed in North London and played on the ground of Crouch End F.C.

Returning to the ‘Half Moon’ ground, this consisted of two pitches and was shared with the famous ‘Wasps’ Rugby Football Club. This was the period of the special charity matches usually played on a Easter Monday, and called ‘Top Hat’ and ‘Bonnet’. For these occasions one side turned out in top hats and working clothes and the other in bonnets and skirts, presumably borrowed from their wives and sweethearts. Whether the bonnets and skirts were ever returned to their rightful owners the records do not show.

Charges for admission to games were not instituted until the ‘Half Moon’ ground was tenanted, when the nominal sum of three pence (4) was the amount demanded. With the advent of the Craven Cottage ground, the admission charge was raised to sixpence. With an extra three pence for the enclosure.

Part IV

THE PRESS TAKES NOTICE

By 1890 the Club was beginning to force itself into the public eye, so much so that Press notices were given. The colours were again changed, becoming one-inch black and white vertical striped shirt with blue knickers. (5) Under the able secretaryship of Mr. Arthur Newport, an ex-student of St Marks College, the dark side, and a master at Halford Road School, who assisted the team at centre-half, the club started about the business of becoming a premier club of London.

The name of Fulham St Andrew’s was dropped. And the club became Fulham F.C.

It was on the ‘Half Moon’ ground also that the goal nets were used for the first time. Fulham became holders (1890) of the ‘West London Observer’ Football Challenge Cup – a beautiful trophy put up for local competition by the proprietors of the paper. The final result was a win against Stanley F.C. by five goals to two. Each member of the winning team received a souvenir medal of very handsome design.

Season 1892 saw Fulham take another upward step when they entered for the London Senior and Middlesex Senior Cups, but, although playing with conspicuous success, they failed to win another competition. This season saw the West London League formed, its members being Fulham, West End, Kildare, Queens Park Rangers, Stanley, Grove House, Paddington, Hounslow, Southall and St. Johns College.

At Easter Fulham embarked on their first tour of the West Country. The first game – against Weymouth – resulted in a goalless draw. The second game was a big test as the opponents were the Dorset representative team. Although Fulham put up a good fight they lost by two goals to one. However, they wound up the tour in triumphant style when they defeated Yeovil by three goals to one. A special item of interest in the game was the grand play at back of the Rev. Horsham of Yeovil.

During this season Fulham became champions of the West London League – certainly a praiseworthy feat when one remembers the opposition they were called upon to meet. J. May who played some wonderful games in goal, was at this time skipper of the team. Other members being T. Shrimpton, The Rev. G.M.Hall (an Old Blue of St. John’s Church, Walham Green), Pearce, Jackson, Blight, Wilkins, Draper, Sermon, King and Carter.

In 1893 Fulham again gave a good account of themselves without winning either of the cups for which they entered. In the London Senior Competition they disposed of Caledonian Athletic (now London Caledonians of the Isthmian League), but their career in this competition was cut short when they met the Royal Ordnance Factories F.C. (now the famous Arsenal F.C.) and lost by the odd goal.

It was during this season that the controversy arose with reference to a Fulham player named Payne who was alleged to have been lured away to play for the Spurs for the consideration of a pair of football boots.

Quite recently a London weekly sports paper published a picture of Ernie Payne stating that he was the first professional footballer and was loaned to Fulham by the Spurs. Both these statements are incorrect, for Payne, though suspended for a month, never became a professional and far from being the first ‘pro’, his playing days were some twenty years after the general adoption of professional football. Furthermore he was not loaned to Fulham, but was ‘poached’ by the Spurs from Fulham. It was also stated recently in the London daily press that this case resulted in both the Spurs and Fulham becoming professional.

Actually only Tottenham turned professional. Fulham, it was seen, did not take this step until later in season 1900-01.

Part V

After the period at the ‘Half Moon’ ground, the next important move by Fulham was to Craven Cottage in 1896. The colours were again changed, this time to shirts with red bodies, white sleeves and collars as now worn by Arsenal F.C. At this time the Craven Cottage house and ground were in a very dilapidated state (*), the grounds were all ups and downs, covered with uncared-for trees and shrubs, and dotted with lakes and mud left by high tide floods.

Members of the committee and supporters all put their shoulders to the wheel, and everyone concerned showed great enthusiasm and keenness in efforts to assure a really good home for the club. Harold Wilkins – also a master at Halford Road School – was the secretary, and this player of earlier days had a great hand in developing the Club. The following is an extract from a local paper of September 12th; 1896:

‘ But while the Stanley F.C. are seeking fresh fields and pastures new, the Fulham Football Club have been making extensive arrangements in order to meet the requirements of the sporting section of the community. Their efforts in providing such a magnificent ground as that which is now being prepared at Craven Cottage, Crabtree Lane, deserves to meet with extensive patronage. The new ground, which will be ready for opening in about three weeks time, is in the form of a vast amphitheatre, and is capable of accommodating some 20,000 persons; it is in fact, almost a replica of the famous arena at Crystal Palace.

No expense has been spared by the committee who are now considering plans for the erection of a grandstand and pavilion. A track is to be prepared outside the turf, and its possibilities will be about four laps to the mile. The club hopes to make the ground a centre of athletic sports generally. It is a boon, the need of which has been long and sorely felt in Fulham. The Club this season has entered for the English Cup, London League, London and Middlesex Senior Cups, besides having arranged a capital programme of what may be called private fixtures.

The fact that the organisation has become possessed of the new ground has already given it a splendid impetus in its favour, for 40 new members have joined since the commencement of the year, bringing its total to about 250. Mr Hayes Fisher, M.P. for Fulham, is the patron, and Mt. T.W. Shrimpton, the captain.’

Mr. Arthur Thomas, the honorary treasurer, and Mr. Arthur Wilson, a member of the committee, also put in splendid work for the Club at the time. The circumstances in which the Craven Cottage ground was obtained were these: it was the property of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and leased to Mr. Tod Heatley. From the latter, Fulham F.C. obtained tenancy on the ‘half gate’ principle, that is to say, half of the gate money was paid to the landlord as rent. In after years, other possession arrangements were made.

On obtaining the ground the then Fulham committee found themselves faced with the task of filling in the creek which led from the Thames, and felling the vast number of trees on the estate. This work was done by contract, and a local firm was given the job of raising the ground some six feet above the high water level and completing it as a playing pitch with a Cumberland turf surface.

The dressing rooms, which comprised substantial wooden buildings, were made and erected by members of the committee and honorary members in their spare time, supervised by Mr Harry Coleman, also an old player and committee man. There were two team dressing rooms and one for officials, in addition to a members’ room with fully licensed canteen.

Part VI

Road Sweepings

The Spectators’ bank was first raised by road sweepings supplied by the Fulham Borough Council, who paid the Club a “shooting” fee per load. The contractor was at this time removing material from the Shepherd’s Bush Bank Tube working, from where it was dumped at Craven Cottage to meet the required level and to complete the slopes.

The playing pitch was near completion when difference of opinion arose between Club and the contractors resulting in legal proceedings. To meet the expenses of these, a public meeting of the Clubs’ supporters was held and the money guaranteed by various friends.

One outstanding contributor was the late Mr. W. Pullen of the Richmond Hotel, West Brompton, who generously lent £120 free of interest: the Club won it’s case, and another meeting was convened to return the various sums of money to the many subscribers. This took place at the Richmond Hotel, when an illuminated address was presented to Mr. Pullen for his great kindness in lending the said sum.

The first game on the new ground was Fulham Reserves versus St. Mary’s Recreation. The match was well supported, and the Fulham Reserves won a very close game by the odd goal. The Club had a successful season in the newly-formed London League and the gates of between 4,000 and 5,000 were quite a common thing at First Team games.

The following is the side that represented the Club in many of their Cup and League fixtures in their first season at the Cottage: J. May; T.W. Shrimpton, H. Shrimpton; Pearce, Jackson, Churchill; J. Shrimpton, Witheridge, Bennett, Grimmond and Robertson. It will be seen that there were no fewer than three Shrimpton brothers in this eleven, while Jim Shrimpton, who was captain of the Swan Brewery Club (commonly known as “The Bungs”) assisted the Club on many occasions. Subject to any other claims, for four brothers to turn out for one team seems to be a record.

It may be another record that each of these four brothers served as the Club’s secretary during their membership, and the elder brother, Tom was captain of the Club for many years.

There were many “Bands of Brothers” who did yeoman service for the Club before professionalism was adopted, but more of that later.

When the club gave up the tenancy of the Ranelagh Club’s old ground at Putney Bridge, dissension arose among the members, and several of the First Eleven threw in their hands and formed a new club under the name of “Colton F.C” with headquarters at the “Colton Arms”, West Fulham; but this club had a very short existence.

The members who did stick to the old colours were principally second team players. They continued to carry the Club’s programme and re-organise themselves to suit the circumstances. The club then had no regular or settled playing pitch or accommodation, and prior to going to Barn Elms, the committee made their headquarters in Haldane Road at the home of the Shrimpton brothers, and thus it remained for a number of years.

Part VII

Here it would seem proper to set down some particulars of the original Craven Cottage. The Cottage was far from being the humble abode the name would suggest. Indeed, it was a superb but perhaps a little pretentious residence full of historical interest, and stood in magnificent grounds.

For some years before the destruction by fire in 1888, the house and estate were under the care of Mr. Emmett, an ex-policeman of Walham Green, and while he was on holiday, the house met it’s doom by fire and the shell only of this once splendid residence remained. As bad luck would have it, the house was not insured. Following 1888 and during the time that Billy Reader of Fulham was the 9-stone Champion of the World, the site became the scene of many prize fights.

Built in 1780 by William, 6th Baron Craven, Craven Cottage was owned by various persons until 1834; when it was purchased by Charles King, a famous money-lender known among his associates and society of the time as “Jew King.” During King’s ownership of Craven Cottage it became a popular resort for the world of fashion.

In 1839, the Cottage became the house of Edward Earle Bulwer-Lytton (Lord Lytton), the distinguished novelist, orator and statesman, and it was here he composed several of his famous works, including “Night and Morning”, “The Last of the Barons” and “The New Simon”. It is said that he also wrote “The Last Days of Pompeii” at the Cottage.

In 1846 Sir Ralph Howard became the owner, and Craven Cottage continued to be the rendezvous of high society. Included among it’s many visitors and guests were the Prince of Wales (Edward VII), the French Emperor and Empress, Prince Louis Napoleon, Sheridan, Disraeli, etc.

In 1868, W. Bentley Woodbury, an American, took Craven Cottage for conversion into a pleasure resort, but the experiment failed. Mr. Tod Heatley eventually purchased the property, and from 1872 the estate was tenantless until May8th, 1888 when the Cottage, as already stated, was entirely destroyed by fire.

North of Craven Cottage was another famous mansion and estate named Rosebank, and between Rosebank and Craven Cottage, adjoining the latter, was the establishment called Rowberry Mead with its famous osier beds owned by the Waldrens, a very old Fulham family. The osiers were cut and dried and used in the Waldrens’ basket-making industry in Fulham.

Opposite the Cottage, on the east side of the estate, was situated Millshot Farm, owned by William Bagley, a descendant of one of the oldest Fulham families.

Lord Lytton, during his tenancy of the Cottage, paid the Bagley family £50 a year for the right of a private road through the Farm, from his house to Fulham Palace Road.

Part VIII

At the south end of the Cottage grounds were the famous Craven Steps. These Steps were at the end of an elevated terrace and concrete wall which ran the full length of the grounds along the riverside. An inlet from the Thames ran into the estate at the extreme south end adjoining the Steps.

On each side of this inlet were rows of beautiful old trees with tremendous trunks. The Craven Steps and concrete wall became famous as landmarks for the ‘Varsity and other famous boat races. The concrete wall was to prevent flooding of the estate from high tides, but in spite of this precaution there were time when the grounds became a vast lake. According to some accounts the purpose of the inlet was to enable visitors to draw close into the house in their State barges at high tides.

Adjoining Craven Cottage at the south end beyond the said inlet was the meadow named “Palesmead” which extended to Bishop’s Palace drive. This meadow was afterwards known as “Fielders Piece” and leased by a butcher of this name whose business was in High Street, Fulham, and who used the meadow for cattle grazing.

“Fielders Piece” was the home of the Old Sherbrookians F.C. just prior to Fulham F.C.’s occupation of the Cottage.

There was no Stevenage Road when Craven Cottage became a football ground. From Crabtree Lane, passing between Millshot Farm and the Cottage, was just a cart-wagon track and continuing on from the south end of the latter to Bishop’s Avenue, alongside “Fielders Piece,” was a narrow footpath bordered by beautiful elm trees said to be 200 years old.

It is thought that when the Club took over the estate the house was used as it’s first pavilion, but the decayed remains of the once palatial residence were demolished when the making up of the playing pitch was commenced.

While the estate was derelict, it became the habit of youngsters to bathe from the Steps (boys being what they are) and several learned to swim at this spot. Also many youngsters unfortunately lost their lives. One particular lad, unable to swim, fell into the river at high tide, and a Halford Road schoolboy named Harry Cane, who happened to be playing in a school representative match, heard his cry for help. Rushing across the pitch, Cane dived in and rescued the child. Then he changed his wet clothes and finished the game.

This incident at Craven Steps occurred in Fulham’s early tenancy, Cane, in after years signed for Chelsea F.C.

A peculiarity about the Cottage was that the house had a room with eight doors leading to different parts of the mansion. During the course of laying out the ground a subterranean passage was unearthed which led under the river towards Barnes, and rumour has it that it was used as a convenient way of giving any undesirable person the slip – probably a “get-away” for political reasons.

Also during the work of converting the grounds, a workman suddenly disappeared from view and was found unhurt at the bottom of an old 12 foot well. In excavating he had fallen through the rotten cover of the well no one was aware of.

Part IX

I now pass on to clubs of the same calibre as Fulham who were either local or in the near neighbourhood.

Perhaps the strongest and keenest opponents were the Stanley F.C., with headquarters at the “Dukes Head” Parsons Green. This club played on the Putney Lower Common and for a time on the Captain James field, Halford Road. Until they were disbanded about 1896 they were a perpetual thorn in the side of the Fulham Club in all their competitions. The last secretary of the club was genial “Dolly” Webb, who today still trundles “a pretty wood” on the local bowling greens.

It was the Stanley Club who gave Fulham F.C. their heaviest defeat by beating them eight goals to nil at Craven Cottage. After Stanley were disbanded, several of their players joined Fulham, notably Wally Read, Albert Maile and Johnny Pask, who did yeoman service for their new club.

The Gas Light and Coke Co. ran a team under the name of Imperial F.C., their home being adjacent to the gas works in Imperial Road. This club ran for some years and were keen opponents of Fulham until they became defunct about 1900. Like Stanley F.C. the Imperial supplied a few good men to strengthen the Fulham Club, and those who were perhaps outstanding were Joe Chell, Sammy Aylott and Jimmy Taylor.

Old St. Mark’s College, Chelsea, were perhaps the strongest club in Fulham before Fulham F.C. became prominent, This club played on the ground of old Beaufort House, North End Road.

The Colton F.C. mentioned previously, had a very short existence. The Salisbury F.C. another club of brief duration, had as their strongest patron that well known local character, Mr Jimmy Squires, the proprietor of the “Salisbury” and the “Red Lion” hotels.

Jimmy Squires will be remembered by many old Fulham supporters as the gentleman who decked out himself and all that was his in Cambridge blue on the occasions of the ‘Varsity Boat Race.

In the nearby districts were the teams of St. Mark’s, St. John’s and St. Mary’s Colleges; members being resident students. Each of these college teams gave excellent assistance to the Fulham Club, especially St. Mary’s, whose members came chiefly from the Midlands or North of England. One who stood out as a great player was Dick Curry, a magnificent back; the same may be said of H. Gamble of St. Mark’s who was a stalwart figure in the Fulham side when they played on Ranelagh Gardens (Putney Bridge) site.

The last of these senior clubs to be mentioned is the Hammersmith Athletic F.C.who, under the astute guidance of Fred Wastey, became a team to demand respect from the rest of the local senior sides.

There were clubs of well-known business houses who played some great games against Fulham. William Whiteley, Ltd., ran a strong team called Kildare F.C.; John Barker, Ltd., had a good side named Argyle F.C.; Harvey Nichols and Co., had a club called the Prairie Rangers, which was of Fulham calibre: Hitchcock Williams and Co., ran the Condor F.C. and there were also business house sides. Of the less well-known clubs, and of junior strength, the most prominent was the Old Sherbrookians F.C. formed of past scholars and masters of Sherbrooke Road School. They had a ground at Wimbledon Park, afterwards moving to Fielders meadow, adjoining Craven Cottage. This club was, in its day, one of the finest junior clubs in London, and when eventually it disbanded through lack of finance, nearly all its players joined Fulham, and forced their way into the first team.

H.E. Jackson, the first secretary of the present Fulham F.C., Ltd and E. Payne, the player who caused the trouble with the Spurs, were amongst the number.

Messrs. Stansfeld and Co., Swan Brewery, Fulham Road, also had a strong medium team under the name of Swan Brewery F.C., otherwise known as “The Bungs.” Their ground was behind the brewery where Fulham Court now stands, and the team was under the captaincy of one of the brothers Shrimpton. It has been published that Fulham F.C. used the brewery ground, but this is not correct. At no period of their career did they do so.

Although unknown to the public, the Fulham Club, after being at Craven Cottage for a short while, were offered the Stamford Bridge ground before the formation of the Chelsea Club.

Just prior to reaching a decision to take the ground a controversy arose with the party concerned and the matter was cried off by the Fulham representatives.

Part X

the Guards wore Fulham Colours

Among the clubs who had regular fixtures with Fulham were those belonging to the Grenadier, Coldstream and Scots Guards Regiments, and games with these teams were always full of hard knocks, and an ample supply of liniment was required after the encounters. Also it must be recorded that several players of the said Regiments came to the aid of Fulham Club from time to time. Names that come to mind of the soldiers who were regular wearers of Fulham’s colours are George Sharran, an ideal inside-forward; Drummer Cox, a perfect centre-forward; and David Lloyd, a calculating and cool member of the Back Division.

Davy was a typical “Tommy” and knew all the answers. It may be surprising to know that the above-mentioned were regular players for Fulham; this will be more readily understood when it is stated that the writer spent many a jovial Sunday morning with one or the other of the battalions usually at Chelsea or Wellington Barracks. These visits, spent in the Sergeants’ Mess, assured Fulham having a full team each Saturday.

Writing of those games with Guards Regiments brings to mind a diminutive player of Fulham named Patsy Harris. Patsy stood about five feet in height and performed surprisingly acrobatic stunts in leaping to head the ball from the tall Guardsmen. Patsy was full of guts and enthusiasm which well made up for his lack of inches.

In the season of 1894-5 Fulham suffered its one and only act of hooliganism from the supporters of an opposing club. This occurred at Brentford after the home team had been beaten one goal to nil in the second round of the London Cup. The winning goal was scored by Alec Frame, perhaps one of the trickiest centre-forwards ever to put on Fulham colours. The press report stated: “Unusual and extraordinary scenes followed the finish of the game. The spectators crowded the referee and pelted the players with offensive refuse.” The author, who played in the match remembers being escorted by the police down Brentford High Street to the dressing rooms which were at one of the “locals.”

Before passing on to those who were the mainstays of the Club throughout the amateur days, it would perhaps be interesting to many of the present-day supporters to mention that the most successful season of those days was the 1897-8 when the team went through and won the London League undefeated after a neck-and-neck struggle with Barnet F.C. The team was composed of the following: A.J. Maile, H.D. Shrimpton, A.E. Jennings, S.J. Aylott, J. Taylor, A. Knight, J.J. Davies, E.A. Freeman, W.G. Ives, J. Pask and W.A. Robertson.

During this season E.A. Freeman scored 69 goals; most were gifts from Billy Ives, centre-forward, who came from Dunstable and who was an adept at making openings.

Two members of this team were Nonconformist Ministers, two ex-members of the Imperial F.C., two ex-Stanley F.C., and one ex-Queens Park Ranger. E.A. Freeman was also associated with Freeman’s Falstaff Cigars, and W.A. Robertson was of Chelsea Table Jellies fame.

After this successful 1897-8 season the Club became members of the more powerful Southern League, again with pronounced success. Eventually they turned professional in 1900, starting with a part-time list of players.

Part XI

Band of Brothers

Before going any further, I must make a few remarks concerning those old players and members who were prominent in raising the the Club to its present level. Throughout the years it is notable that there were several “Bands of Brothers” prominent for service with the Club. First there was Jack Howland, first Fulham captain. Jack stood well over six feet, played centre-forward, and was known as “The Ton of Bricks.” A few years later his brother Claude, another six footer, was occupying the back position. Later, Claude became a regular member of the Southampton F.C., but when they lined up in the English Cup Final he was passed over for the famous C.B. Fry. Suffice to say Southampton lost the cup.

The brothers Brum and Wilf Hobson served the club during the early years when the pitch was at Putney Bridge. Brothers Keefe were also with Fulham during this period. Later came the brother King, Jack and Will. The former was known as the “War Horse,” and in the team with these were Ted and Tim Draper. Ted was noted for his burst of high speed down the wing , and Tim for his precise direction of the ball through goal. Will and Abon Sermon were another pair who did great things in their day. The younger brother, Abon, afterwards blossomed out as a well-known local variety artiste. Then there were the brothers Cass who, however, were content to take a minor part in the game. Two other members were the brothers Mugford. Of Billy, the elder, the author still has a vivid memory of him as outside-right and how he would tuck his head into his shoulders and flash down the field just like a greyhound slipping the leash. When he did this there was surely trouble for the opponents.

The brothers Chell (from the Imperial F.C.) came to the Club as class players and maintained their reputation during their playing careers. Jack and Sammy Aylott also came to Fulham from the Imperial F.C. Jack eventually became a well known London referee, and Sammy carried the name into the Fulham undefeated London League side. Johnny Pask and his brother came from Stanley F.C. Johnny was that tricky outside-right of the said London League team. Harry and Fred Spackman joined from Wandsworth F.C. Harry, originally a centre-forward, played back and Fred was on the wing. Micky and Don McKay cannot be left out. They were also originally Stanley F.C. men, but joined Fulham in the latter’s years. Jack Head and his younger brother also came from Wandsworth F.C. Jack played many a champion game in goal after superseding the famous Johnny May.

Then there were Ernie and Percy Payne, both old St. Mark’s boys, who played for the Old Sherbrookians F.C. before joining the Fulham ranks. Ernie the elder was the player already mentioned who became the “bone of contention” between Spurs and Fulham. Percy drifted from Fulham to the Hammersmith F.C. to become a tower of support to the club. Finally, there were Tom and Bob Pollard. Bob was perhaps the better known of the two. He played back, and was no mean concert performer, having a fine baritone voice.

MORE PERSONALITIES

I feel I must write a word of praise for one of the old original players at the time the Club was called St. Andrew’s, Fulham. He was Tubby Carter, the Club’s first outside-right. Tubby was one big bundle of tricks, and throughout my years of connection with the Club never since his days have I seen such a ball dribbler or one who could manipulate the “leather” as Tubby could. In the Tubby Carter period comes the name of Billy Balster who was an all-round athlete, and before taking to Soccer was well known in the Rugger world, being a Kent County player. Billy went to America and played cricket for Chicago against Lord Hawkes’ Gentlemen of England team. He was also a first-class concert artist.

Of prominent members who piloted the Club in its early years to its present standard of success, one of the men who worked really hard both on and off the committee was Mr. Arthur Wilson, who managed the Club in the Southern League. Known to his many friends as “Ockey,” Arthur Wilson, helped many of the players if and when they struck a bad patch. Invariably they were found situations with a well-known firm of builders and decorators of South Kensington.

Another great asset to the Club was Mr. Arthur Thomas who, after his footballing days were over, became a member of the committee and treasurer, working to push the Club forward. He was among those who were prime movers in the purchase of Craven Cottage. To perpetuate his memory the Arthur Thomas Memorial Cup was made, of which both Arthur Wilson and the author were trustees. Present whereabouts of this cup are unknown to either.

Many supporters of today will no doubt remember Tom Walker, the groundsman who joined the Club with his two brothers some few years after its formation, first as trainer and general factotum. For a great number of years he kept his connection. Tom was an ideal trainer and when in middle age was a sprinter of no small ability. Many valuable prizes adorn his home, the result of his success on the cinder path. It has been said that he was one of the few people who knew why Fulham turned professional, but there was no secrecy about this for the reason was wide open news for the public.

Part XII

There is one name which stands out in the history of the Club throughout all its ups and downs, and it is a great pleasure for the author to put on record the name of J. May, a very gallant gentleman, affectionately known among the members, friends and associates as “Our Johnny.”

One of the original St. Andrew’s Club, he started his playing days as a back and after having the misfortune to break a leg he became goalkeeper, and remained so for many years until after the tenancy of Craven Cottage had been taken over by the Club. What a wonderful goalie Johnny was! After busting his ribs, breaking an arm and collar bone, he would pop up again between the “sticks.” Eventually he retired with what some people called a “broken heart.” This was when he suffered the mortification of eight goals passing him when playing Stanley F.C.

The author recollects that playing against Newbury, Johnny was knocked unconscious when saving from a corner kick. It was thought that he had regained his senses as he played out the game. After the match the Fulham Club were entertained to a high tea and concert to which Johnny contributed his share. Actually he did not regain his senses until the team were in the train on the homeward journey, when he sat up enquiring where he was and how he came to be there. When the Club was taken over by the present company, Johnny, with H. Shrimpton, took over the Club’s canteen, and it was after two years of his connection with this that he passed to the Great Beyond.

As already stated, Fulham adopted professionalism in 1900 when, for financial reasons, a number of prominent sportsmen and public men were invited to take an active interest in the Club. A meeting was held at the “Kings Head,” High Street Fulham. The Chair on this occasion was taken by Mr. J. Hitchcock, and the honorary Club secretary was Mr. Henry Shrimpton. Sitting at this meeting with the members of the Fulham committee were the late Sir H. Norris, Messrs. Allan, John Dean, J. Wilson, J. Hymers, C. Barter, J. Apps, H. Perks and W. Mugford.

As a result of this meeting the Fulham Football and Athletic Co Ltd., came into being, with the consequent liquidation of the old Club’s affairs. Mr. Bertie Jackson, the old centre-halfback, was the first secretary of the newly-formed company, with Mr. Harry Bradshaw as manager.

The subsequent history of Fulham’s professional career – their struggles in the Southern League and their ultimate promotion to the Second Division of the English League, their whole-hearted play while operating in such a high sphere of soccer, and their splendid achievements in reaching the semi-finals of the F.A. Cup in 1908 – is only too well known by the keen followers of West London soccer.

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Stan Brown via his son Darren Brown FOF’ervew

Stan Brown, “the player’s player” as he is referred to such was his selflessness and ability to put the team before himself is the latest in the FOF’erview series. Sadly for health reasons Stan was unable to answer our questions himself but his son Darren has kindly offered to answer our questions as best he can. On behalf of everyone at Friends of Fulham we wish Stan & his family the best in the future.

Dannyboi Stan started as an apprentice at Fulham in the mid-late 1950s. Did he ever talk about this part of his career, cleaning first team players boots etc and how he was treated in general at this age?

Darren I think Dad joined the ground staff in 1957, he would have been 16. He always spoke fondly of these times. He was happy to clean the numerous pairs of boots, it was an indoor job which he preferred to sweeping the terraces! He took special pride in getting Johnny’s boots gleaming. His one criticism of Johnny’s statue was that his boots weren’t pristine! He said that the players used to take the mickey out of the apprentices but that it was all in good fun. He lived in digs in Weiss Road just over the Putney Bridge at this time.

Dannyboi Did he ever explain how he got the opportunity to become an apprentice and his journey progressing to the first team. Did he break through quickly?

Darren I’m not 100% sure on this. He was captain of Sussex schoolboys and I’ve heard that he was scouted while playing. Another version is that a Lewes man Mr West recommended him to the club and that resulted in a trial. I’ve also heard that Jim Langley was involved somehow? He got his chance in the team in 1961 when Johnny Haynes was injured. His debut didn’t go well though, Fulham lost 6v1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday! It was not until the 1962/63 season that he got his next chance but from then on he was pretty much a fixture in the team.

Dannyboi I’ve heard many stories that Johnny Haynes was a perfectionist, which caused a few heated rucks in training with team mates. Did your Dad ever talk about his relationship with the maestro and were there any times Stan was on the end of a moan?

Darren The stories are true but Dad never had any problems with Johnny. I think Johnny appreciated Dad’s wholehearted commitment to his team mates. He recognised that Dad always gave 100% He was less forgiving with some of the others!

Dannyboi Obviously making his debut must have been a proud moment, taking this game aside was there a particular game that he spoke of very fondly as his favourite?

Darren Yes, I definitely know the answer to this one. It was when he scored the only goal when Fulham beat Everton who were unbeaten at the time and went on to win the league that year. It was Dad’s first goal.

Dannyboi Who did he regard as the best manager he played for and or who was the hardest to please?

Darren I’m not sure who Dad would regard as the best manager. I know that he liked Beddy and Bill Dodgin. He said that he found Vic Buckingham a bit ‘odd’ at times. Bobby Robson wasn’t in charge long. Wasn’t too keen on Alec Stock as he transfer listed him! Dad spoke very highly of Dave Sexton who was brought in as a coach in the season we miraculously escaped relegation. He said Sexton played a big part in this.

Dannyboi Your Dad is known as the players player because he was the ultimate team player. He wasn’t a big time Charlie, just an honest pro who gave his very best in every game he played and that’s why he’s so popular with the fans. But did a part of your Dad regret not leaving Fulham earlier for a new challenge? Maybe somewhere he would get more recognition and possibly a few caps for England or was he happy how his career panned out?

Darren No, he never regretted not leaving Fulham. He loved Fulham and never wanted to leave. Yes, overall he was very happy with the career he had.

Dannyboi What team and or player did Stan hate playing against and why?

Darren I wouldn’t say that Dad hated playing against any particular team or player. He did tell a good story about Jimmy Greaves though. He had been given the job of man marking Greaves and told that he must follow him everywhere even if it meant going to the toilet with him. [I’ve toned the language down there!] Dad took on this role enthusiastically and Greaves didn’t get a kick for most of the game. Then for a split second he had to leave Greaves to stop another player from bearing down on goal. In that moment the ball was slipped to Greaves and of course he scored! Dad was gutted… He hadn’t given Greaves a kick but he still got the headlines the next morning!

Dannyboi Did Stan ever say how the team reacted to the sudden sale of Alan Mullery?

Darren Not specifically but I know Dad would have been very disappointed as he rated Mullery very highly. His best Fulham midfield three was Haynes/ Mullery/ Brown!

Dannyboi One of our members is interested to know what Stan made of Malcolm MacDonald in his short career with us. Did he ever talk about him as being a big talent?

Darren Again not specifically that I can recall but I know Dad recognised his talent. Said he was a tough nut too! I know that the striker that Dad rated most highly was Allan Clarke.

Dannyboi When the time came for Stan to leave Fulham on loan to Brighton and then sign for Colchester how hard was it to say goodbye to the club? And why did he leave?

Darren It was incredibly hard for Dad to say goodbye to Fulham. He didn’t want to leave. It wasn’t his choice, he was transfer listed. He didn’t enjoy his loan spell at Brighton, he just wanted to play for Fulham.

Dannyboi Who was the most skilful/player he played with and against?

Darren This one I do know, the most skilful player he played with was Rodney Marsh.Most skilful player he played against was either George Best or maybe Eusebio.

Dannyboi Who was the best team he faced?

Darren Difficult to say but the Everton side that Dad scored the winner against were brilliant at that time and then there was the Man Utd side with Best, Charlton and Law et all….

Dannyboi Other than the Maestro, who did he think was the best player he played with at Fulham?

Darren Johnny Haynes was the man for sure but other than him it would be George and Alan Mullery.

Dannyboi Which players was he closest to and why?

Darren I think Freddie Callaghan, Jimmy Conway and Steve Earle too. Dad lived in Burgess Hill and travelled back after games so didn’t do a lot of London socialising! He always described Fulham as a big happy family.

Dannyboi Stan played in every position possible during his career? He must have had a favourite though?

Darren His preference was midfield so that he was in the thick of the action. He was happy to play in any position though as long as he was in that team!

Dannyboi Did he keep in touch with any players and is there anyone he’s still in contact with?

Darren He would see Freddie when we came up to the Cottage for games and he also saw George, Les Barrett and Alan Mulley on similar visits. He had a long chat on the phone with Tony Macedo a while back as well.

Dannyboi What was his mood like when he was at home after Fulham had lost a game?

Darren Mum says that Dad tended to take everything in his stride so didn’t get too dejected after losing. Obviously, happier after a win though!

Dannyboi Did Stan always support Fulham or are your family all supporters because of his time here as a player?

Darren Dad supported Fulham because Johnny Haynes was his favourite player. Myself and my two boys support Fulham because of Dad.

Dannyboi Did you ever get to see your Dad play for Fulham?

Darren Not 100% sure on this, I’d like to think so but Mum can’t remember me going to a game. I was born in 1967 so I was only 5 years old when Dad finished playing for Fulham. I watched him every week when he dropped down to play in non league football.

Dannyboi What was his favourite goal that he scored?

Darren Definitely the Everton winner. It was his first and got him on the back pages of all the newspapers! There was also a headed goal in the FA Cup against West Brom that he enjoyed. (out jumped a giant centre back he said!) Plus he also enjoyed scoring goals against Chelsea and Gordon Banks.

Dannyboi Thank you for giving us your time Darren. Everyone at Friends of Fulham wishes your Dad the very best. It’s not often I will get this opportunity to ask questions about such a popular player from that era and I’m very grateful for all your help.