Fulham Football Club 2025/26 Premier League Season

 

Fulham FC, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and most historic football clubs in London. Located in the borough of Fulham, West London, the club has seen several peaks and troughs in its long history but has always been a respected name in English football.

Early History (1879-1940s)

• Formation: Fulham was founded in 1879 by a group of local churchmen. It originally started as a church team, playing under the name Fulham St. Andrew’s Church. They played their first competitive match in 1880.

• Early Successes: Fulham’s early success was mostly in regional competitions, with the club joining the Southern League in the early 20th century. They also won the London Challenge Cup several times in the 1900s.

• First World War Impact: Like many other clubs, Fulham was affected by the outbreak of World War I and spent a few years struggling with player shortages and financial difficulties. However, they managed to return to competitive football after the war.

Post-War Rise (1950s-1970s)

• First Division Football: Fulham’s most significant achievement during this period came in 1949, when the club reached the First Division, the highest tier of English football. Fulham stayed in the top flight for several years, although they weren’t as competitive as some of the other bigger clubs.

• The 1950s – Stars and Struggles: Fulham was home to several notable players during the 1950s, including the famous Johnny Haynes, who became a club legend and captained the English national team. Despite the quality of players like Haynes, the team struggled to remain in the top tier, and Fulham’s time in the First Division was short-lived, relegated in 1968.

The 1980s and 1990s: A Period of Turmoil

• Decline and Rebuilding: After their relegation, Fulham struggled to regain top-flight status throughout the 1970s and 1980s, spending much of their time in the lower divisions of English football. The club was in and out of the Second Division and experienced various financial problems.

• 1990s and Financial Woes: The club faced another challenging period during the 1990s. Despite having decent spells in the Second and Third Divisions, Fulham faced financial instability. The club even faced relegation to the Third Division in 1997, marking one of the lowest points in their history.

The Rise of Fulham (2000s-2010s)

• Mohamed Al-Fayed’s Takeover: A turning point in Fulham’s modern history came in 1997, when Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed took over the club. He invested heavily in the club, which led to their promotion back to the Premier League in 2001 under manager Jean Tigana.

• Premier League Stability: After their promotion, Fulham stabilized in the Premier League under Chris Coleman and Roy Hodgson. They became a regular in the top flight, securing top-half finishes and avoiding relegation.

• 2009 Europa League Final: One of Fulham’s greatest achievements came in the 2009-2010 season under Roy Hodgson, when they reached the UEFA Europa League final. They were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Atletico Madrid after extra time. This run was a remarkable achievement for a club of Fulham’s stature and earned them a place in European competition the following season.

Recent Years (2010s-Present)

• Promotions and Relegations: Despite their historic achievements, Fulham’s recent years have been marked by a cycle of relegation and promotion between the Premier League and the Championship. They were relegated in 2014, returned in 2018, only to be relegated again in 2019 after just one season.

• The 2020-2021 Season: Fulham’s most recent promotion came in 2020 when they secured a spot in the Premier League after winning the Championship play-offs. However, the club faced another relegation struggle during the 2020-2021 season, finishing 18th and returning to the Championship.

• 2022-23 Revival: Under manager Marco Silva, Fulham made a successful return to the Premier League for the 2022-2023 season, finishing in a strong mid-table position and showing more stability than in previous years.

Club Culture and Fanbase

• Craven Cottage: Fulham’s home ground, Craven Cottage, is one of the oldest football stadiums in the country. Situated along the River Thames, it has been their home since 1896 and is known for its intimate, old-fashioned atmosphere. Over the years, it has hosted numerous memorable matches and is often regarded as a unique and special place to watch football.

• Rivalries: Fulham’s main rival is Chelsea, with the two clubs located just a few miles apart in West London. The rivalry is not as fierce as some of the more high-profile London derbies, but it remains a key fixture for both teams. Fulham also has rivalries with QPR and Brentford.

Fulham’s Legacy

Fulham FC may not have the same level of success as some of the other giants in English football, but their history is rich with memorable moments, talented players, and important achievements. They continue to be a club that represents the heart of London and boasts a loyal and passionate fanbase. Despite their ups and downs, Fulham’s consistent efforts to build a competitive team and their rich traditions make them an important part of English football’s fabric.