Fulham is one of the oldest professional football clubs in London, with a history spanning over 140 years since its establishment in 1879. They have always called Craven Cottage their home ground. Although the team has never won a top-flight league title, generation after generation of players have left an indelible mark on the club through their hard work and loyalty.
This time, we will introduce the ten most influential players in Fulham’s history. The selection criteria include their length of service to the team, their performance at critical moments, and their professional achievements.
First: Johnny Haynes
He is Fulham’s most capped player, having played 658 games. He joined the team at the age of 15 and played for 18 years.At that time, he was the first player in England to earn a weekly salary of more than £100. He was particularly skilled at long passes and long-range shots, and many older fans still remember his brilliant performances on the field.
Second: Bobby Robson
This forward was active in the late 1950s and played a key role in the team’s promotion to the First Division (then the top league).His goals helped Fulham return to the top flight and made him one of the iconic figures of that era.
Third: George Coen
He is the epitome of an inspirational story. Starting out as a groundskeeper, he worked his way up to become a regular right-back and even played in the 1966 World Cup, winning the title with England. He played 459 games for Fulham, proving the importance of perseverance through his actions.
Fourth: Gordon Davies
He is Fulham’s all-time leading scorer with 178 goals. He played for the team twice, for a total of nearly 12 years. He was excellent at both scoring in the penalty area and long-range shooting.
Fifth: Alan Mullery
This midfielder helped the team win promotion in 1959 and was a key figure at the time.He also played alongside English legend Bobby Moore, and the two formed a great partnership, leading the team to the FA Cup final in 1975.
Sixth: Bobby Moore
Although he only spent three years at Fulham, he was the captain of the England national team and a key member of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.His experience and leadership helped Fulham achieve great results in European competitions.
Seventh: Aleksandar Mitrović
He is a representative figure of modern football. In the 2021/22 season, he scored 43 goals in the Championship, breaking the record. His efficient goal-scoring helped Fulham quickly return to the Premier League.
Eighth: Clint Dempsey
This American player made a huge contribution to Fulham in 232 games. Especially in the Europa League final that year, his performance brought the team a lot of attention on the international stage.
9th: Tom Canning
He is the current team captain and has made 346 appearances for Fulham. He led the team to three promotions to higher leagues and is an indispensable soul of contemporary Fulham.
10th: Chris Coleman
This Welshman is not only an outstanding player but also a successful coach after retiring. As a player, he played a crucial role in the team’s promotion; as a coach, he became one of the youngest managers in the Premier League.
In summary, these ten players come from different eras. Some rose through the youth ranks and dedicated their entire careers to Fulham; others joined during their prime and helped the team emerge from difficult periods. Together, they have shaped the spirit of this west London club—though they have never won top-tier honors, they have always remained committed to their love and respect for the game.
Every time the lights come on at Craven Cottage, these names echo through the stands. Their stories continue to be told and celebrated by fans to this day.
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