Fulham F.C

Fulham Football Club is a professional football club based In Fulham, London. The club was founded in 1879, making it one of the oldest football clubs in London. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English Football. 

History

Originally formed by worshippers at the Church of England on Star Road, West Kensington, Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School F.C. was founded in 1888; this was however shortened to Fulham F.C. Fulham initially competed in various amateur leagues until going professional in 1898 and joining the Southern League in 1899.

Fulham joined the Football League in 1907 and has enjoyed an erratic record bouncing between divisions. But, over the last couple of decades, the club has been pretty firmly established in the top two tiers of English football. Fulham enjoyed its most successful period at the beginning of the 2000s, gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2001 with manager Jean Tigana notwithstanding; however, since 2013 no such success has resumed except for a relegated brief spell in 2018-19. 

Achievements and Notable Moments 

Fulham may not have won a major domestic trophy, but they surely have some remarkable achievements worth noting. The club holds its most notable achievement for 2010 when Fulham remarkably reached the final of the UEFA Europe League, losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid after overtime. So, this European run is quite the highlight for Fulhambias modern history. 

The club has also experienced promotion to the Premier League on several occasions, most notably in 2001, 2018, and 2020. Fulham's highest League finish came in the 2008-09 Premier League season when they finished 7th under manager Roy Hodgson, earning a competitive play-off place in the UEFA Europa League. 

Stadium 

Craven Cottage is Fulham's historic home ground situated on the banks of the famous River Thames. The stadium, with a long history back to 1896, is Fulham's home, which has undergone several renovations. Craven Cottage, known for its legendary riverside setting and the Johnny Haynes Stabd named after one of Fulham's notable players, has experienced this as well. 

 Rivalries 

Fulham has created strong rivalries with surrounding rivals Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers. The rivalry with Chelsea, known as the "West London Derby," is especially intense because both teams are so close to each other. Fulham's lack of consistency in the top level for longer periods of time than Chelsea's makes the rivalry with Queens Park Rangers and Brantford all the more meaningful, even if it is almost zombie-like in recent times. 

Ownership 

Fulham has been under ownership of Pakistani-American businessman Shahid Khan since 2013. Khan has also purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, succeeding Mohamed Al Fayed, who had owned the club since 1997. Under Khan's ownership, Fulham has consistently maintained its pursuit of Premier League stability while working on developing younger talent. 

Notable Players 

Over the years, Fulham has been home to several well-known players. Some of the club's most famous players include:

• Johnny Haynes: Considered the greatest player in Fulham's Haynes played for the club from 1952 to 1970.
• Bobby Moore: The legendary England World Cup-winning captain played for Fulham towards the end of his career from 1974 to 1977.
• George Best: Another football legend, Best had a brief spell at Fulham during the 1976-77 season. 
• Clint Dempsey: One of Fulham's most iconic modern-day players, the American forward played a key role in the club's success in the Premier League and Europe. 
• Louis Saha: A prolific striker who played for Fulham from 2000 to 2004, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League. 

Recent Seasons 

After a period of relegation and promotion between the Premier League and Championship, Fulham earned promotion to the Premier League for the 2022-23 season under manager Marco Silva. The club has aimed for mid-table stability and continues to strengthen its squad with both established and young players. 

Conclusion 

Fulham Football Club is one of London's oldest and most historic clubs. Although it has faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout its history, the club continues to maintain a strong presence in English football, with a loyal fanbase and a commitment to campaign in the Premier League. Fulham's traditional, family-oriented atmosphere, combined with its storied ground of Craven Cottage, makes it a beloved institution in the football world.