We last left the fortunes of Fulham FC after their narrow loss against Liverpool. Eight days later they come up against the world's richest club in Manchester City. Fulham, bouyed by their first away victory of the season a month earlier against Bolton, accounted easily for Man City winning 3-1. After a slow start to the season improved results had seen City become a rival for Fulham's top 7 position and a place in European competition next season.
Clint Dempsey
Captain Danny Murphy leds the way
Defensive stalwart Brede Hangeland stands tall
Simon Davies burst through the Boro defence, later
he complains his knee hurts and he is ruled out for
the rest of the season
he complains his knee hurts and he is ruled out for
the rest of the season
Picture perfect header
Dempsey slide tackle
Neveland goes for goal
and celebrates
Fulham's 2-2 draw against Chelsea in late December had been a highlight of the season so far. Geographically Fulham's nearest rivals, they are the more successful big brother that Fulham love to beat. Much had changed since just after Christmas, including a change in Chelsea manager with Brazilian Luis Felipe Scolari having being replaced by footballing mecenary (have job, will travel, no task too small) 'Aussie' Guus Hiddink. Hiddink had been tempted to manage Chelsea until the end of the season, but no further as his full time job is to get Russia to the World Cup next year. Questions were asked on his appointment as to whether he cold concentrate on two jobs, but he has form having guided Australia to the 2006 World Cup while still managing club side PSV Eindhoven. Hiddink's side prevailed in this encounter after an explosive start to the game, Chelsea 2-1 up after 10 minutes, finshed out the game 3-1. Results elsewhere ensured Fulham stayed in 9th position.
Simon says 'Lie Down on the ground'
Blocking
Frank Lampard
Brushes the Chelsea player aside
The 9th of May saw a visit to 'Fortress' Craven Cottage from Aston Villa, who prior to Christmas were flying high and threatening to break into the top 4. A poor run in the New Year ensured they had come back to the field but they still stood above Fulham in the table. A 3-1 victory ensured they left knowing that Fulham are a side capable of beating anyone on the day. The highlight of the game occurred during the second half when a call went out for the crowd to 'Stand up if you love Roy Hodgson'. Normally the cheer is something like 'Stand up if you love Fulham/hate Chelsea' and a variety of people stand, but this time the crowd to a person stood to acknowledged the man responsible for turning the club away from the shadow of relaation and on course for their best ever finish.
Kamara's Kontrol is inKredible
One of these players is a cheat, can you pick which one?
Kamara's sKill requires Konfidence (I Know it's the same joKe)
Simon Davies watches from the cottage
A 1-0 victory at St James' Park made a 7th position finish a real possibility. In fact, until the 86th minute when Tottenham were drawing 1-1 with Manchester City, 7th place was secured with a margin of 4 pts. A late Robbie Keane penalty brought the margin back to 2 pts and ensured results would go down to the final day.
The final day saw a visit to the cottage from Everton, the side most likely to break into the top 4 . . . . . . . . eventually. Despite a bright start, a goal just before half time saw the boys go to the break down 1-0. A second goal late ensured that a nervous wait for results from other grounds was needed before the club knew their final league position. A cheer went around the ground as news of Tottenham's 3-1 loss at Anfield came through and the side did a lap of honour as the fans celebrated and acknowledged the clubs best ever Premier League season and their highest ever finish.
The crowd arrives at the game eager for a victory
Try as they might, the boys couldn't find
a way past the Everton defence
One day Roy, when you are as rich as me, you too can
wear silly shirts
Roy gets confused with where Fulham finished in the table
The success of the season was built around a defensive formation that was the meanest outside of the top 3 clubs. Goals were a little harder to come by and with a chance in Europe next season another striker may be needed. The squad will overall need some buffing out as a good run in Europe could see an extra 19 games played and injuries may leave the side struggling in the domestic competitions and working to avoid relegation next season.
As it was, Manchester United won the title again, clear of an improved Liverpool side. Manchester Utd won their 3 trophy of the season by winning the Premier League, but were outplayed in the Champions League Final losing 2-0 to Barcelona. Everton's David Moyes won the Manager of the Season award, having taken Everton from 5th position last week to the dizzying highs of . . . . . . . . . 5th! Compare this to Roy who had taken Fulham from a fortunate 17th last season, one place from relegation, up to a best ever finish of 7th. You can draw your own conclusions, but unless you decide that Hodgson was ripped off by whoever decides these awards, then you are wrong!
