Leading scorer for Fulham this season, Clint Dempsey has become a firm favourite with the Craven Cottage faithful since his move from New England Revolution in January 2007. Despite failing to establish himself in his first few months in England, it was Clint’s strike that guaranteed the Whites safety last season, and the attacker hopes that his goals will do the same again this year.
When he joins us, post-training, in the FulTime office at Motspur Park, we warn him that what lies ahead may not be a typical interview, but, unfazed, he simply says, “Let’s go!” So without further ado, if you want to know what he makes of life in England, gouda cheese and Wife Swap, then read on…
To read the full article with Clnt pick up a copy of FulTime, issue 25, from a programme seller around Craven Cottage this Sunday, ahead of Fulham's game against Everton.
You recently completed a year as a Fulham player. How do you feel you have fared so far? Mark Hillier, New Malden
Pretty good. I would’ve liked to have done better, but if you look at it, my first game was against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Just over a year later I have seven goals and two assists, which is pretty good and about what I averaged in the MLS. I still have half of this season to go and I have six in all competitions so far, and I am aiming to add to that.
What would you say is the major difference between the MLS and the Premier League? Fernando Alarcon
The atmosphere is very different. There are more people in the stadiums and the fans are more passionate about the game. I think the biggest thing though would have to be the speed of play; it’s so much quicker over here.
Has having other Americans on your team helped with the transition? J. Brian Ewing
Any time you already have friends when you move to a new place it’s always important. You have someone to talk to. You might have questions that you think are dumb, but as they’re your friends they won’t think anything of it, whereas you might not ask these dumb but important questions to the other guys for fear of them thinking, “What are you going on about?!” It’s been awesome having Brian and Carlos here. Carlos showed me around, the places to eat and go out, and was nice enough to drive me back and forth before I got my vehicle. McBride has been more like a mentor to me, always keeping me positive and making sure that I was going in the right direction, even if I felt down. He is always helping me to better myself and he has been a really positive influence on me since moving here, helping me to adapt to the new environment, both on and off the pitch.
When the match was over, how did you celebrate that all-important goal against Liverpool last season? Matt Goodchild, Milton Keynes
I didn’t go that crazy. Simon Elliott had a Cinco de Mayo party [Ed - a Mexican national holiday on May 5th celebrated in the USA also]. There was me and my fiancée at the time, Simon and his girl, Carlos, Brian McBride and his wife, and a few others. We had a few Coronas, some burritos, salsa and guacamole and just relaxed.
What English things do you like that you don't have in the USA? Oli O’Rawe, Tunbridge Wells
Nutella, that’s awesome, gouda cheese; I didn’t really know about that as I always used to just get cheddar or American cheese. They probably have gouda in the States, but I hadn’t found it until I got over here. I went for gouda because the cheddar you guys have over here is a little bit more matured than what I am used to back home. Nando’s is awesome, Gourmet Burger Kitchen is awesome… Those are things that I have found since I’ve been here that I really like!
What do you think of Fulham fans at Craven Cottage? Peter Bradshaw
They’re a great set of fans. It must be a tough life for them this season as the team haven’t been doing so good. We haven’t had the best results, yet they’re still there every matchday giving their best for the team and you have to respect that. The players appreciate their patience and I am just working as hard as I can as part of the team to better the situation that we find ourselves in, get out of the relegation battle and then do a better job next season.
Have you ever tried explaining the concept of fish and chips to your American friends, or do they just think it’s catfish with a packet of crisps?!Ed Barney
No I haven’t. We might go to a restaurant over here and even I still get confused! I struggle to get my head around the fact that you guys call fries, chips. As much as I try, I don’t think I will ever get my head around that one!
On the day of a match, from the time you wake up, to the time you walk out onto the pitch, what is your routine? Do you have any personal rituals or customs? Hannah Montgomery, Oxford, age 17
Yeah, I think you find patterns. When you do well in a game you then stick with it until that changes. I wouldn’t say it’s a ritual where every minute detail has to be the same, but there will be certain things you remember you did the last time and you will try and do again. Then when you go through a lull when things aren’t so good you will mix it up.
Your role at Fulham seems to have changed dramatically from flashy winger, able to show a few tricks and jinks, to typical hard-nosed target man. Where on the pitch, given the choice, would you like to play? David Dray
I guess my ideal position is an attacking midfield role. I prefer to be facing the defenders than having my back to them. But at the same time I know that being up front allows me the opportunity to score goals and that is really my favourite part about the game. I mean it’s fun running at players and being tricky, but to me there is nothing better than scoring goals, and up front is obviously the best position to do that. So if I’m not able to play an attacking mid’ role, it’s still awesome to be able to play up top.
When playing as a striker what qualities do you like a partner striker to have to complement yours? Hayden Wright, Stevenage
I don’t know, I mean I think it’s always good to have someone that is good at getting in behind defenders, because I like putting people through on goal. It’s good to have someone that can hold the ball up well and give it back to you, someone that is good with the aerial battle. You have to do the business too though, help out the forward you play with and use your own attributes also.
If you weren't a footballer what job would you have? Richard Layther
I would probably be a professional fisherman I guess. I mean how awesome would that be? To get paid to fish and go to bass tournaments and stuff like that? I like the action of bass fishing, there’s always something going on.
Do the Americans at Fulham spend their Saturdays watching college football and Sundays watching the NFL? Ed Barney
I don’t really actually; I guess I watch the play-offs a bit, but I didn’t watch it that much, even back in the States. I used to love the Houston Oilers when I was younger, then one year they got beaten really bad. They were winning by such a margin and then the other team came back into it [Ed - The Oilers led the Buffalo Bills 35-3 before eventually losing 38-41 in overtime, a game now simply known as ‘The Comeback’). It was one of the greatest comebacks of all time and it kind of broke my heart so now I am just off football because of that. I liked Deon Sanders and Joe Montana when they played and watch the play-offs, but I don’t really follow a team like I used to.
Who has been your most difficult opponent this season? Individually, and as a team? Sophie Mair
As a team I would have to say Man United. It was a game where we were never really in it because they scored early. Once they get that early goal it becomes a very tough match, chasing games against teams like that is never easy and once they got the second it was as good as over. In terms of individual battles I would say Darren Moore at Derby, Sol Campbell for Portsmouth and both the Villa centre-backs, because they’re all so physical and excellent in the air.
Are there any of your team-mates from the US National team that you are surprised are not yet playing in the English Premier League? Who we should look out for?
James McAlpine
Two I think you should look out for are Eddie Johnson and Justin Mapp. They are two guys that could do well in the future.
Is it a big boost when you hear the crowd chant your name? And what do you think about the song we sing about you? Sophie Mair
It is, but sometimes it’s hard to understand what they’re saying because I’m not used to it. As well, there are so many people shouting it can be difficult to guess whether they’re saying your name or not. The loudest I’ve ever heard was away to Birmingham earlier this season and that was a pretty awesome feeling.
What were your goals, personally and for the team, prior to the start of the season? Tom
Initially it was to finish in the top 10, get 10 goals and five assists. Those things have changed slightly with the position we find ourselves in, though I would still like to try and hit my individual targets. Right now we want to get out of the relegation battle, stay up and make things right for next season. The most important thing is that we stay up and if my personal targets are part of the reason for that then great, but staying up is all I want.
