Matchday photographer, and Fulham fan, Javier Garcia talks us through his favourite shots from the Play-Off Final.
My choice of images from my second Play-Off Final in three years are a combination of the obvious as well as the intangible, which makes following Fulham that little bit special.
Because of the restrictions placed on the majority of us lucky enough to be at Wembley on Tuesday night, the usual behind the scenes access that I love shooting for fans was a no-no. Photographers present were only able to populate areas away from the tunnel and dressing room, but it gave me the opportunity, given the 90,000 empty seats, to take up a position not normally accessible to me, slap bang over the halfway line opposite the dugouts. That turned into a pretty decent decision!
The elevated spot gave me a nice angle on Joe, TC, Tim and ‘Virgil van Mike’ defending a cross. Something has happened to Fulham since lockdown. For the first time since 1976 (my first match) we've looked solid defensively!! A lot of that has to do with Michael Hector. For so long he had to sit on his hands for his opportunity to play but I hope he feels that the wait was worth it.
Speaking of improvement, hands up who thought Neeskens would become Lionel Messi?! This shot of three Brentford defenders and three Brentford chasers sums up his ability to break and wreak havoc.
Strange choice perhaps, but I had noticed throughout the game how much David Raya spent outside his penalty area. He is clearly confident in his own ability to play as a makeshift sweeper and it paid off a couple of times when we would break and he would be quick to head clear. Sometimes, though, it pays off to just stay on your goalline, right? Ask Joe Bryan...
Joe Bryan, you say? In the heat of the moment, screaming at the top of my voice whilst trying to concentrate on exposure, composition and shutter speed, I was unaware of the fact that Scott had spoken to Joe about THAT free kick. I'm sure that's what would have contributed to the normally cool, calm and collected Gaffer giving me one of the best and most significant photographs I have ever taken. I would say this, but in an era of television dominating our sport and our lives, the power of the still image can be so much more impactful, right readers?
As the vein-popping celebrations continued I noticed the substitutes running down from the socially distanced seats up in the stand. I absolutely loved this shot of KMac slipping down the stairs as the pandemonium ensued after Joe's opener. I'll come back to Kev in a minute...
Along with Josh Onomah, Harrison Reed has been a revelation this season. The energy and desire is well documented, usually in routinely won Man of the Match performances and bionic level heat-maps! His celebration of the second goal tells me that he's a Fulham-type player, even if he is only on loan.
I LOVE this ‘Goalkeepers Union’ shot for lots of reasons. I have already posted this on my social media accounts citing Betts' attitude, but it's worth repeating. The fact that he hasn't played a league game for us since November is irrelevant to him. This is about the whole squad contributing and if you've been anywhere within three miles of Craven Cottage you would know how vociferous he is both to his teammates and the poor officials!
After the trophy lift and champagne is sprayed, what do Fulham fans and players do? We take a 1996 song by Gala (no, me neither!) and adapt it. Two years ago, the 40,000 strong White Wall was singing ‘Mitro's on Fire’ in unison, and it was only fitting that the players did the same to our talisman. Still can't quite believe he chose to stay with us after our relegation but some things are more important than money.
Looking on and trying to take everything in whilst trying to remain professional is tricky in situations like Tuesday. Even amongst the delirium, though, there were a couple of poignant moments that caught my eye. The kind of things you don't really get to understand unless Fulham is close to your heart. Very simply put, it was SO good to see Chief Operating Officer Darren Preston and Kitman Mark Harrison smile... Their lives have been turned upside down since we last won at Wembley.
Another Play-Off Final tradition? Abou being Abou! What a turnaround from him, by the way? Everyone deserves a second chance and he has taken it with both hands - I have a feeling he will be our not so secret weapon next season. He has added some considerable composure to his blistering speed.
From my position in the stand, just in front of Gentleman Jim and with no fan noise, I screamed at Betts and he heard me when I asked him for some eye contact. I was so glad he scooped up a few of the boys and that four of the five in this shot were instrumental in our win over Villa last time around. Kevin has proven his worth on and off the pitch this season and Alfie Mawson won't mind me saying he isn't a natural smiler, he's all about ‘the game face.’ Alfie has endured some ups and downs with us this season, so I was glad to see his pearly whites too. But I feel the need to end this with a special mention for Kev. When we signed him from Wolves I remember their fans being gutted that he left, not just for his play but for the way he carried himself. I can see why. I'm drawn to stories of triumph over adversity and although he hasn't featured much this season it is clear that, like Betts, he contributes so much more. We are very lucky to have someone like him at the Club and I have a feeling he will make a great coach one day.
