In my final programme notes of the 2020/21 season, I want to lead by expressing my personal appreciation for your dedication and loyalty throughout what can only be described as a campaign that was frustrating for Fulham Football Club and surreal for the Premier League.
Of course, what matters most to me is our supporters, and your Club. I don’t think any of us could have imagined everything that has occurred since our promotion in August of 2020, and I know it’s not what you wanted or deserve. We are all disappointed, especially given the form we displayed from early February through our win at Liverpool on 7th March that suggested Fulham would finish the season in safety, perhaps even comfortably so.
As we’re all too aware, wins have eluded us ever since that historic outcome at Anfield. Our failure to keep leads late in the matches at Aston Villa and Arsenal, and the last-gasp goal we conceded in defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in between those fixtures meant the seven points that appeared to be ours – at a minimum – turned to only one, the draw at the Emirates Stadium. There is no question that our sluggish start to the season plays a role in our position at the moment, but the six points dropped as the clock wound down in those three games last month truly sting.
And yet, those excruciating outcomes also serve as a reminder that the quality and ability throughout our squad is there. The desire and commitment of our Head Coach Scott Parker, his staff and the players are not in question. And, in football, anything can happen.
So, we can assess our current view in two different ways. One, we have only four matches remaining, and time has all but expired. Or, we have four more opportunities to help ensure a return to the Premier League next season.
Admittedly, we will need favourable results in other fixtures, but a victory tonight over Burnley creates possibilities that may appear to be far-reaching, but are nonetheless the very definition of possibility. So, the first and only step that is important at the moment is defeating our visitors to Craven Cottage this evening. If we do, anything is indeed possible.
A lot has happened in world football, and in the world, since my last notes. The passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, occurred on 9th April just hours ahead of our home match against Wolves. My interest in and respect for the Royal Family is deep, so I therefore felt a sense of profoundness and sadness when Fulham paid a lovely tribute to His Royal Highness in an empty, dark and quiet Craven Cottage moments before our Friday evening kick-off. Fulham Football Club did a wonderful job, on the spot, producing a poignant moment that was captured by news media and football viewers from around the globe. I send my sincere condolences to the Royal Family and appreciation to our superb FFC staff for a beautiful, if melancholy, occasion for our game, the United Kingdom and the world.
Several weeks earlier we learned of the passing of Alan Slough, who anchored our midfield and started all 12 matches that led us to the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in 1975. I enjoy hearing stories of the stars who played before my time with the Club, but regrettably that often occurs after they have passed on. Such is the case with Alan Slough, a Fulham captain who valiantly fought Parkinson’s disease and leaves us with fond memories and our eternal gratitude. Our plan was to honour Alan with a period of silence prior to the Wolves match, but due to the tribute in memory of Prince Philip on that evening, we will conduct that moment tonight. Wherever you may be, I hope you’ll join the Club in saluting Alan Slough while keeping his wife Anne, his sons and their entire family in your thoughts.
I shared a statement several weeks ago stating my opposition, and that of Fulham Football Club, to the proposed Super League. Nothing has changed, but I will take this opportunity to emphasise that the glory of this game is not only in the talent of the players, traditions of our clubs and passion of our supporters, but also in the domestic leagues that provide the foundation for competition – the very jewel of sports. The Premier League, Championship and Leagues One and Two all have distinct personalities, offer opportunity and reward those who are ambitious and successful in England and Wales.
There was some talk last year during the height of the pandemic of conveniently promoting and relegating the clubs who were in those respective table positions rather than restarting our seasons. That would have benefitted Fulham, as we held third place in the Championship at the time. However, that would not have been faithful to what drives our game – the spirit of competition. Though our eventual promotion via the Play-Offs wasn’t the ideal route, it was the path of integrity and fair play. Nothing given and everything earned – a principle at the heart of our game, and one the proposed Super League clearly did not understand or respect.
Football is not without its challenges, financial and otherwise, and perhaps the saving grace of this escapade is we’re reminded that we need viable solutions to protect and advance the game for generations ahead. In the meantime, I applaud the Premier League for announcing steps last week intended to preserve the long-standing standards of the professional game: an open pyramid, progression through merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity. These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in the future, and I trust they will be adhered to by all.
I also commend the Premier League and everyone at Fulham for making a statement against online hate and discrimination by pausing their social media activity from 30th April through 3rd May. Social media can be a great place to communicate and engage, to give insights, offer opinions and share news relevant to their favourite players, clubs and leagues. Unfortunately, it can also be a place where individuals can, in relative anonymity, post toxic and often racist abuse that has no place in society. During my tenure as your Chairman, I too have encountered both the positive and occasionally very negative side of social media, and it’s time to call for change. Let’s make 2021 the year that we turn the corner and stamp out this inexcusable conduct.
Before I close, let’s not overlook the outstanding season turned in by our Under-18s, who will conclude their Premier League campaign on Saturday at Chelsea. The work by the squad under the guidance of Steve Wigley, Ali Melloul and Vic Bettinelli has been exceptional and is another example of the stellar leadership of Huw Jennings, our Academy Director.
And finally, our staff has been nominated for top honours in two categories of the prestigious Football Business Awards – Best Fan Engagement for our FULFORCE From Home campaign conceived by Matt Lowery after the restart of the 2019/20 season, and Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme in recognition of our impressive response, led by Mike McSweeney and our Foundation, to the COVID-19 pandemic. The winners will be announced on July 6th, but the nominations alone reflect once again the professionalism and pride of all who work behind the scenes at Fulham Football Club. Congratulations to Matt, Mike and everyone at the Club responsible for these brilliant initiatives!
Wherever you may be viewing the match this evening, know that your support is appreciated and more important than ever. I thank everyone and we hope to see a limited number of you at the Cottage for our final game of the season, against Newcastle United, as currently intended. Wouldn’t it be spectacular if that fixture on 23rd May turns out to be one of the more meaningful matches in Fulham Football Club history?
So, let’s get three points tonight. We’re still in this.
Come on, Fulham!
