Next up in our Get To Know feature series, we spoke to Brian Brown, secretary of Fulham Minnesota, to find out more about another one of our Official International Supporters Groups.
How did your affiliation with Fulham start?
Like many US-based Fulham fans, most of us were drawn to the club when some of our favorite USMNT players found a home on the Thames. Depending on the era, it was McBride, Bocanegra, EJ, Dempsey, Keller, Ream and most recently Jedi.
There’s always something rewarding about seeing American players make good against the World’s best competition. And maybe there’s a little “underdog” mentality among Minnesota sports fans. Our professional sports franchises are considered “small market” (small budget) and are often known for their futility. We are a loyal fanbase who so rarely taste victory at the highest level. Rooting for Fulham just feels natural to many of us!
How did you build the group/find other members?
Mostly through serendipity and low-key social media stalking.
A couple of members met when attending a local Minnesota United MLS game - seeing the Fulham badge on a fellow fan and making an introduction. Two gents had known each other since their university days and only found out years later that both were Fulham supporters and both had made a trip to the Cottage!
Once we had finally amassed a quorum, we gathered as a group in August 2018 to watch Fulham take on Crystal Palace in our first match back in the Premier League. That didn’t go so well, so we went back to our basements and relied on text messages and WhatsApp posts to share the ups and downs of being a Fulham fan. At least until late last year when relegation fears subsided and it felt safe to gather again without a direct impact on the success of the team. Yes, we’re that superstitious!
How do you keep up with all the action?
We have what some might politely describe as a “robust” ongoing dialogue in our WhatsApp thread. Match days can be intense, but nothing comes close to the deluge of posts on summer deadline day. Stepping into that conversation without warning can be overwhelming, but we try to keep it civil and all opinions are welcome.
Have you ever experienced Craven Cottage?
Most members of the Fulham Minnesota group have been to the Cottage (or have plans to). It is a pilgrimage worth the reverence - especially as a Fulham supporter. We’re a dedicated lot - as some have even made trips back to Wembley for playoff finals! And others traveled cross-country to Philadelphia and D.C. this summer to see our beloved Whites.
There’s been recent talk about coordinating a Fulham Minnesota trip back to SW6 to watch a match or two at Craven Cottage. Maybe there could even be a FulhAmerica Supporters match at the Cottage - I bet we could fill the Riverside Stand!
Who is your all-time favourite Fulham player and why?
I would say McBride and Dempsey are definitely on the “Mount Rushmore” of Fulham players for many of us. Mitro is definitely up there.
Our group also has a deep appreciation for Denis Odoi and Neeskens. Bernd Leno might be the best Premier League keeper to put on the Fulham kit. Tim Ream is a lock-solid, age-defying legend. And, perhaps surprisingly, Stef Jo’s name comes up quite a bit. Especially when the squad is in need of running out the last few minutes of a close contest.
What’s the best way for other Fulham fans to get in contact with you?
All are welcome here at Fulham Minnesota - no matter where you are in your FulhAmerica journey. We have members based here in Minnesota and others who are only tangentially connected to the state. As a newer member recently said, “It’s been so great to find fellow Fulham fans. I thought I was alone in the wilderness out here!”
Contact us at FulhamMN@gmail.com to get added to our WhatsApp thread. You can also check out our socials at Twitter/X: @FulhamMN or Instagram: @fulhammn
To find out more about Fulham Minnesota, you can view their page here.
To view a full list of Fulham's Official Supporter Clubs and find out how you can get involved, click here.
To get in touch with us and make your group officially recognised by the Club, please email supportergroups@fulhamfc.com.