In 1997, Harrods’ owner, Mohammad al Fayad stepped in to save the club from insolvency on the balance sheets and the depths of the second division football on the pitch. That moment marked the beginning of a total transformation of the club’s fortunes.
Thanks to some early record transfer signings, the appointment of Kevin Keegan as the team’s manager and subsequently the French coach Tigana, the team progressed to the top of first division in four years and made their Premiership debut. During that time, Al Fayed, committed to his five year plan, was making new key appointments in the club’s commercial and marketing teams as well as modernising facilities at Craven Cottage. In turn, Fulham’s fan base was swelling.
Having flirted with relegation under Coleman and Sanchez, the club appointed Roy Hodgson in 2007. He helped the club to survive on the final day of the season in 2008 and Fulham enjoyed their best Premiership finish of 7th in 2009, and with that qualified for European football through the Europa League for only the second time in its long history.
Fulham has played at the famous riverside ground, Craven Cottage since 1896. Their training ground is in Motspur Park.
People to Watch: Andy Johnson Bobby Zamora Danny Murphy Paul Konchesky Clint Dempsey
Academy:
The Academy was established four years ago to underpin Fulham’s commitment to developing home-grown talent with the aim of minimising expensive imports and becoming financially self-sufficient. The Academy has a dedicated team of staff working in first class facilities. Carefully tailored programmes that take into account physical suitability for young people are top of the agenda.
Fulham’s approach is holistic, ensuring that players keep a balanced focus, maintain good health and avoid injury.
Female Soccer: Whilst watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999, Muhammad al Fayad realised the potential growth area of Women’s Football. As the fastest growing female sport, he has been proved right.
Fulham FC set up a flagship programme in the UK which culminated in the creation of Fulham Ladies FC., who in 2003, were FA Cup and Premier League winners. The team has included many England Internationals such as Katie Chapman and Rachel Yankey.
Fulham Ladies is commited at grass-roots level to female football. The club operates a Centre of Excellence for girls aged 10-16 and has recently opened a college-based Academy to encourage women to continue training during their higher education studies.
Transport Access : Motspur Park is located in South West London and is served by the British Rail overground line of the same name.
Motspur Park and inspiresport hotels are all within easy access of Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Standsted and Luton airports are 1-1/2 hour's drive away.
Out and About: There is no other place quite like London. The great city has enjoyed a rich patchwork of history that is still evident and relevant in London today. The city abounds with majestic architecture, elegant arcades, royal palaces and parks, almost ancient pubs and narrow, cobbled alleyways. It is also a major force in the Arts, it is home to some of the world's greatest museums, fashion designers throw down the gauntlet here and the theatre scene is one of the world's most thriving. You cannot fail to be caught up in the buzz of London.
There is another side to the city that visitors sometimes overlook. London grew from a series of 'villages', each with it's own historic context and atmosphere. Take time to walk through these quarters and discover wild heathland, formal garden squares, canals and bustling markets.
The city is also a capital of sport. The city boasts several leading English Premiership soccer team. Wembley, the home of English football is currently being remodernised, with work due to be completed next year. The historic Twickenham rugby stadium is also world-renowned. Wimbledon, as the only grass court tournament in the Grand Slam, is arguably the historic home of tennispremier tennis. London will play host to the 2012 Olympic Games. Seven years to go and the city is already buzzing with excitement. Major legacy projects are underway which will have a lasting impact on the quality of facilities and enthusiasm and participation in sport for the UK's young people.
There is no other place quite like London. The great city has enjoyed a rich patchwork of history that is still evident and relevant in London today. The city abounds with majestic architecture, elegant arcades, royal palaces and parks, almost ancient pubs and narrow, cobbled alleyways. It is also a major force in the Arts, it is home to some of the world's greatest museums, fashion designers throw down the gauntlet here and the theatre scene is one of the world's most thriving. You cannot fail to be caught up in the buzz of London.
There is another side to the city that visitors sometimes overlook. London grew from a series of 'villages', each with it's own historic context and atmosphere. Take time to walk through these quarters and discover wild heathland, formal garden squares, canals and bustling markets.
The city is also a capital of sport. The city boasts several leading English Premiership soccer team. Wembley, the home of English football is currently being remodernised, with work due to be completed next year. The historic Twickenham rugby stadium is also world-renowned. Wimbledon, as the only grass court tournament in the Grand Slam, is arguably the historic home of tennispremier tennis. London will play host to the 2012 Olympic Games. Seven years to go and the city is already buzzing with excitement. Major legacy projects are underway which will have a lasting impact on the quality of facilities and enthusiasm and participation in sport for the UK's young people.
We Recommend: The Rough Guide, London Walking London, Andrew Duncan
