Questions from a New Fan

[TheDuffer]

hey,

i have recently become a supporter of the EPL and Fulham (like most americans due to Bocanegra and McBride). I was wondering if any of you could give me a little bit of an overview of the best current players and anything else you could think of.

Thanks,

Joe

[Fires Of Fulham]

i have recently become a supporter of the EPL and Fulham (like most americans due to Bocanegra and McBride). I was wondering if any of you could give me a little bit of an overview of the best current players and anything else you could think of.

You've become a supporter of a team in flux. Our best player was Edwin Van der Sar but now he's with the Devil (er Red Devils). Now our best player is Luis Boa Morte and attacking midfielder - who's really desperate to go to Newcastle United (because he thinks he has a better chance of playing European soccer there).

Beyond that there aren't any real standouts. Though keep an eye on Collins John, a young Dutch international striker, Papa Bouba Diop, who is a scary defensive midfielder, and Zat Knight, who I've personally never been impressed with but England's national coach is. :D

Here's a good fact. Craven Cottage is the greatest stadium in the Premiership. It's the second best stadium in the world to Wrigley Field. It's pretty similar as it's a holdover from the old days (though now it's got all seats as required by law). They don't have a jumbotron or anything just a small electronic scoreboard. The stadium sits right on the Thames River and is actually only two train stops from Chelsea's ground.

The sponsor this year is Pipex, an internet services provider (though not an ISP as far as I know). This follows last year's Dabs.com, an online technology store. They used to have Pizza Hut as a sponsor but most people don't like to mention that. ;)

The owner of Fulham is the owner of Herrod's Department Store (whose name I can never spell).

The manager is Chris Coleman, a former player for the team (until 2002), who is at 34 (I think) the youngest manager in the Premiership. His nickname is Cookie. Last year, there was almost a fan revolt when he decided to play the 4-5-1 with Andy Cole as a lone striker. So, he eventually switch to a 4-4-2. Though he claims it has nothing to do with fan reaction.

Fulham is most noted for setting a first division record for points in winning their way back to the Premiership in 2001 (the same year as Bolton and Blackburn). The "Class of 2001" was the first year in a long time that had all three teams stay up the following year and they're all still up.

Be warned, however, that as a Fulham fan, you should be prepared for a bumpy ride. They'll jerk you around lingering between 10th and 16th for most of the season. Dangerously close to relegation at times and happily close to Europe at others. You never know what you're going to get with them from match to match. And that's part of their fun.

[ChicagoTom]

That is a good synopsis Fires of Fulham! Well done. There is a new supporters club for Fulham Supporters called, FulhamUSA.com. There is a lot more information on that site and there are loads of other Fulham supporters there. Check it out: http://www.fulhamusa.com