Fulham's future with American Fans

[rednow.red4ever]

So people, I think a thought that has probably crossed a few minds a time or two is the future of American interest in the club. Let's say McBride comes back to MLS, and Bocanegra/Dempsey leave and/or get loaned out, do you think the seemingly large American interest most likely originally due to these players has solidified itself strongly enough that they'll still be a comparatively popular club in the States? Because personally, I was originally attracted to Fulham because of McBride and Bocanegra with their Chicago/Fire connections, but after visiting the Cottage and watching more, I def feel like I'm here to stay....but how bout the majority out there?

As a personal aside: I'm moving to London next year [most likely] and even without the Americans I couldn't ever see myself ever rooting for another London based side over em, so I really just want to get a feel for what you all think.

PPS: Obviously this can also drastically be altered with a drop to, heaven forbid, Championship...and while the thread is intended to gain the above thoughts...the topic undoubtedly will be of the issue as well....so let em rip...

[OKTerrific]

I've been a fan since before McBride and Boca, and I will be a fan long after. Having all of these Yanks on the squad is actually pretty far down on the list of why I'm a fan of FFC. I'm actually annoyed with people who became fans recently, because of all their Americans, as are the supporters in London.

[rednow.red4ever]

I've been a fan since before McBride and Boca, and I will be a fan long after. Having all of these Yanks on the squad is actually pretty far down on the list of why I'm a fan of FFC. I'm actually annoyed with people who became fans recently, because of all their Americans, as are the supporters in London.


Yeah, I could def see what you mean. I only recently have gotten into the EPL and club soccer in general, most of my teen years I only watched International match-ups (still only in college now)....so McBride was there already in my case...but like I said, after visiting...I realized this is my club...Americans or not, EPL or not....Fulham is my side....

[Powdered Water]

Good to hear lads. Being a local supporter I don't have a particular reason, so it's hard to imagine another mindset, but I get the drift.

I think many new supporters come to craven cottage and end up catching the bug. I've known a few fans like that in the past. The way I see it, the majority will probably lose interest, but some would have caught the bug by now.

I am biased and I admit that, but if you ask me FFC is an interesting club by any standard, we're small-ish and we're seasoned survivers, it's a completely different flavour from "stereotypical big clubs" or bog standard popular clubs in midtable. We're also a hardship, often chest deep in the mud. I tend to think that we have a problem getting new supporters because of this (being next to Chelsea and Arsenal doesn't help either). But, there is an enigma in Fulham FC because of that. It's a quirk we have and we're fairly unique in that way (though there are lots like that below prem). In that way, only true fans can like FFC. The others will be more temperamental and support bigger clubs which there are too many. All that awkwardness acts as an internal filter to filter out pseudo-supporters, leaving only the true ones.

I was hoping that enigmatic status has captured some american fans imagination. It's a cool club to support, spread the word!

[rednow.red4ever]

Good to hear lads. Being a local supporter I don't have a particular reason, so it's hard to imagine another mindset, but I get the drift.

I think many new supporters come to craven cottage and end up catching the bug. I've known a few fans like that in the past. The way I see it, the majority will probably lose interest, but some would have caught the bug by now.

I am biased and I admit that, but if you ask me FFC is an interesting club by any standard, we're small-ish and we're seasoned survivers, it's a completely different flavour from "stereotypical big clubs" or bog standard popular clubs in midtable. We're also a hardship, often chest deep in the mud. I tend to think that we have a problem getting new supporters because of this (being next to Chelsea and Arsenal doesn't help either). But, there is an enigma in Fulham FC because of that. It's a quirk we have and we're fairly unique in that way (though there are lots like that below prem). In that way, only true fans can like FFC. The others will be more temperamental and support bigger clubs which there are too many. All that awkwardness acts as an internal filter to filter out pseudo-supporters, leaving only the true ones.

I was hoping that enigmatic status has captured some american fans imagination. It's a cool club to support, spread the word!

Thanks for the words powdered water...I think you're absolutely right about there being something quirky about Fulham that really distinguishes the club. You also made good point about the bigger clubs drawing the support, but it just not always meaning as much, at least in appearance. The local supporters of the bigger clubs usually just assume other fans of their sides from around the world are glory hunters, but with the "smaller" clubs, if you show you have genuine appreciation for the team, you can be seen as a true fan by the local supporters and people in general.

[Brian71]

I'm actually annoyed with people who became fans recently, because of all their Americans, as are the supporters in London.

Why? I really don't understand that attitude.

It's got to be less annoying than the bandwaggoning fans who support Chelsea/ManU/Arsenal/Liverpool (Disclosure: I'm a bandwaggoning Arsenal supporter, thinking about jumping ship for Fulham).

Let's be honest here, if you're from the States, and you're going to get into a Premiership club, Fulham is a pretty good place to go - because they're not a big club, they have a good history, and yes, because of the American presence on their squad.

What annoys me is the people who say "yeah, but I was a fan before..." It's like saying, "I was a fan of such-and-such band before they got big." That's great and all, and I'm sure you have a larger emotional connection to the club because of it, but God-forbid that your club gets new supporters, especially if you're not one of the top 4 in the Prem.

[OKTerrific]

What it does is cheapen it a bit for the people that have been fans since long before the American invasion of the club. I've been a fan since I saw them play in person for the first time in 1998. There is no way, the to casual observer, to discern me from a new bandwagon fan.

It may be a bit selfish, but that's how I feel.

[Brian71]

What it does is cheapen it a bit for the people that have been fans since long before the American invasion of the club. I've been a fan since I saw them play in person for the first time in 1998. There is no way, the to casual observer, to discern me from a new bandwagon fan.

It may be a bit selfish, but that's how I feel.

yeah...I understand what you are saying. fair enough.

[R1234]

What it does is cheapen it a bit for the people that have been fans since long before the American invasion of the club. I've been a fan since I saw them play in person for the first time in 1998. There is no way, the to casual observer, to discern me from a new bandwagon fan.

It may be a bit selfish, but that's how I feel.

Yeah, but I can't imagine there are too many bandwagon fans, if you are an American who actually knows who Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra are then you probably are in it for the long haul.

[CRASH 4 ARSENAL]

I suspect that Americans who actually care about Fulham will continue to support the club after McBride and Boca are gone.

The nationality of the players on the team is a fleeting reason to support a club in the first place.

If you've found a good club, and for me Fulham is just that, why would you ever stop supporting it?

[rednow.red4ever]

I suspect that Americans who actually care about Fulham will continue to support the club after McBride and Boca are gone.

The nationality of the players on the team is a fleeting reason to support a club in the first place.

If you've found a good club, and for me Fulham is just that, why would you ever stop supporting it?

Cheers to that, but I'm glad the Yanks spurred my interest, cuz now I have a club to support when I move there, likely next year.

[CottageCrew]

I'll admit my interest in Fulham was sparked because of McBride. But that brought me into a great club to follow. I love the history. I love the Cottage. I've found my side, whether there are Yanks on the team or not.

Just my thoughts on it.

[FCfrodizzle]

I'm Fulham 'til I die
I'm Fulham 'til I die
I know I am I'm sure I am
I'm Fulham 'til I die

That's my two cents.

[rednow.red4ever]

I'll admit my interest in Fulham was sparked because of McBride. But that brought me into a great club to follow. I love the history. I love the Cottage. I've found my side, whether there are Yanks on the team or not.

Just my thoughts on it.

Wonderfully put.

[JohnWP]

I think a big factor will be who has been to Craven Cottage. Like many other yanks, I started paying attention to Fulham because of McBride, but after visiting Craven Cottage and sitting in the (former) Stevenage road stand in the wooden seats among some really great fans, my wife and I had a bit of a conversion experience. We've been to several English football grounds. Recently we made it to Stanford Bridge for the Chelsea/Valencia Champion's League match. It was cool to see CL football, but the atmosphere of the big money team's ground and fans was nowhere near that of the Cottage and its supporters. Fulham has a great combination of a ground with lots of character, great fans and a scrappy team that will win over any neutral that visits in person.

While there are a couple of other English clubs we follow, Fulham is the team we support above all others. We now plan our trips to England -- we go once a year or so -- around Fulham's fixture list. I don't see that changing because of player personel.

[Fires Of Fulham]

I also plan my trips to the U.K. around Fulham's fixture list. Mostly around the Fulham/Manchester City match at Craven Cottage.

I actually think the amount of Fulham interest in the United States will drop off once the number of YA's on the team does. The reason is that the majority of excitement about the team here on Big Soccer is from the Yanks Abroad board and not here. There are a ton of people who only care about the team due to the trio.

I don't think the amount of actual supporters will dwindle. Those who actually care enough about the club to declare their interest in them aren't going anywhere.

[chuckster]

when i first got FSC that was about 3 years ago... the first thing i did was look for american players in the EPL and there teams. Manchester City ..Reading... Fulham.. Watford and a few other clubs. i am an american..so i see nothing wrong with how i decided to be a supporter of those clubs. and if mcbride..boca..and dempsey all leave the club of fulham one day..i think i will still support and watch the games as much as i can.


brian71.. thanks.
i know okterrific has a problem with that... and so do others.

does anyone know how i can watch demsey's goal vs liverpool ..

[Riotom9]

Just some thoughts....for anyone looking for more depth to the attitudes of the 'new American fans'.

I think fans looking for a team or new team to support in a foreign league need a reason to become attached to a team - and personnel is usually one of the largest draws. Style of play is also a big draw - and easy for new fans to fall for one of the larger teams who more often boast a great majority of the individual brilliance. And lastly there's personal connection with the local fans, the team's attitude, etc.

I would say it is especially difficult for American fans to find a team in England or Spain to truly rally behind - unless they are closet freaks they won't have had the ability more than 10 years ago to even follow the games on TV to learn any of the above. And most won't have the benefit of knowing the long term history, or being able to visit half a dozen grounds in England or Spain and get to know the personality of the fanbase, etc.

So while I understand the disdain for the casual fan, it's early days for us Yanks. In another 10 years it won't be such a novelty to have one or more Americans in the EPL or other top flight leagues - with any hope of course. And you'll see fans flock towards clubs for better reasons. And of course, most Americans have 10x more commitment to our national team than we do any club team, including and because of our domestic league being just 10 years old. As we continue to grow in appreciation of club football, the draw to individual players will subside. I will say supporting a club because there are Americans on the team for me is a far better reason than because they took a week off of their pre-season training to come play in New York. Chelsea and Milan are kind of whores in this aspect, their annual trips here seem superficial. Not enough for to have any reason to support them.

I lived in Brazil for a few years. After my first a few weeks I met a Flamengo fan who asked 'who I was' - meaning who do I support. I had no clue - at that response he instantly took the brand new home jersey off of his back and gave it to me - telling me I was now Flamengo. I was certainly moved and have been commited ever since - even though I missed out on the glory days of Zico and Romario.

Experiences like that are few and far between. It took me over 5 years to settle on an MLS club - and I still enjoy watching some of my 'rivals' simply because of my support for some of the American national players trumps the club interest. I don't think most Americans can imagine what it is like to hate Chelsea on Saturday, then cheer for John Terry on Wednesday. Our interest in the good form and play of our national team players leaps over most petty club differences - at least for me.


In summary, we simply need more history before we can commit - and some temporary and casual observance is required at a few clubs before you should feel comfortable settling in. My interest in Fulham may pass after the triplets and have the club. Then again, learning about the unique environment, the slight 'underdog' mentality within London - these things are very appealing and may have a lasting impact. Lord knows the prima donna dramatics at Old Traffod and Stamford Bridge will never win my heart or my 'kit dollars'.

So while I've no interest in the over-glorified big clubs, there's some hesitance to support a club that may be relegated - preventing me from ever actually seeing them without a trans-atlantic flight. I think if Fulham's directors keep up a commitment to winning, they've got a lot to offer that will prove very popular with many new American fans long term. And the ones that move on when Boca, McB, and Duece move on - no harm done, one day they'll be ready to commit; it's just early days yet.

Free Cookie.

[rednow.red4ever]

Just some thoughts....for anyone looking for more depth to the attitudes of the 'new American fans'.

I think fans looking for a team or new team to support in a foreign league need a reason to become attached to a team - and personnel is usually one of the largest draws. Style of play is also a big draw - and easy for new fans to fall for one of the larger teams who more often boast a great majority of the individual brilliance. And lastly there's personal connection with the local fans, the team's attitude, etc.

That was an excellent break-down. I believe you're right when you say the majority of Americans don't have the history....I know in my case I feel like a just a youngin' having recently committed to Fulham backing/following and having only been there once....it will be a bit still b4 i develop the angst (at the same level as many English) for other sides (although this has begun with chelsea and arsenal...haha)

[OKTerrific]

Most of you guys have never really experienced the rivalries we have with Queens Park Rangers, and to a lesser extent Brentford.

Holy smokes.