Fulham away. Two of the most glorious words in the English language.
Mat Kendrick, who began his journalistic career at the top before rapidly going downhill, once said that when the fixtures come out the ones we look for are always first game at home, last game away and Fulham away. Nobody knows when and why Fulham became so popular – it’s a right hike from the station and in that part of London even the penny chews are twopence. We invariably lose there as well, including the one that it’s compulsory to mention.
But despite these apparent setbacks, everyone’s favourite away trip it became. Maybe it was because we got loads of tickets, or perhaps it’s the only ground where you can get a water buffalo and mozzarella burger with kumquat dressing on a sunblushed tomato ciabatta. Whatever the reason, Fulham reigned supreme as the Emperor of Aways. Until now.
Because our horizons have widened and to be honest Putney isn’t as good as Monte Carlo or Bruges. That’s where we are now and Fulham is but a pleasant backwater on the road to eternal world domination, even if it is on a Saturday afternoon. Is that stand finished yet?
They’ve got Adama Traore, now celebrating his eleventh consecutive season as Most Promising Young Footballer in the World, Stuart Gray’s still there, and he must be due a testimonial now. He must also have something on somebody, the number of managers who’ve kept him on.
Talking of managers, Unai announced that we’ve got almost a full squad to choose from, and if that’s not tempting fate nothing is. Expect one or two of the team to trip over getting off the coach, or fall into the Thames.
They’re mid-table, which is the height of their ambition. We’ve got a Champions League game coming up midweek, which still sounds strange. Best to get this one won early then.
