George Best’s return to English football in the late summer of 1976 caused a sensation. The fact that he was signing for Second Division Fulham was something of a surprise. There was no doubt that the mercurial Northern Ireland winger was not the player that mesmerised defenders and crowds alike during his glorious decade at Manchester United – he was undoubtedly slower and shorn of game time – but he had lost none of the characteristic swagger.
Best certainly brought the crowds back to Craven Cottage. More than 21,000 fans packed into Fulham’s historic home to see him make his first appearance for the club in a Second Division meeting with Bristol Rovers. The home side certainly had some star quality, with England’s World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore at the heart of the defence, and Rodney Marsh, who had also returned from America, beginning a second spell at the club. It took Best just 77 seconds to steal the show, scoring the only goal of a game and making a dream start to his spell in south west London.
Best’s Fulham career was short and sweet. There were moments of magic – like a glorious 30-yard volley against Peterborough United in the League Cup and when he tackled Marsh during a victory over Hereford – and madness, such as his sending off at Southampton that sparked the beginning of the end and the fines that followed his absences from training. He did return from a spell out of the side to inspire a fine 3-1 win against Chelsea to ease Fulham’s relegation worries, but headed back to the United States after a fitful third season with the club.
GOD
What a player
In my opinion he was one of the greatest
I did have the privilege to meet him
What a talent and didn’t fall over for nothing like the present mob, if Grealish (Ring a ring a roses, all fall down”) is worth £100million, what would Best cost in today’s market. Shame about his personal demons but lived up to his name….BEST, he was
Remember it well I was directly behind the goal when he scored.
He played in ploughed fields in the winter and got little help from referees when players constantly tried to chop him down and still could dance around players with ease What a super star he was
Best says it all
I think he played 47 games so not a bad stretch with FFC.
Saw the goal at Peterborough – unbelievable – like a training ground keepy uppy and then bang – top corner!!
That was a time for entertainers. Best,and Marsh had charisma.
You left the ground smiling.
Seen him playing for Hibernian in 78 he was still miles ahead of everybody on the pitch , just the most gifted player ever there won’t be another.
I was lucky enough to be there
I remember it as well. Eric Steele was a very good keeper but couldn’t get back in time to stop a piece of magic for The Best
Me and my cousin Ray were at the cottage for all the Fulham games
Usually only Ken Coton and a couple of other photographers there,,but that day there were scores of them buzzing around George before the kick off.The game started and after a minute George scored wow the crowd went ballistic,what a start what a great player
People forget that George Best was still a terrific player after quitting Manchester Utd and Fulham had the best from him (post Man Utd) I believe, before he left the Cottage to go back to America. I am writing a book to commemorate the 50th anniversary of George Best’s debut which will be, as you all know, September 04, 2026. It will contain hundreds of match-action images, anecdotes from former Fulham players, some opposition players and of course, Fulham fans.
I’ve read some of the great responses to Best’s time at FFC here on the Hammy End. I wonder if you have any more memories of this footballing icon playing for us, I could also use for the book?? All will be gratefully received. Just send them to my foxmail address and I will make sure they go into the book!! Many thanks!!
Sorry, I should have introduced myself!
Have been going to the Cottage since 1984 and a big Fulham fan. I’ve been a sports journalist all my life and have reported from all 92 football league clubs in England and Wales. There’s still no ground as good as Fulham’s. I also write books. I plan to write one on “The Night We Beat Juventus” after the George Best one.
I would also like to know, what is the official capacity of The Cottage now the new Riverside is properly open??