Ladies and Gents, despite what the league table will have you believe, Fulham’s European dream never died — it just changed, got better. Instead of the far reaches of Eastern Europe, we are situated in the luxury of the Algarve, living it up in Albufeira. So, live and direct from the Algarve, let me tell you how it’s gone so far.

3am wake-up, 5am Gatwick Spoons arrival, and an 8am flight — a rough start for Fulham’s motley crew. That didn’t stop us though. Got into Albufeira, straight to the square, everyone on the Super Bocks. Six hours later, an Uber back to Faro, to the Estádio de São Luís.

Setting the Scene

The São Luís, home of SC Farense, despite not exactly being in the most plush part of Faro, has some character. It is every inch a quintessential European stadium — no roof on one side of the ground, metal railings that housed Fulham flags for the evening — letting the Algarve know, the Fulham fellas are here. A few hundred Fulham fans made for a decent turnout of travelling Fulham faithful. Let’s not forget, twenty years ago, we probably wouldn’t have taken those numbers to Sunderland!

Josh King: The Answer to Fulham’s Creative Stagnation

Josh King starred for the Whites in the first half — finding space between the lines, being his usual dynamic self, making things happen in his natural number ten role. It’s the best I’ve seen King for Fulham. I think Josh will surprise some observers in 25/26, the eighteen-year-old has the talent to take a game by the scruff of the neck — that’s what Fulham lack. King can supply the creativity that Fulham lacked in the final third last season, all he needs is a pathway into Marco Silva’s starting eleven.

Wilson Turns It On While ESR Stays Stuck

Emile Smith Rowe, unfortunately, looked the unconfident, stagnating player we have come to know in recent months. In fairness to Emile, he did look a lot leaner than he has in the latter part of last season. In contrast, Harry Wilson looked every inch the difference maker for the boys in white-on-white. Constant menacing movement in behind and directness in possession caused a lot of issues for a youthful first-half Forest back four, as Calvin Bassey continued his development into a contemporary ball-playing centre-half. Bassey’s ball into Wilson’s path for the opening goal was world class – he’s clearly learnt a few things from his defensive partner, Joachim Andersen!

Jon Esenga: Fulham’s Next Breakthrough Prospect?

Cameos from a couple of academy prospects, Aaron Loupalo-Bi and Jon Esenga, gave the Fulham faithful a glorious glimpse of the future. Esenga, in particular, might gain further first-team minutes sooner than many anticipate. The adventurous full-back with a lovely left foot impressed in the PL2 under Hayden Mullins and Silva was obviously keen to see him in a senior setting. Don’t forget, the Algarve launched the professional careers of Martial Godo, Luc de Fougerolles, and King. It isn’t a stretch to see a scenario where Esenga, who also whips in a superb set-piece, could step up to cover Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon should injuries strike in the months award.

We Came, We Sang, We Got Ignored

3-1 Fulham. Job done. After full time, photos were had — we must give a shoutout to captain Cairney, Sess, super Bernd Leno in goal and the Ginger Iniesta. There’s much more tight-knit and personal atmosphere that the regular Fulham away trip. Once we’d filed out of the stadium, the Fulham fellas headed straight back to Albufeira for a quiet night in, full of Bible studies and devout worship of our new prince, Josh King I promise.

Roll on the ‘behind closed doors’ friendly on Wednesday. We definitely won’t try and see the match Fulham fans were promised months ago. Last night was a great laugh, but the club have let down the lads and lasses following the team over land and sea. We should be looking forward to another fixture in Faro, but due to Fulham Football Club’s contempt for their hardcore support, we can’t. You have to wonder, if the legacy fans sat in the shiny new Riverside Stand, shelling out thousands of pounds every season, would we be locked out of the boys’ next run-out in Portugal?

CJ has kindly agreed to give us the insight track having travelled out to Portugal for Fulham’s pre-season tour. Do check out his London’s Original output on Medium and subscribe to his YouTube channel.