Born: Notting Hill, 23 November 1941
Position: Midfielder
International caps: 35
International goals: 1
Signed: 1 July 1958; 1 March 1972 from Tottenham Hotspur (loan); ; 1 August 1972 from Tottenham Hotspur (£65,000)
Fulham debut: Fulham 5-2 Leyton Orient, 14 February 1959.
Fulham appearances: 412
Fulham goals: 42
Fulham honours: FA Cup finalist (1974-1975)
Sold: 29 March 1964 to Tottenham Hotspur (£72,500); 1 June 1976 (retired)
The magnificent Alan Mullery started and finished his playing career with Fulham, making his debut as a 17 year-old during a 5-2 win over Leyton Orient in February 1959. Such was the midfielder’s impact he remained in the side for the rest of the season as the Whites went won promotion from the Second Division. He starred as Fulham reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1962 and it was no surprise when Spurs paid £72,500 for his services in December 1964. His return, initially on loan, on March 1972 caused consternation amongst Fulham’s relegation rivals but Mullery made the difference for Bill Dodgin as Fulham picked up two wins and two draws in the six Second Division matches he played – and stayed up.
He signed for Fulham permanently over the summer and, despite playing in defensive midfield, scored a number of spectacular goals – most famously a brilliant strike against Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup in January 1974. Mullery was pivotal in persuading Bobby Moore to join Fulham and led the Whites to Wembley in 1975, before being voted Footballer of the Year and earning an MBE. He was overlooked for the manager’s job after Stoke, joining Brighton instead. A popular media performer, and former hospitality host at Craven Cottage, Mullery remains a Fulham legend.
