Born: Sault, France, 5 October 1972

Nationality: French

Position: Centre back/right back

International caps: 2

International goals: 0

Signed: 13 March 2001 from Newcastle United (£4m)

Fulham debut: Portsmouth 1-1 Fulham, 21 April 2001

Fulham appearances: 152

Fulham goals: 0

Sold: Released, 18 May 2006

Honours: Division One champions (2000-01), InterToto Cup winners (2003).

Classy French defender Alain Goma joined Fulham following a contract dispute at Newcastle, moving to Craven Cottage for £4m in March 2001. The ball-playing centre back became Jean Tigana’s direct replacement for the unfortunate Chris Coleman and his continental experienced proved crucial in helping the Whites establish themselves in the top flight. Goma helped Fulham reach the FA Cup semi finals and easily avoid the drop in their first Premier League campaign. They went on to win the InterToto Cup and get through to the third round stage of the UEFA Cup. His importance to the side was underlined by Goma becoming captain and, despite struggling with injuries, he signed a new deal to keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2006. He made more than 150 appearances for the Whites and his love for the club is highlighted by the fact that Goma still lives in Putney, regularly attends home matches with his family and is a patron of the Fulham Foundation’s refugee campaign.