No, not really. But our much-maligned centre forward Bobby Zamora has made the cover of an American sports mailorder catalogue, called Eurosport. Could it be because of Fulham’s ever-increasing American fanbase? No, it’s probably down to his boot deal. Still, I reckon he looks good.
Hat tip: boxhockcycsock on FOF
Shout out to the Fulham’s American fanbase!
Jason Gatties-American since 1975
On a serious note though, TV coverage of Fulham matches in the U.S. seemed to increased this year…especially on Setanta US. I do contribute all the matches we’ve been able to watch live to the fact that the Fulham fanbase in this country does continue to increase.
I don’t have any stats in front of me, but I’d say the only clubs with larger supporter groups would be Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal & Liverpool….which is to be expected. I know Toon & Celtic have a large American following but I feel the Fulham supporters are right up there. And U.S. Fulham supporters have remained loyal. I remember reading that people felt the U.S. support would dwindle once the majority of Americans left the club. If anything, Fulham’s popularity have grown (and not just because of Dempsey).
Should Dempsey leave you may see a few follow him but I feel the majority of supporters here will continue to support the club no matter who is on the team or what league we play in. I became a supporter before McBride ever sported a Fulham kit and I know I’m not alone. The new supporters may have followed the Americans but ultimately, they fell in love with the club just like everyone else.
If Fulham were to ever tour the U.S., I feel there would be a huge turnout to support them, I honestly believe that.
Those are interesting thoughts Jason thanks.
The clubs with a large Stateside following are the ones you would expect. The concern about the U.S. fanbase was only natural and perhaps a little cynical, but the average Fulham fan is probably entitled to be like that given all the false downs we’ve had to put up with.
I think Fulham played the All-Star game over in the States a couple of years ago (was it as far back as 2005 perhaps?) but I should imagine – with the American links the club has (American Airlines as partners, the players and a few staff) that the club would be considering a full-scale pre-season tour.
How good is Setanta’s US coverage by the way?