The frenzied speculation over Fulham’s first signing of the summer has laid bare the alarming amount of division and distrust amongst our (relatively small) fanbase. Whether this stems from pure frustration, differences of opinion or even a feeling of superiority based on how long you have supported the club, how many away games you attend or what country you reside in, the constant bickering is getting tiring.Â
Some make themselves easier targets than others. This may be through their eagerness and enthusiasm to post and share any transfer rumours relating to the club no matter how reliable or unreliable their source may be. Some even go as far as tracking flights from destinations relating to said targets that may or may not be landing on a runway within a reasonable distance of Motspur Park (or Farnborough). While we have every right to scrutinise these accounts and stories, If you digest transfer rumours from any media outlet then you have to at least consider their validity and not take it as gospel.Â
There are also a number of excellent podcasts and fan sites out there specific to Fulham that generate regular content on a subject we are clearly all passionate about but still somehow receive constant abuse for doing so.Â
While we don’t have the biggest fan base in the world it is highly likely that there will be differing opinions to yours on a variety of subjects so by all means challenge them but keep in mind that other person (like you) suffers enough already by being a Fulham fan in the first place.
I am sure plenty of us are old enough to remember a time where we all bemoaned the lack of any Fulham related coverage outside of the official channels so to have such an ecosystem now no matter how speculative is surely a positive.
If we are being honest then the only person on twitter who is technically a reliable resource for Fulham news is the person who divides opinion more than anyone else, Tony Khan. When it comes to relevant content I would much rather know where Manor Solomon is holidaying than which spandex clad man is fighting in the AEW this week.
Division has always existed in the fanbase but never so much as it does now. Back in the early 2000s it was a feeling of us and them, those who were here before the remarkable rise through the pyramid and those who had jumped on that bandwagon. Then after an influx of American players we attracted a (still strong) US fanbase which led to many belittling the opinions of those who were making all their observations from across the Atlantic based on just live television coverage or streaming. In my opinion, getting up at an ungodly hour to watch Fulham (more often than not) lose, is a level of commitment worth commending rather than ridiculing.Â
Whether you sit or stand in the Hammersmith End and sing your heart out, whether you risk splinters in the Johnny Haynes stand for a little more money, whether you brave abuse from the away fans at the Putney End or just observe from the comfort of your own home, it is incumbent to remember the unique thing that unites us all: we chose to follow Fulham Football Club.Â
Whether you chose to support Fulham because they are your local team or because of family connections or because of an affiliation with a particular signing or just because it felt right, you did so like the rest of us when it would have been a lot easier to chase the glory at a bigger club and probably see more trophies along the way (of course we did win it one time) but that in itself deserves some level of respect.
I love the fact that we are one of very few teams at Premier League level where you still feel obliged as a fan to acknowledge a fellow supporter on the very rare occasion you see them out in the wild! Why is it then that we feel just as comfortable abusing each other from behind a keyboard?
The White Wall at Wembley, Zoltan Gera’s winner against Hamburg (hell, even most of the Europa League final itself) and the multiple pitch invasions at the end of last season are all fantastic examples of times when we forget our differences and all embrace in our love of this strange little club on the Thames where we’ve all forged some of the most special memories of our lives.
There is no doubt that the next twelve months are going to be testing times for every one of us that live and die by this team so a little bit of unity will go a long way. Be proud of this special thing that is ours, enjoy the season ahead and try to be good to one another!
COYW!
An excellent, heartfelt and truthful article. Not being active in any way on social media (unless this counts!), I feel the garbage it mostly produces, especially about football, is risible at best and overall, specious or downright inaccurate and/or abusive. As a supporter, I can only hope that when accurate articles appear about new signings, the outcomes will be positive on the pitch, yet whatever happens, my support for FFC will remain ardent and dedicated!
This is all fairly standard fair for football fans. go on any fan forum and there will be differing opinions. US Fans have been getting belittled for their ‘soccer’ opinions everywhere (see reddit). Unfortunately we have seen abuse becoming more and more common. Football 100% has a problem with abusive behaviour, and every club has entitled fans who feel like they know best. Its part and parcel of the game. I dont think we needed a condescending article pointing out the obvious. What constructive points/criticism do you actually make to change this behaviour within ‘our fanbase’?
Well said
Unfortunately the inability to accept that others may have a different opinion to you and be able to respect that has become widespread throughout society and not just related to football and other sports.
I think abuse of players by so called supporters is despicable and usually totally misjudged, Seri is a prime example.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and equally everyone, players, coaches, directors and supporters are entitled to respect.
Abuse is an admission of failure in being a reasonable and decent human being.
Excellent. Ill informed abuse is rife and I mostly just laugh at it. It will be tough this season, but I hope everyone can get behind Marco and the team. We are a few players short of a competitive squad but not many and for gods sake when will people understand that a player costs the fee to acquire him plus the wages over his contract not just the fee.
Living in the US and supporting Fulham is difficult largely because there is no local suggests group or bar. Meaning I’m alone in my joys and sorrows. When I discovered Facebook groups and other online supporter pages I was overjoyed to engage with fellow fans. I quickly learned I wasn’t considered by some a really fan because I was American, I hadn’t supported the club long enough or I’d not been to a game. I learned to keep my mouth shut. I love this club in recent years I’ve experienced the overwhelming joy of promotion and stunning playoff wins and the devastating relegation. Whether or not I’m respected, appreciated or accepted by other fans is irrelevant I will continue to support the club it will just be lonelier. I appreciate the piece and think the solution for anyone not seeing it is kindness and respect on an individual level. At the end of the day you are only responsible for yourself and your own actions. COYW!
Social media provides a platform to get to know other fans views, which you probably wouldn’t notice by just attending a match in the opd days. The rarity of favourable, interesting news about Fulham provides a void that can be filled by more negative material, especially in these politically divided times. Even this article, although trying to be objective, will trigger subjective beliefs not agreeable to others. Social media and what it triggers, is just filler for the gaps between more meaningfull occupation. The notion of a ‘Fulham family’ is an ideal to be pursued, but it does not mirror our complicated times.
Unlike Steve I thought this was a timely reminder of the need to take a step back and avoid the crappy behavior. Whether what happens with Fulham social media postings can be characterized as standard fare is irrelevant, the plea was for us to be more united than divided. Coming from the Trust seems the right place and I thought the tone was spot on.
The abuse of Tony Khan on Twitter and the forum is at best embarrassing for those that get so emotional and angry and at worst, barely concealed racism.
I have full respect for all Fulham supporters, I am not so sure board of Directors and the stats man who appears to have to much say in a choice of Player.
Notts Forest and Bournemouth have acquired several new players but Fulham just one. It sound as if Marco Sylva is disappointed. Have we not learned we need players in now to bed in. If not we will be in trouble again this season.
Love the whole piece, Our club is phounominely special to us , that’s all that matters, of course we are divided on opinions, the transfer market is a perfect example but Marcos signings WILL be much better than Scottys , I truly believe that .COYW
Its all part of the game, chin up! Can’t wait for the season to start, hopefully get a chance to watch a couple of fixtures again at the Cottage.
Simon from Malta
Great article. Being a fan or supporter is not a matter of geography but of the heart. I get up early in the United States to watch Fulham because I love Fulham. Say what they want about the thoughts and opinions of those of us who live outside of England. But know this, we are true fans in every way.