It is twenty years today since Fulham’s finest ever footballer, Johnny Haynes, passed away.
There is no more fitting tribute than the dual fact that Stevenage Road now permanently houses a brilliant statue that captures the likeness of Haynes, in one of his trademark poses, and that one of the most historic stands in English football is named after one of the game’s great pioneers.
Nobody who ever saw Haynes grace a football field will ever forget his quality. No Fulham fan will forget how he fought to save the club he represented through think and thin and we will always remember how committed he was to the Back to the Cottage campaign. He might have risen to prominence as a fabulous footballer, but Haynes was also a magnificent man. He fondly remembered the days when supporters and players would mix together day in, day out and travel to and from matches on the same public transport – and carried true affection for his club wherever he went.
There won’t be another Johnny Haynes. There’s a reason he’s remembered as the Maestro. We will never forget him.
