What was the most important game in Fulham's history?

Well, at least since 1949. The people that did the "Match of My Life" book are running this on-line poll. Here's the link, and happy voting:

http://www.knowthescorebooks.com/vote_fulham.php

 

Most Imporant Match??

A good friend Ed (some of us know him as LBno11) explained to me what he thought was Fulham most important game which also included Fulhams most important goal of all time.

Now most of us are 'new' Fulham supporters (including myself), only really following Fulham once they were in the Prem and on TV occasionally...and no, this is NOT a bad thing at all. Fulham is a very unique club since 10 years ago exactly, we were at the bottom of the very last division.

Its hard to imagine Fulham being in such a position and we are the only team in the Prem to come up from such low depths. Our long term fans have seen us at our very very worst which really lets them appreciate being a mid-table Prem team.

With that said, Ed explained to me that the most important match was Fulhams win vs. Carlisle United in 1997. It basically guaranteed promotion from the very bottom division and we haven't looked back since. There is a Fulham song, which came from this match, that you can sometimes hear at the Cottage today: "Who put the ball in the Carlise net?...RODNEY MCAREE!!"

DO YOU WANT TO SEE THE GOAL? Fulham's most important goal is the last one of the three (Fulham are in white!) and the scorer is of course, Rodney Mcaree.

THE goal

Now you know the answer to the question, "Who put the ball in the Carlisle net?".

p.s.
Sorry for the long post.

 

RE: Most Imporant Match??

Sorry, I didn't mean to kill this thread...the above was only an opinion.

So Dave, since you've been a fan, what do you think was the most important goal?

 

RE: Most Imporant Match??

Mike, that was a great post! I became a fan in 2003, so of course I'm biased towards recent events. However, I would think these games on the list would have to be strongly considered:

1987 League Fulham 2 Walsall 2 - (Fulham fans demonstrate about the proposed merger with QPR)

1997 League Carlisle United 1 Fulham 2 - (Fulham almost guaranteed promotion to Division Two)

2001 League Blackburn Rovers 1 Fulham 2 - (Fulham promoted back to the top-flight after 33 years)

2004 League Fulham 2 Bolton 0 - (First game back at the Cottage)

I wasn't around when the future of the club was threatened, and I can't imagine how scary that was, so my inclination would be to pick the QPR game. The first game back at the Cottage would have to be up there too.

In terms of important goals since I've been a fan, I'd have to say the second goal of the win at ManU in 2003 that put us ahead. That win helped show people that Fulhas was for real that season, leading to the highest finish in history.

 

RE: Most Imporant Match??

I voted for the 2001 promotion to the EPL for two reasons.

1. I'm a "new" fan. Since 2002 actually. Hardcore in the last two season. Porn that is.

2. This basically pushed them into the realm of legendary... if they can secure a Europe birth in the next two seasons it would be a story book rise...

I just think the story isnt over yet. Its too hard to pick until they are among the elite on the continent.

... The QPR match would be my first choice... but that stands alone as the biggest FANS moment in their history. I'm glad that I'm a part of that now.

 

RE: Most Imporant Match??

Several spring to mind, but many fans would probably argue the FA Cup final in May 1975. It did give some semblence of hope, legitimacy, etc. to a squad that ended up 9th in the old division Two.

I voted for the match that sent them into the EPL. I did get to see that match on tape, and enjoyed the Sean Davis goal that sent us up (and gave him a card!)

Personally, I like the FA Cup match up at Old Trafford in 1999, where the MU fans chanted "Keegan for England!" A 1-0 loss (Andy Cole scored), but I've never seen so many MU fans UPSET after a victory. Brought a smile to my face.