In our ongoing quest to find the greatest player of all-time at each Premier League club, we’re taking a closer look at Fulham’s rich history, from the legendary Bedford Jezzard to Aleksandr Mitrovic.
Located on the picturesque River Thames, Craven Cottage is home to one of the most beloved clubs in the country, with a storied past that includes showbiz chairman Tommy Trinder and a £100-a-week pay packet for Johnny Haynes.
Personalities like George Best, Bobby Moore, Bobby Robson, Kevin Keegan, and Mohamed Al-Fayed have all left their mark on the club, but who stands out as the greatest of all time?
Aleksandr Mitrovic’s sensational 43-goal season – a Championship record – won Fulham promotion back to the Premier League in 2021-22 – but is he the club’s greatest ever footballer?
Bedford Jezzard was still an amateur when he helped the club win promotion to the First Division in 1949
Bedford Jezzard was the first big star to emerge from Fulham, scoring 123 goals in 160 games before an ankle injury cut his career short at just 30 years old.
He formed a formidable partnership with Johnny Haynes, widely regarded as the best midfield passer of his generation.
Haynes went on to captain England and became the first player to earn £100-a-week, courtesy of Fulham’s showbiz chairman Tommy Trinder.
Another notable figure from this era was Bobby Robson, who arrived at Craven Cottage in 1950 and went on to become a goalscoring midfielder before retiring in 1967 and starting his managerial career at the club.
When England won the World Cup in 1966, Fulham were represented by full-back George Cohen, who was known for his gentlemanly conduct on the pitch.
Cohen was a one-club man who played 459 times for Fulham before a knee injury ended his career at 29, earning praise from the likes of George Best, who rated him as the best full-back he ever faced.
When England won the 1966 World Cup, Fulham were represented by George Cohen (left)
Fulham legend Alan Mullery (left) pictured alongside club chairman Tommy Trinder (right)
Another notable figure from this era was Alan Mullery, a passionate captain who wouldn’t tolerate second-best from his players.
Mullery’s stunning goal for Fulham against Leicester in 1974 was voted Goal of the Season and still talked about today.
Fulham’s record goalscorer is Gordon Davies, who scored 114 goals in six years before being snapped up by Manchester City in 1985.
Davies returned to Craven Cottage the following year and became their most prolific scorer in his second spell, earning a reputation as a fox in the box who could find space to finish goals from anywhere.
The club’s return to the top flight began when Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed bought Fulham in 1997 and appointed Kevin Keegan as manager.
A highly-significant signing was Wales international defender Chris Coleman, who agreed to drop two divisions to join Fulham.
Fulham’s unorthodox forward Clint Dempsey (above) scored an impressive 23 Premier League goals for the club, a figure beaten only by Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero
Chris Coleman (holding trophy, left) pictured alongside former Fulham manager Kevin Keegan
More recently, Aleksandr Mitrovic has been the reason Fulham have always been able to bounce back to the Premier League after relegation.
Under Marco Silva, the Serbian powerhouse set a Championship record by scoring 43 goals in 2021-22, earning a £50million transfer fee to Saudi club Al-Hilal in 2023.
Now it’s your turn to decide who is Fulham’s greatest ever player. Cast your vote and let us know!