Introduction to Retro Fulham Jerseys The Retro Fulham jersey is a nostalgic nod to the rich history and heritage of Fulham Football Club, one of London’s oldest professional football clubs. The club, established in 1879, has adorned myriad jerseys and kits, reflecting its evolution and progress through the years, and showcasing the significance jersey designs […]
The Retro Fulham jersey is a nostalgic nod to the rich history and heritage of Fulham Football Club, one of London’s oldest professional football clubs. The club, established in 1879, has adorned myriad jerseys and kits, reflecting its evolution and progress through the years, and showcasing the significance jersey designs have had in the club’s identity. Delving into Fulham’s past is to discover some of the finest and most iconic jersey designs in football.
Fulham FC has a longstanding history, spanning over 140 years, in which the team has seen both triumph and defeat at different stages of their journey. Originally named St. Andrews Cricket & Football Club, the team underwent several name changes – Fulham St. Andrews, Fulham Excelsiors, and finally, Fulham F.C. in 1889. One of Fulham’s most celebrated periods came in the early 2000s, when the club secured its place in the Premier League under the ownership of Egyptian businessman, Mohamed Al-Fayed.
The early days of Fulham were spent at various grounds across London, such as Fulham St. Andrews Church Sunday School, Half Moon, West Brompton Cricket Ground, before settling at Craven Cottage in 1896 – the club’s home ground ever since. The stadium, located on the banks of the River Thames in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, has a current capacity of 25,700, and has witnessed countless memorable moments in the club’s history.
Fulham’s first-ever kit in 1880 featured a red-and-white striped shirt, paired with white shorts and red socks. This design, however, underwent several changes throughout the years. The introduction of the famous black-and-white kit, representing the “fearless” character of the club, debuted in 1903. The use of black and white in one form or another remained consistent from that time.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Fulham’s jersey saw minor modifications, often revolving around the collar and the style of the black-and-white stripes. The 1950s saw the introduction of the now-iconic white jersey with black shorts and white socks design, which is emblematic of the club to this day.
The 1960s and 70s saw a further tweaking of the jersey designs, with minor alterations made to the crest and silhouette of the shirts, while the black V-neck and white shirts became a mainstay. The 1980s, however, marked something of a change – the jerseys featured black pinstripes over the white shirts, a departure from the simpler, less adorned jerseys of previous years.
As logos and branding became more prevalent, the 1990s saw mainstream sponsors’ appearance on the jerseys. This period also saw experimentation with additional colors on the kits, such as red trim and logos, or the 1993-94 kit designed by Adidas, which incorporated red and green stripes.
Throughout Fulham’s journey, there have been standout players who have worn the club’s iconic jerseys with pride and distinction. Here are a few historic names that have left an indelible mark on the club and its followers:
1. Johnny Haynes: Dubbed as the “King of the Cottage” and “The Maestro,” Haynes played for Fulham from 1952-1970. A one-club man, he wore the number 10 jersey and holds the record for most appearances (658) and goals (158) for the club. Haynes is immortalized by a statue outside Craven Cottage.
2. Bobby Robson: The legendary player and manager begin his career at Fulham in 1950. He played as a forward and then as a midfielder and won 20 England caps during his time at the club. Robson’s association with Fulham continued later in his career when he managed the club between 1968 and 1969.
3. George Cohen: A one-club man, Cohen spent his entire playing career at Fulham between 1956 and 1969, making over 450 appearances. As England’s right-back during the historic 1966 World Cup victory, Cohen brought a winning spirit to the Fulham side.
4. Rodney “Rod” Marsh: A prolific goal scorer, Marsh played for Fulham between 1963-1971, scoring 104 goals in over 300 appearances. Marsh’s number 9 jersey symbolizes the attacking nature of Fulham’s teams during his time at the club.
5. Gordon Davies: Nicknamed “Ivor,” Davies is Fulham’s all-time record goal-scorer, netting 178 goals between 1978 and 1991. The Welsh international wore the number 11 jersey for the club and is still celebrated by fans to this day.
The Retro Fulham jersey pays homage not only to the club’s exciting history but also to the many outstanding players who proudly wore the shirt. These jerseys represent the spirit and determination of Fulham F.C. and continue to inspire generations of fans who share their passion for the beautiful game.
