Fulham – Europe; A Blessing? Really?

I’m not going to start up another debate about how the Europa League is affecting our beloved Fulham’s performances, or how it’s ruining the players fitness levels, but, I am going to have one last dig at this supposed ‘bonus’ to our season.

I’m all for continental competitions, to give clubs that little extra spice throughout the season, however, I am looking from the fans perspective. Not all fans, I realise, but, at a bare minimum, me!

Saturday, 3 o’clock. That sacred time. When we all stood as one in the stands, anticipating another 3 points to drive us up the most holy of leagues.

Perhaps I’m just being traditional, but, I miss those times. It’s not as if those games aren’t there any more, and it’s not as if I can’t feel that buzz any more, but, it’s becoming ever more difficult.

Saturday afternoons made it easy for me. A long trip up to London, meet the family again, have a cup of tea, head off to Putney, cross the bridge, stroll through the park, get conned on an over-advertised match programme and buy a hot dog.

I can’t say I’ve done that in quite a while now, and, as a football fan as a whole, it’s becoming embarrassing for me to turn to friends and say I haven’t been to a match in so long.

And, it’s all Europe’s fault. Well, Europe and TV.

As a teenager, Sunday’s are an impossible day to get to a match, unless it’s Pompey away, and that game has already passed. Obviously, Europe is not having the same affect on everyone, in fact, Sundays may be good for a few of you, but, overall, it just doesn’t give off that same vibe. Fulham is a football club based on tradition and history, and it seems for one season at least, we are going to lose part of it.