Craven Cottage (Fulham FC) (Craven Cottage (Fulham FC))

Member Name: Krystles

Product:	Craven Cottage (Fulham FC)
Date:	22/03/09 (312 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great location, entertaining football

Disadvantages: Less atmosphere in some areas

Craven Cottage is the home ground of Fulham FC, a team currently in the English Premier League, who have the distinction of being the oldest professional club in London. Based in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, they are often overshadowed by their more illustrious neighbours, Chelsea FC, though they actually share a bigger rivalry with Brentford, but they are currently in League Two, thee divisions below. Ironically Chelsea was formed in 1905 when Fulham FC turned down the chance to play at the newly built Stamford Bridge, a ground that remains Chelsea's home to this day. Craven Cottage is situated on the banks of the Thames, next to the picturesque Bishops Park and has been home to the club since 1896. When Fulham rejoined the Premiership for the 2001-02 season they were the only club still to have standing room only. The ground was upgraded over the next two seasons to bring it up to standard, but despite this it is still quite antiquated, but this contributes to its charm.

I first visited Craven Cottage in November 2007 for a Premier League game against Blackburn. Sitting in the Putney End, I was entranced by the spectacle before me. Having only watched Premier League football in the dead of night far away in Australia, the chance to watch a game live was an unbelievable opportunity. The tickets were a reasonable 30 pounds. Some would consider this expensive I suppose, but I didn't feel fazed by that price and was happy to pay it. Tickets can be gained easily though a website such as lastminute.com. Bigger teams, such as Manchester Utd or Liverpool will cost you more however, but I guess if it was your only chance to see a game you would judge what you be willing to pay.

Following my first visit some friends and I decided to take up the chance to become season ticket holders at Fulham. This has given me the chance to visit the ground regularly and while I regularly sit in the Hammersmith Stand End, I have sat in both the other stands, the Johnny Haynes Stand and the Riverside Stand for FA cup matches. This has given me a broad perspective on what the ground offers. The Johnny Haynes stand gives a good side view of the game, but is an old structure and feels it. It is quite cramped for room and difficult to get in and out of, access being by narrow stairs. The Putney End is mainly reserved for neutral and away fans, so you will feel like you stand out if you don't know the players or the words of the songs. The Riverside stand is situated opposite the Johnny Haynes Stand and gives a great view of the game, but unfortunately is quite dead in terms of ambience in many sections. For me the only place to sit is at the Hammersmith End. Most of the noise generated comes from here and you can't help but shout and cheer along. For atmosphere alone, it can't be beat, especially if the home side is winning, such as the recent 2-0 result against Manchester Utd.

The ground is in easy reach of two tube stations, Hammersmith, on the Hammersmith and City line and Putney Bridge on the District Line. Putney Bridge is slightly closer and has a great walk through the park with the river as a backdrop. The mood as you walk towards the ground is usually boisterous but non-threatening. The Putney Bridge station is the one used by many of the fans, particularly the away fans so can be quite busy when leaving the game. Hammersmith is a further walk away, but tends to be less busy, so if crowds aren't your thing this way may be better.

The facilities in the ground are decent enough. Food and drinks are certainly not cheap, but compare favourably with most other Premier League grounds. Alcohol is restricted to the areas outside the stand, which certainly restricts drinking for the most part and keeps the ground family friendly.

As well as being the home ground for Fulham FC, the ground is often used for international games between non-European sides, most particularly Australia who have used it as a base for playing 'home' internationals closer to the rest of the world. Tickets for these games are well priced and will usually involve Premier League based foreign players.

Summary: Great old style ground in a wonderful location.