(FM20) London Calling

[andychar]

5 hours ago, kidthekid said:

Congrats on another EPL title. Had to be Gugu, ain't it?

Cheers Kid. It’s always Gugu. I’d keep this save going just to see his career. 

[Nobby_McDonald]

Well done winning an exciting finish to the title race.

Shame Stoke didn't win the Europa League.

[andychar]

Its been months! Absolute months. I've tried a few saves and nothing has stuck. I've found myself drawn back. Obviously the original plan turned out to be impossible. To the surprise of absolutely nobody. 

I've come up with a new plan.

Sticking with Fulham and the London theme. I want to become the most successful club in London.

To Wikipedia!

Most successful clubs overall (1871 – present)[edit]

Team	English Football Champions	FA Cup	League Cup	FA Community Shield	Football League Championship	Domestic Total	UEFA Champions League	UEFA Cup Winners' Cup	UEFA Europa League	UEFA Super Cup	UEFA Intertoto Cup	Fairs Cup	Intercontinental Cup / FIFA Club World Cup	Total
Arsenal	13	13	2	15	-	43	–	1	–	–	–	(1)*	–	44
Chelsea	6	8	5	4	2	25	1	2	2	1	–	-	–	31

This is of course in real life. We are currently in 2037 on FM. So what's changed?

We became the only London Club to win the Premier League on the same doing so in 2034/35 and 2036/37. So we have already caught 2 up! 

We have won the FA Cup Twice. 2031/32 and 2035/36. Arsenal haven't won it in the game. Chelsea have won it 3 times so add it to the total.

We have won the League Cup Twice between 2035/37 back to back. Chelsea have also won it twice. Arsenal have shone more here picking up 3 League Cups.

Despite 3 attempts we have only won the Community Shield once in 2035/36. Chelsea added 2 to their total while Arsenal haven't even competed in it. 

I'm counting the Football League Championship mainly because we won the Playoff's and this has to count as you lift a trophy at the end. If you disagree change my mind. Fulham have 2 historical Championship wins in 1948/49 and 2000/01 as well as another playoff win in 2017/18. Mean we have 4 to add to the total. 

Fulham also won League One in 1998/98 add it to the list!

According to FM they also have 2 Southern Premier League wins and an English Third Division South. I have to count them as they probably mean as much as the Community Shield, lets face it!

We have a Leasing.com win (EFL Trophy) but this was via Fulham U23's, I had no part in this so it's not counting. It does sit happily in the trophy cabinet though. 

It means domestically things look like this 

We have done well to put a dent in them but as you can see we face an uphill battle to catch up. 

On a more continental front. 

We won the Champions League in 2035/36. Arsenal picked up their first Champions League in 2026/27. Chelsea have won the Champions League 4 times! Including 3 in a row between 2028/29 and 31. Then again in 33/34. 

Cup Winners Cup is obviously not defunct so we won't be winning that. Arsenal have 1 and Chelsea have 2.

We haven't competed in the Europa League never mind won it. Arsenal have won it 3 times 2019/20, 31/32 and 33/34. Chelsea twice 2023/24 and 26/27.

We do have a Conference League Win in the only time we have competed in it back in 2031/32. I don't think Chelsea have seen this competition yet, Arsenal have however and not surprisingly won it in 2029/30. 

We have 1 Super Cup, the only time we were able to compete in it last season. Chelsea have racked up 5 of them! Arsenal just the 2. 

Fulham have an Intertoto Cup win and the other 2 don't so its counting!

Last but not least we have the FIFA Club World Cup. Only every 4 years and much harder to win now. In fact since it started on this save only Liverpool and Real Madrid have managed to win it! We have a chance this season, so do Chelsea. 

So after all that this is where we stand. 

In real life Chelsea are 13 trophies behind Arsenal, now its only 6. Fulham start 41 trophies behind Arsenal, that's now down to 34. This is the new plan. Overtake both Arsenal and Chelsea to become the most successful team in London. Maybe then I'll see how far ahead Liverpool are 

[andychar]

Club World Cup

Quarter Final

I saved it well, the day of the Quarter Final, it meant I had no time to readjust to everything, it was straight into the deep end of this save. We had a very early chance to catch another trophy up.

We faced PSG in what is a star studdied Quarter Final. If we are going to win this trophy it will be greatly deserved. An unchanged Starting XI from our last win. Not that I remember anything from it.

Makes you wonder why I wanted to stop this save in the first place! We played very well. They started strong and deserved the lead. Once we fell behind we took control. We had chance after chance and I was beginning to think this was just one of those games. Luckily we got the important equaliser just when I was giving up hope. Thadeu scored from the kick off in ET and all I thought was, why couldn't we do that in normal time. We were actually dominant in ET as well and it was a straight forward finish. Cracking return to this save.

Luckily it gets easier in the Semi FInal...

Yipeeeeeeee.

 

[Mandy42]

good to see you back! 

Liking the new idea, why didn't you add Spurs to the list? as they start with more trophies than you currently have in game. So would be an early gauge / victory of catching someone!

Also, I guess you stopped the save because you felt you had no more mountains to climb, but you definitely found yourself one here! 

[andychar]

35 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

good to see you back! 

Liking the new idea, why didn't you add Spurs to the list? as they start with more trophies than you currently have in game. So would be an early gauge / victory of catching someone!

Also, I guess you stopped the save because you felt you had no more mountains to climb, but you definitely found yourself one here! 

Yeah I tend to lose interest when I've won everything. This time I'm determined to continue.

I didn't add Spurs because  it's Spurs. When I was actually keeping tabs on them this save they were constantly mid-table at best. Probably harsh to omitt them as you said they had 26 trophies before the start of the save. They now sit on an impressive 28 after adding 2 Conference League Trophies.

[Mandy42]

*cough* that's still more than you *cough*

nah was just a wonder as you've hit close to where I might be aiming in my FM21 save, so went to have a look at good ole wikipedia and saw their total

[Maw74]

 

1 minute ago, Mandy42 said:

*cough* that's still more than you *cough*

And that isn't counting "play-offs" either.

[andychar]

Club World Cup 

Semi Final

I had 4 days between fixtures giving me enough time to get things straight in my head.

First thing I noticed was a very healthy transfer and wage budget...it's almost like the old me knew what he was doing! 

We need a new CB and GK. I am selling a CB to PSG. Don't know why looking at him, maybe he annoyed me, maybe its because he's over the age of 30. Either way he's going and I don't like it. I means my priority is a new CB. *EDIT* So after having a pre-match press conference it appears he asked to leave because he wanted a new challenge. I don't tend to stop people doing that so it makes sense now!

I have put an 80m bid in for somebody and if we can get him I'll be delighted.

So it was Man City up in the Club World Cup Semi Final and judging by our past results...

Its going to be tough to predict.

Bonnin fired us into the lead half way through the half and I think we are good value. They had a goal chalked off for offside and we cracked the bar. More of the same in the second half please.

Well that was an interesting 2nd half. Early goal gave us the cushion we needed. They bombarded from there without really looking like scoring. Just before our 3rd they got a penalty and missed it! We put the game to bed. Annoyed with the 2 late goals which makes the game look closer than it is. But we are in the Final that's all that matters!

[andychar]

14 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

*cough* that's still more than you *cough*

nah was just a wonder as you've hit close to where I might be aiming in my FM21 save, so went to have a look at good ole wikipedia and saw their total

 

11 minutes ago, Maw74 said:

 

And that isn't counting "play-offs" either.

Ok so under the crippling and overwelming uproar of leaving Spurs off the list...I've added Spurs to the list.

I've also made it all the more tricky. I added the Misc Leagues that arent showing on Wikipedia but are in the FM trophy cabinet so it's only right I do it for Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs.

So Chelsea won the English Full Members Cup in 1986 and 1990 they are added to the totals. Arsenal have nothing of the sort. Spurs have 2 "Misc Leagues". 

It means we are looking like this...

If anybody asks me to add West Ham they will be laughed out of existance. 

[Maw74]

1 minute ago, andychar said:

if anybody asks me to add West Ham they will be laughed out of existance. 

You are already way above them now anyway.

[Mandy42]

9 minutes ago, andychar said:

 

Ok so under the crippling and overwelming uproar of leaving Spurs off the list...I've added Spurs to the list.

I've also made it all the more tricky. I added the Misc Leagues that arent showing on Wikipedia but are in the FM trophy cabinet so it's only right I do it for Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs.

So Chelsea won the English Full Members Cup in 1986 and 1990 they are added to the totals. Arsenal have nothing of the sort. Spurs have 2 "Misc Leagues". 

It means we are looking like this...

If anybody asks me to add West Ham they will be laughed out of existance. 

This is only a small piece of my revenge for you tricking me into buying FM20

[Maw74]

Just now, Mandy42 said:

This is only a small piece of my revenge for you tricking me into buying FM20

Nah, it is right though, yeah I am a Spurs fan but got to win more than Spurs first before catching and overtaking the other 2.

[andychar]

Club World Cup

Final

So we had the chance to be World Champions and add another Trophy to the list.

To add spice to proceedings.... 

So did Chelsea.

Biggest game ever in this rivalry? Can't be too far off.

Head to Head they have the massive advantage. We haven't come this far to lose it now. Not to Chelsea!

We will be without Chen as he is suspended. 

Just a work permit stands between me and my new CB. He wouldnt have been able to play either way because 1 not registered and 2 cup tied.

Once the Club World Cup is over I'll do a details squad overview...more for me than you lot .

Just before the Final the new CB was announced.

80m he cost me from Real Madrid. It shows how far we have come when players are coming to us from Real Madrid! It's the most I've ever paid for a player but all goes well he could be a rock in defence with Nathan Coppens for the next 15 years!

Anyway onto the Final!

0-0 at the break. We had a man sent off after 5 minutes. 5 minutes! It's going to be a long game. That saying said we have had a few chances of note. Lets see what happens in the second half. Fatigue is starting to sit in as well.

Unbelievable! He asked for a new contract recently which I've given him and Radicevic has shown why. Huge goal! Fulham are now 7 minutes plus stoppage time away from being World Champions.

Heartbreak! Philip does it again and again and again against Fulham. It's got to be Chelsea's to lose now. Surely!

90th minute Torres should win it for Fulham! A last ditch tackle in the Fulham box leads to a breakaway and its 3 v 2. He selfishly keeps hold of the ball and blasts it into the side netting. I don't know if these Fulham players can do another 30. They are dead on their feet.

93rd minute, corner to Fulham, this is it...its headed away. 1-1.

Fulham have played 85 minutes with 10 men, they are going to have to play another 30.

Fulham are really going to have to dig deep now as the keeper shows just why they want a new one.

Game over. The man advantage has finally paid off.

What could have been. William Tapia has played his final 5 minutes against me. 4 years of hard work ended with 1 stupid tackle. He will never put on the shirt again.

[andychar]

Its a subtle change but a change nonetheless. Chelsea become the first London side to win the Club World Cup. It takes their total to 50 only 3 behind Arsenal. We have a full season ahead where we have the chance to win 4 trophies. Starting with the Community Shield. I wasn't bothered about it before, now I am!

[Mandy42]

OUCH! glad you came back?  

Who do you have in the community shield? 

[andychar]

Pre-Season, Friendlies and all that Jazz

So with the World Club Cup Pre-season was short this year and it was straight into friendlies. No London Cup this season. A small price to pay I suppose.

Not the best of starts to the season. We have a semi competant back up so not going to lose tooooo much sleep. 

The 80m obviously took a massive chunk out. We still have 30m to play with and a decent wage budget but I think I'm going to keep hold of it for now. 

As things stand (I have no intention of losing anybody or bringing anybody in) the predictions look like this...

We are expected to be there or thereabouts. I'm happy with that.

Always good news.

Claudio comes to us for free after United let him go. He does have a hefty wage bill but I'm hoping he's worth it.

It means I now have quite a few CB's. I'm happy with the depth I have there although I think some players won't be.

Friendlies went well. We were set up nicely for another good season.

[andychar]

2037/38 Fulham Squad

Goalkeepers

Emilio has been out starter for 4 years now near enough. Bought for 10.75m he has been solid if not spectacular. 

Ivan is going to be the number 1 this season, mainly due to his age and the fact he could improve to be better. Although if I had more money I'd be going into the market for a new keeper that's for sure.

Defenders

Coppens is brilliant and only getting better. Hitting his 3rd season with us, bought for 69m (nice). 7.12 average last season. He will hopefully be leading the line for a decade and more.

You have seen the 2 new signings who will be with Coppens.

Ivan will be the 3rd starter. He is listed as a Wonderkid. Only 20 he could be amazing. He was bought in January last season for 5.75m Potential bargain.

Angulo is now number 5 and might see his game time drop. Been the starter for 5 seasons now. He might be uphappy come January. 25m he cost me.

At Number 6 Tapia might not see any time at all this season. Will have to see what happens. Plenty of time on his contract so might be selling.

Wingers

Man I remember Nardini being the first big money transfer and I was wondering if he was going to be worth it. That was 4 years ago and his worst season he finished with 6.96 average. He is one of the first names on the teamsheet. 

His back up remains Sarnowski. I swear I've been getting rid of this guy for years. He is entering his 7th year now and I know he's always reliable.

Groza another stand out player. He is injured for first month or so and will be missed. Entering his 4th season he cost me 69m (nice) and hasn't dropped below 7 as an average. Fantastic purchase.

His back up is purely that. Dont think he will ever be the first choice. But he was cheap and does a job so no complaints.

Defensive Mid

How is Bonnin only 27? Entering his 8th season with us his average has never dipped below 7. Fantastic player and pleased I've got him for another few years yet. He doesn't have a back up so to speak but there are plenty who can fill in.

Midfielders

Chen is a player on paper is amazing but doesn't always perform. 69m (nice) he cost last season and he finished with a 6.93 average. 

Anybody who remembers this save remembers Gugu. I love this man. I want his virtual babies. 26k he cost. Just 26k and he's now worth 73m although it will take 200m to get him off me. 7.40 average last season. He is huge to our future chances.

Real Madrid want Torres, I've told him I'll not sell but if they come in with a good bid I'll be hard pressed to turn it down. He is entering his 7th season after we spent 22.5m on him. Very consistent player.

Juan is the same. Entering his 8th season with us he has never dropped below 7 average rating. He is deffo number 3 in CM. He cost me 15m and he more than paid that back.

Strikers

I have always struggled with Strikers and haven't had a 30 goal season from anybody on this save. Here are the 5 looking to do just that.

Fran is new. 53m was his release clause so I feel its a bit of a steal. Hoping his can fill the hole that Filipp left.

Hector despite his age can still do a job. 14 goals last season in the Premier League. High hopes for another good season. His contract is up at the end of the season. I will make a decision in January.

On paper Vlatko should be amazing I think. Only scored 5 goals for us (mainly off the bench admittedly). He has just signed a new contract, I am willing to give him a chance.

Markovic is very much new. 6.75m. He is listed as a wonderkid. I have high hopes for him. Very young. 

I've left Adjas till last. It feels like I've had him since the start. He's entering his 8th season with us and honestly he feels ike he's been waiting to take off. Never really made it but I keep him around. The fact he's worth 66m is beyond me. I picked him up for free so if I can sell him for 80m I wouldn't say no!

[andychar]

Fulham

August 2037

Premier League

As starts go it could be easier. We face 3 out of the predicted top 7. 

We start with the chance to win another trophy. We are favourites. First time I've really taken the Community Shield seriously!

Unusual to see a defender favourite for this. I'll take it if it happens though!

Good news for me and another tick for giving him a new contract.

Surprised Gugu isn't mentioned in the main award. Coppens set for greatness it seems.

With 4 days before the start of the season in the Community Shield we are now 2nd favouirtes to win the league. Fingers crossed!

[andychar]

Fulham

August 2037

Premier League & Community Shield

Tricky start! 3 out of the top 7 predicted to start the season. 

We start though with a chance to catch up another trophy on Spurs apprently. Never taken a Community Shield this seriously before. Its a real chance to claw one back.

Great win. Sending off obviously helped kill the game but at 2-0 we were in control before it. 1 goal each for the new strikers is always a very good sign.

We add a trophy. It's going to be a while until we see this screen again. Fingers crossed it will be around February with the League Cup Final!

[Mandy42]

50% return on trophies in the new era! Spurs days are numbered!

[andychar]

August 2037

We another trophy in the bag we start our bid for another in the Premier League. Away to City is one of the hardest games we could have asked for.

I started (against my better judgement) Fuentenebro and it will be the last time. Awful mistake at the end made it 2-0. We got a consolation but nothing more. Poor start to the season.

Arsenal next, not an easy game to bounce back.

Fran injured in training. He will be out of 11 days. We have been hit early by injuries. We currently sit top of the injury table for amount.

We lose Adjas before the Arsenal game. That's number 7.

And now we lose our back up WBR. This is seriously taking the mick. We have our First Choice WBL and WBR and our back Up WBL and WBR all injured.

Welcome back eh.

Luckily Nardini is back to full training just before the game. He will be playing 90 against Arsenal. Not ideal but no other choice!

What an awful start. We have been boring. We have lacked passion and ideas. We have 1 point.

Leicester up and it gets no easier.

We needed that win. We needed that luck. We dominated from start to finish so I was annoyed with the penalty. Luckily we took advantage of the sending off. I've been playing Ferretti in Midfield and he's been decent, gives me another option off the bench. Good to see Fran on the scoresheet!

Bournemouth away rounds up the month. If we can win then I can say its not been a horrible start, just a challenging one. A loss or draw and its been a horrible start!

We are going to break clubs records and hopefully get more money!

League Cup 3rd Round has been drawn...

It's not a hard draw and even our back up's should win.

The Champions League Group Stage has also been drawn, we went in as First Seed thanks to the Premier League win.

Could have been better, could have been worse. I'll be disappointed if we don't qualify. We have faced all 3 teams in knockout before and dispatched all of them.

Good win to finish the month. We played well, that 2nd half was brilliant to watch.

We are 7th but only 3 points off top. Look at World Champions Chelsea. Bottom 3. Difficult start for them!

[andychar]

36 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

50% return on trophies in the new era! Spurs days are numbered!

If I can do that all the way can have this bad boy finished in a decade!

[Mandy42]

1 hour ago, andychar said:

If I can do that all the way can have this bad boy finished in a decade!

Only if Chelsea or Arsenal don't win the other half! 

If Chelsea get relegated and then win the Championship does that count?

[andychar]

2 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

Only if Chelsea or Arsenal don't win the other half! 

If Chelsea get relegated and then win the Championship does that count?

It does. Not that I’m worried. Although I’ll need to keep an eye on Crystal Palace. I bet they have about 10 championships by now. 

[andychar]

Fulham

September 2037

Premier League, Champions League and League Cup

3 competitions this month. 

Mainly home games and 2 big games in the league. Liverpool and Chelsea.

There's an International break to start the month.

If anybody has spotted fixtures looking weird, its because I've been playing an online game with "do not move fixtures" turned on. I've turned it back off but I don't think it will change the early fixtures.

Liverpool starts the month, they have had the same start as us so would be nice to put some points between us even at this stupidly early stage.

We were rocked by 2 quick goals pretty much against the run of play but we battled and were more than deserving of a point in the end. Some draws are better than others, I'm more than happy with this point. 

We open our Champions League bid next away to Benfica. Should be a win but you just never know.

We broke a 99 year old record and I'm delighted. Shows how far we have come as a club. Although surprised not broke the gate receipts record.

This got me thinking what record currenty stands that we haven't broken in game? After looking the answer is...quite a lot. Moving on!

So now amazingly 5 minute straight red isn't the quickest of the season! We played with 10 men for 87 minutes, so a point is a decent result. Frustrating.

Newcastle away, 2 draws in a row. Would love a win.

Another second half comeback from 2-0 down but honestly we need to stop getting ourselves in that position. They scored from their only 2 shots on target, its not good enough. 

We host Hull City next in the League Cup. I will be replacing most players and it should still be enough!

And it was. Good performance. Nice to win big. We move onto the 4th Round. So do Arsenal and Chelsea with Spurs falling.

It's Championship away. Should be enough to see us through.

Next up its World Champions vs World Champion Runner Up or as it is now 15th v 9th.

Another absolutely awful display of finishing. I swear I'm cursed to have awful strikers for the duration of this save. Another draw. Poor, very very poor.

It means

We already sit 7 points off top but only 3 off the Top 4. Not been a great start really only 2 wins in 7 in the league.

We have one more game this month as we host Shakhtar in the Champions League. It has the feel of a must win already.

Ooooooo. It will probably take me another 1000 to finish this challenge.

Disappointed it was only 5! Their keeper conceded 5 and finished with a 7.3 rating, tells you everything you need to know.

Back to back games against Juventus coming up. Big games if we want to win the Group.

[andychar]

Fulham

October 2037

Premier League, League Cup and Champions League

3 different competitions again. I see this as a winnable month. We need to take advantage and hopefully close the game on Man United. Starting at 6th palce Stoke.

Suppose can afford to charge more in the Champions League.

So despite new stadium and what not we are still losing 9m a year! We need more commercial income! If we are going to survive our current wage budget. Although I wonder if that's down to games not being moved for TV.

We are a B- after a tricky start. Would be typical getting sacked after coming back!

It wasn't pretty but it was a win. At this stage I will take points over performance. Another clean sheet as well. 4th in a row.

International Break is next and it will be spent praying there are no injuries!

Get in! Big goal. Adjas' first this season and what a time to get it. Big goal.

Juventus away next. Be happy with a point then hopefully beat them at home.

I asked the question in hope rather than expectation...

Will increase the capacity by another 5k. By done for next season. Anything to keep the money coming along. Once we are in a position where we are not losing money every month I'll be very happy indeed. It's the pressure of doing well in the Champions League to stay alive I don't like!

3 1-0 wins in a row. 3 different match winners. Great result this and it gives us control on the Group.

Tight though.

Barnsley up next in the league and a chance to keep the momentum going. Sounds easy but against Van Dijk as a manager I've been poor.

I mean technically the 3rd came before the 2nd. I've had worst 3 minutes either way. Good result against a Barnsley side surprising some.

We stay in South Yorkshire travelling slightly South as we face Sheffield United in the League Cup. I will be rotating. I know the aim is to win trophies and the League Cup should be seen as important as the rest, tell that to the board though!

I reckon I'll hit 1600 before this challenge is completed. 600 is amazing for me if you have read my previous saves you know I don't like sticking around very much.

I made 10 changes but it was a good straight forward win in the end. Into the Quarters we go.

There's 600 for Fulham.

Swansea at home rounds up the month with a chance of 100%. They are rock bottom so we will be expected to win.

Chelsea were surprisingly knocked out of the League Cup by Barnsley. Means only Arsenal to worry about. I'm very much working with "if we don't win it as long as they don't!"

Premier League Derby away. It could have been worse. Arsenal go to Barnsley. Fingers crossed they can wipe another out!

I wanted a good month and we got a great month. Good solid performance here. 

6 games 6 wins only 1 goal conceded. Table looks like this...

United remain unbeaten but have dropped points meaning we are right on their heels.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and Champions League

November 2037

Smaller month this month 

Big month in Champions League where we will be hopefully wrapping up safe passage to the knockouts. Chance for more wins in the Premier League as well.

Next month is interesting. We always seem to play a team back to back at Christmas, this year...

We do it twice! Huge games against United but it will be nice to get them over with and then have the rest of the season to either pull away or catch up!

Anyway that's getting ahead of ourselves. Juventus at home next. A win will surely see us grab top spot. A draw keeps it interesting but at least keeps us in charge.

Fantastic win and we seem to have Juventus' number. Gives us control of the group ahead of our next game against Benfica.

International Break and the seemingly month pray that nobody will get injured.

I have a feeling we might break this again before the end of the season.

Financially we lost 12m last month. That's just staggering. I'm hoping now games are being moved for TV it will be better.

Praying wasn't enough. He's a loss but not a massive one as we have strength in depth in CB.

Another good win. We are keeping the pressure on.

Benfica next. A win and top is ours.

Another nice easy win. 

We top the Group with a game to play. Juve and Benfica fight it out on the final gameweek for that second spot.

So as it stands who could we face?

Lyon, Club Brugge, Porto all can finish 2nd in Group A. Inter, Monaco, CSKA and RBL can still finish 1st or 2nd in Group B. Between Bayern and Barca in Group C. PSG or Leverkusen in Group D. Ameins or Mainz in Group E. Augsberg could still pip Man United to 2nd in Group G. Atletico Madrid or Besiktas in Group H. So quite a few teams. Could be 1 of 16 teams as it stands.

One final game this month as we host Villa before the start of a crazy busy December.

Very good half. We took our foot off the gas in the second but I'm happy.

It means the table looks like this...

Only the two games this month but it's big. We are level with United. 11 wins in a row in all competitions. Life is good at the moment.

[Mandy42]

are Juve still walking serie A every year? If so that 5-1 win is even more impressive!

Just got to smash Utd back to back in December and it's all over but the English cricket team style collapse! 

[henryzz]

If moving games for tv is turned off do clubs gain less income? I would have thought they wouldn't want to change the financials with that sort of option.

[andychar]

10 hours ago, henryzz said:

If moving games for tv is turned off do clubs gain less income? I would have thought they wouldn't want to change the financials with that sort of option.

To be honest I don’t know. I think I was clutching at straws as to why we were losing so much every month!

10 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

are Juve still walking serie A every year? If so that 5-1 win is even more impressive!

Just got to smash Utd back to back in December and it's all over but the English cricket team style collapse! 

They haven’t been dominant at all. Obviously didn’t win last season otherwise wouldn’t have been in our group. Them and Inter have been swapping titles for a while with the odd Roma shoved in. 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, League Cup and Champions League

December 2037

Bah this is what happens when you leave a post opened and the Mrs uses your laptop!

3 games into the month and I lose my post so starting from stratch.

The Wolves game was bizarre, it looks like we destroyed them but in reality it as a close game. Very satisfying win indeed.

The Watford game was the first time in a long time we were behind. We recovered well to open a 3-1 lead. We conceded with 10 minutes to go for a nervy finish. We held on for a priceless victory. This is the sort of win that Title Challengers are mounted on.

I made 9 changes for the nothing game against Shakhtar. They are not a good time. We destroyed them and it could have been double figures. Very happy. 

Straight forward stuff in the end. 

Who can we face then in the Knockout Out stage?

Its either Club Brugge, AS Monaco, Barcelona, Bayer Levekusen, Amiens or Atletico Madrid. So I think 4/6 will be a nice draw. So we all know its going to be Barcelona.

So that's you caught up with most things. Time for Spurs at home.

Well at 4-1 I thought this was in the bag. Spurs made it interesting. Close game and Spurs played better than their league place suggests.

Derby back to back next on in the cup and one in the league.

Well it wasn't Barcelona but it was the other team I wanted to avoid which is pretty typical! Barcelona got Liverpool so I suppose, it could have been worse. Lets see what February will bring.

Tempted to make a few changes in the League Cup but not a great amount. There are a few players who could do with a rest so they will get it. Arsenal bag a Semi Final place, pressure is on.

Get f*****. They played for 0-0 they did absolutley nothing all game and one the one time they actually ventured into our half they got a penalty and scored it. So yeah. Salty.

We better destroy them in the league because I'm not happy about that.

I wish nothing but hate and harm against Derby. They didn't play football in either game. They are an embarssment to football. If a League Two team did this I would understand but this is another Premier League team. They don't deserve to be in the Top Divsion. Oh so very salty!

Right now I've got that off my chest its United back to back now. We are a few points behind them now so we can't slip up.

Oooooooooo I've just remembered something I put in the last update before I lost it...so I've bought a new GK.

Ivan never really forced himself into the team so he's being shipped off in Janaury. Jan comes in the Summer because he won't be a starter just yet. 11.25 was his release clause. He will be loaned out next season I reckon.

His potential is 100% there and if I play this correct he could be between our sticks for 2 decades!

Amazing isn't it. Awful against Derby twice, go up against top of the table and 3-0 up at HT. Gugu missed a penalty in the second half but can't really grumble. Fantastic result.

We play them again next and amazingly with a win we can open a cushion up at the top of the table to finish off 2037. Avoiding defeat would be great.

Disappointed to concede so late but honestly they deserved it. No complaints with the point, its a good point!

At the half way stage we sit top but Liverpool have made this a 3 horse race. We are in for an exciting second half of the season.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and FA Cup

January 2038

Another busy month and a big one for the Premier League. We start in the Cup though and a massive chance to rotate and gain a bit of much needed fitness.

Straightforward enough. Lots of changes but it was always going to be enough.

Very nice draw in the next Round. Home to League 1 Wigan. Arsenal away to Derby, Chelsea at home to Leeds. Both should win.

West Ham away in the league. Top v 2nd bottom but with a London Derby anything can happen.

Second league game in a row we have let a 1 goal lead slip and we are starting to see cracks form in what was a very solid defence. Not happy with this point in the slightest.

Stoke at home next, they have had a brilliant season and find themselves in 4th. Not going to be easy.

Huge goal! We dominated this game from straight to finish. I was ready with the screenshot to show the stats and complain how we can't win these games at the moment then boom! Huge last second winner.

Chelsea away next. They have improved and look set to challenge for the European places. Won't be easy either way.

Honours even. Very even game, no complaints with the result. We surrender top once again but its a decent enough point in my eyes.

Barnsley at home next. Going to have to fight through the fatigue.

Smashing win and United slip up so for the 4th game in a row the lead at the top changes hands.

Wigan at home next. 9 changes have been made.

Not at all convincing but a win is a win and I'm not going to complain.

Newcastle at home, goes under could be better could be worse. Arsenal at home to City, tough draw while Chelsea host Barnsley. They should win that.

Everton up next. They are the wrong side of the table. 

Liverpool will face Man Utd in the League Cup Final. Arsenal knocked out meaning no changes to the Trophies in London. 3 more trophies still to fight for this season.

Not good enough once again. You do not win Championships losing a 3-1 lead against a team in the bottom 3. 

West Ham at home, this has to be a win. No excuses.

Good performance, good win and a good bounce back from the previous game.

Sold two players this transfer window. Our 5th choice Striker and 6th choice CB have gone for 95m. I'm more than happy with that. 

It means after 2 busy months the table looks like this...

We haven't lost since the opening day defeat to City. Its looking good but with United and Liverpool games in hand it could get tight. City only 6 points off as well.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Sitting very pretty.

[Mandy42]

Still in the hunt for 3 trophies! Keep up the pressure 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and Champions League

February 2038

Quieter month but just as important.

I want to CRUSH Derby. Big games this month. Luckily some time to rest.

Got to be said its another disappointing draw. Both sides had a goal chalked off and they actually missed a penalty but honestly we should have won that. Annoying.

Champions League action next. We will be favourites but it won't be easy.

Great result. Helped with the sending off but we were looking good before it. Tie very much in our hands.

Huge game in the league next against Man City. Us and United dropping points has bought Liverpool and City back in the title race.

Massive win. Brilliant performance. We looked dangerous everytime we went forward. Delighted.

Got my eye on this guy. They want 62m plus 40% of the profit. His contract runs out next season. I can play this game.

Derby next. I don't just want to win. I want to crush them (although at this point I'd settle for a 1-0 in off somebodies arse.

Well it will do. Good win. 10 games to go.

Liverpool and United played each other in the League Cup so didn't play in the leauge. We took advantage and opened up a bit of a gap at the top. Obviously game in hand to come but I'd always prefer the points than the games. Swansea are 10 games away from an unwanted record.

[andychar]

12 hours ago, Nobby_McDonald said:

Sitting very pretty.

This is the most confidence I've had in this team the entire save. Before I've felt we have been clinging onto title challenges but this time I actually believe we are going to do it. Incoming collapse!

7 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

Still in the hunt for 3 trophies! Keep up the pressure 

2 would be nice. 3 would be brilliant. Already got the Community Shield in the bag this season so another 1 or 2 would be a bonus.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League

March 2038

No rest at the moment.

Not until the end of the month. Chance to keep our dream of the Treble alive. As mentioned before this is the first real season I feel we have the depth in order to challenge for the treble.

Well it took 30 minutes longer than what I would have wanted but a wins a win and we are in the hat for the Quarter Finals. Just glad there wasn't a replay.

Couple of names in the hat I'd like including Rotherham!

Beautiful. 1st and 2nd out the hat. Literally couldn't have wished for a better draw a this stage.

Back to the League. Spurs have been awful this season and only sit 4 points off relegation. I don't want them to go down because I think it would be an easy trophy for them next season. Be nice to pile on the misery though.

MIsery piled on. Obviously the early sending off helped us take control and keep control. Great performance though. They have good players its hard to see why they are in so much trouble.

Champions League action next. I like to think we did enough away but we can't assume the job is done.

Job done. Straight forward. Very happy. Lets hope for a kind draw, although not sure that exsists in the Quarters of the Champions League.

3 different competitions so far this month 3 wins.

Watford next as we look to keep everybody at bay.

This is the sort of game Champions are made. We weren't great at all. We got the win. Huge 3 points. 

It opens up a 9 point lead at the top although United do have 2 games in hand.

Villa up next. Last game this month in the league and a chance to finish strong heading into the final 2 months.

Good solid win. Very happy. It's been a brilliant month.

Rotherham up next to finish off the month and we will be resting as many players as possible.

It was never going to be an easy draw. We are going to have to be at our best. It will be either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the Semi Final. No London club in this so no need to worry.

No English team left in the Europa League at the Quarter Final stage either, that surprises me.

Wolves going strong in the Conference League. So no London issues in Europe this season.

Lots of changes but it was always going to be enough. Very happy. Semi Final bound.

20th March. Month over. Just the final draw of the season to do...Us, Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester make it up.

Are we on for a all London final?

Table...

We still have that advantage. That game in hand will be cruical. Not long to go now!

 

 

 

[andychar]

So I was actually a little premature with the table. Games in hand were played....

Look at Chelsea only 3 points off the Top 4. United won meaning we still feel their breath on our neck!

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup

April 2038

The treble is still alive.

Youth wise it was another disappointing intake. I don't think I've seen anybody come through I could actually use.

In the league I think we have 4 winnable games. If we can manage that then worst case scenario the lead at the top will be 3 with 3 to play.

Very comfortable confident performance. 6 to go. United win their game its as you were.

PSG up. We need to go to Paris with a lead I reckon. I can see us breaking our gate receipt record here as well.

We did everything but score. 0-0 isn't the worst result at home in the Champions League. A score draw will see us through.

Top v bottom next. I've played enough FM to be worried about this game. United destroy West Ham before we play. Means we are level on points going into our game. Pressure's on.

Goddamn frustration in a nutshell. 1) Missed penalty 2) 21 shots and only 5 on target 3) They spent the entire match kicking us. Horrible 90 minutes to watch and 2 dropped points. Could be 2 vital points dropped.

We turn out attention back on the Champions League next. 0-0 in the first leg. I'd take another draw as long as we score.

I wasnt even aware this was happening.

Fantastic result. Technically another 0-0, we seem to be struggling for goals at a cruicial time in the season. But we are through to the Champions League Semi Final. That's all that matters here.

Home leg finishes this month.

Liverpool up next in the FA Cup Semi Final. We are looking shattered after that Extra Time. This is going to be tough.

We weren't the better side in the slightest but that is a brilliant result. Into the Final we go!

Another brilliant result as Man United lose against Spurs. Out lead at the top is still 1 point but we now have a game in hand to really take control.

Who will we face in the Cup Final?

Was meant to be wasn't it. One trophy will go to London, who will catch up on Arsenal?

Back to the league now, we still have 2 more games this month. Southampton at home, winnable game. Big game. Fatigue levels are at an all time low.

Fantastic win! We move 4 points clear with 4 games to go.

We still have Leicester and Liverpool to play away from home so its not in the bag yet. Bournemouth up next at home.

Bare minimum achieved at least.

Great win. We stay 4 points ahead with 3 games to go. We could technically win the league in our next game.

First up though we play Madrid at home. I would take another 0-0 but a win would be huge. But if you have followed this thread you know its prime for a milking.

Here's the table.

The top 4 race is looking good while we are 2 wins from the title.

 

 

[andychar]

Fulham

Champions League

Semi Final Leg 1

We have only played Real Madrid in one set of fixtures before.

A famous result in 2036 on the way to lifting the one and only Champions League in Fulham's history. 2 years later more of the same is needed. We are underdogs no doubt about it.

Madrid have walked La Liga this season making it 7 years in a row!

We can beat them though...right?

I rested a few players against Bournemouth so we should be good playing our stongest XI apart from Groza who is injured.

18th minute and the first real chance. Gugu brings it forward, his cross finds the head of Fran who heads it straight at the keeper. Madrid are bossing the possession but nothing much happening.

25th minute - Markovich brings the ball forward with a nice mazy run but his shot is wide. Neither keeper really troubled so far today. Cagey game. Will a goal open this up?

43rd minute - Corner to Fulham. It finds the head of Chen Hao and honestly if that hits the target its a goal. It didn't and its not. Best chance of the game so far.

FULHAM LEAD! Out of nothing really. A free kick half way into Madrid's half wipped beautifully in and its Borja the 80m CB signed from Real Madrid in the Summer. You couldn't have scripted it any better. Fulham 1-0 Real Madrid. 

It's not been a classic so far but the 52 out of the 55k fans in the Stadium won't care at the moment. Big second half coming.

And just like that its advantage Madrid. A simple ball over the top slotted home perfectly by Adam, the ex Liverpool man has bought us level. We are in for an intriguing second half now.

50th minute - Its going a bit wrong for Fulham now. Nardini limps off. His game is over.

66th minute - The game has slowed. Adjas comes on as Fulham look to find a winner.

85th minute - Honestly that is the first good save of the game. Fulham come forward. Fran has the shot its blocked but falls to Saucedo who fires a rocket on goal. The keeper produces a huge save which keeps Madrid in control of this tie.

A goal either side has kept this tie close heading to Spain. 

No complaints with the result, it wasn't a great game, we forced 1 great save other than that, nothing really.

Bayern Leverkusen drew their first leg tie against City 1-1 aswell so there's all to play for in both Semis. 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

Gameweek 36

3 games to go. We travel to Leicester who are still fighting for a Top 4 place. Huge game with a lot of ramifications. Bottom line is if results go our way we are Champions.

We have to do it without Nardini whose season is over after that injury in the Madrid game. Sarnowski will once again play a huge part in this team. The man who I swear for the past 5 seasons I've been thinking of getting rid of.

Manchester United host 12th place Watford. Should be straight forward for them.

Its only a little thing but we have been 2nd/1st pretty much all season and we have won Manager of the Month once!

We play before United so the lead could be 7 points by the end of the game.

7th minute - Fulham have the first chance and once against Fran is found wanting in the air. Header straight at the keeper. He has had flashes of brilliance this season. Have to remember he's young and new to the Premier League, he has shown enough to keep the faith.

13th minute - He let Fulham down in the air now he's just done the same on the ground. Huge chance and he's hit it straight at the keeper, through on goal.

27th minute - Fran! Once again he wastes a brilliant chance. Gugu will an absolutely brilliant through ball. Fran smashes it straight at the keeper. He is having a shocker.

Its been Fran v Maas and the Leicester keeper is winning.

50th minute - McGowan wasting no time Adjas is on.

59th minute - Fulham come forward but every cross is headed away and every shot blocked. Fran off Lillingstom on. Fulham new set of attackers.

64th minute - For the first time Leicester come forward and a nice crossed is headed over the bar. 0-0 here. Is this a good point for Fulham and Leciester?

67 minute - Leciester in the game now and Belshaw picks it up on the half way line and drives forward. Great run ends with his dragging his shot wide.

And just when Leicester start coming forward Fulham punish them. A very good ball forward by Gugu finds Adjas who has the collectiveness to slot it home. Fulham take a huge lead.

77th minute - What a goal saving tackle that is. Cross comes in to Adjas who thinks all he has to do is hit this and its in. In comes the Leicester defender with a vital leg. Still 1-0.

78th minute - Leciester go up from that tackle and force a corner. The corner comes in and the striker ghosts in at the near post only to poke it the wrong side of the post. Close.

Fulham are going to finish this game with 10 men. Ferretti who was the 3rd Sub has been forced off. It's going to be a nervy last 10.

Fulham have been brilliant all season defensively. Can they hold on?

6 minutes of stoppage time. Ferretti was down a while. No finger nails remain on both sets of supporters.

Fulham hold on for what is a huge 3 points. They now wait for the Man Utd result.

Another season over.

A draw wouldn't have mathematically won the league for Fulham but it would have been a 6 point lead. United have been king of the last minute goals this season and its a goal that keeps their title hopes alive.

The race for the Final Top 4 place is going to be a good one!

[Mandy42]

conflicted now! I wanted Stoke in the Champions League, but I don't want Chelsea out! 

Though Man City in the conference would be fabulous! 

I think you want Chelsea in the tougher competition, they would have to go some to not do well in the Europa competitions 

[andychar]

12 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

conflicted now! I wanted Stoke in the Champions League, but I don't want Chelsea out! 

Though Man City in the conference would be fabulous! 

I think you want Chelsea in the tougher competition, they would have to go some to not do well in the Europa competitions 

Yeah that's a very good point. They would smash the Conference no worries. Hopes that somebody could stop them in Europa but yeah. They ideally would get Top 4. Luckily we are both chasing Arsenal at the moment so wouldn't be the end of the World.

Edited July 23, 2020 by andychar

[andychar]

Fulham

Champions League

Semi Final Second Leg

1-1 after a very even game. We need to score first I think. First goal winner, that's my prediction.

I kept some players back for the last league game in hopes that players aren't burnt out. 

We are underdogs. No question. A win wouldn't just be a trip to the Final but it would bag a Club World Cup place in 3 more seasons!

2nd minute - Early Drama and its to VAR we go. Madrid are adament the foul was in the box, Fulham unsurprisingly think it was outside...here comes the Ref. Its a Free Kick! Which goes to nothing. Real early let off for Fulham.

Huge early away goal! Simple Corner find the head of Gugu who makes no mistake! 20th of the season for him from Midfield. What a player he is.

And the lead has gone. A cross that should have been dealt with and a header than should have been saved. Neither happen and Madrid are level. We are set up for a massive 75 minutes here.

Both teams have scored from their first attempt on goal.

Huge goal! Madrid now need 2 goals. The cross comes in, its headed away but only as far as Gugu who dinks the ball back in and its Fran who heads his 21nd of the season home. 

3 goals 3 headers and you feel this game isn't over just yet.

45 +1 minutes - Fulham should have control. Another lovely cross from Groza finds Fran's head but this time he heads it wide.

Big 45 ahead. Can Fulham home on and claim a Final place?

The worst thing that could happen from a Fulham standpoint is an early second half goal for Madrid.

He scored in the first leg and now its come back to Madrid and maybe put the final nail in their Champions League coffin. A free kick wipped in and its another header. Fulham are in control and seemingly heading to the Champions League Final.

Game on! Adam heads home from the cross and Madrid have a way back in this tie. Remember away goals count so they need 2. They have half hour to get it. Suddenly the celebrations from the travelling Fulham fans have changed into nerves.

What an unbelievable game! Once again its a simple free kick looped in and headed home. Neither side have dealt with anything pumped into the box. 6 goals 6 headers. 

This tie has been turned completely on its head and now you feel its Madrid who are in the driving seat. They still need 1 more goal but you wouldn't bet against them.

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. Straight from the kickoff Fulham drive forward. Gugu finds himself with the ball in the box, he lashes it towards goal and it finds the back of the net. Is that the goal that finally wins this tie for Fulham? Madrid are going to have to dig deep once again.

Gugu has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. Talk about performing on the big stage.

86th minute - A highlight with a goal! Rare tonight. Gugu with a thunderous drive from outside the box. Brilliantly saved. That would have been a richly deserved hat-trick.

87th minute - Fulham look the more deadly. Amazingly this doesn't go in, it bounces around the box, a few shots go in but they are blocked, including one seemingly destined to hit an empty net. Still 4-3. TIme is fast running out for Madrid.

What a game of football. Don't think anybody can argue the better team didn't win tonight. 

Fulham have had some famous away nights over the past few years but this will have to top the lot. Massive night.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

Gameweek 37

Before we get into the League lets round up the Champions League.

Something to look forward to in 2041! Only 1142 days away.

Question now is who will we play in the Final. I will obviously prefer Levekusen but its City who will be favourites. Taking a 1-1 draw to the Etihad.

An all English Final awaits.

Right back to the League. The equation is simple here. Fulham win and they are Champions. Lose or draw and it depends on what United do. Their final game of the season is Liverpool at Anfield, they will not want to have to go there needing a result.

Just to show you why I want Gugu's virtual babies this is the season he has had...

I mean that's World Player of the Year stuff.

We play before United which is good because it means we can win the league and not have it won for us.

5th minute - Fran went for the spectacular when maybe the simple would have been enough. Big early chance. Still 0-0.

7th minute - The ball is in the back of the net and Coppens thinks he's opened the scoring. He was just offside and no complaints are made. Fulham knocking on the door early on.

15 minute - Newcastle showing they aren't just here to make up the numbers. A decent strike from outside the box. A comfortable save is made. 

39th minute - Its not been a great game, you can almost sense the tension. Gugu has a fine shot but straight at the keeper. Neither keeper have been troubled really.

46th minute - Corner from Gugu met by Markovich who heads it over. That sums up this half really.

A point isn't good enough for Fulham and right now they haven't been good enough to get anything else.

46th minute - Another goal chalked off for offside and this time it was the visitors who thought they had spoilt the party! Still 0-0 here and all to play for.

49th minute - Gugu has a free kick in a dangerous spot but its straight at the keeper who tips it over the bar.

73rd minute - This has not been a good game at all. Fulham have made 3 subs. The manager has thrown all the dice in a bid to get this title won today.

87th minute - That should have been it! The Newcastle defender dillies with the ball and loses it. Adjas is put clean through but his shot is saved. That is the save that keeps United's title hopes alive.

Poor game of football. European hangover? Either way its over to United.

Its out 12th draw of the season and 5th 0-0 of the season.

So can United keep their title hopes alive? They travel to the Etihad for a huge Manchester Derby.

God Bless City.

And most importantly...

Green shows what's changed. We are 1 more trophy closer to our target. We can still win 2 more. This season is far from over.

[Mandy42]

I knew you had won it once, but don't remember the 2nd! three in 4 years is pretty special! 

Hopefully the baby maker can keep producing those kind of seasons! 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

Gameweek 38

Its nice to have it wrapped up before this week.

The race for the final Champions League place comes down to the Final day with 4 teams still battling.

Chelsea are at home to 11th place Southampton.

City Travel to basement boys Swansea needing to better Chelsea's result and beat their score by 5.

Leciester host 16th place Barnsley needing Chelsea and City to drop points.

Stoke travel to United needing all the teams below them to lose really.

It doesn't look good for Stoke either way.

My game against Liverpool is pointless and I will be making as many changes as possible.

8 changes made...

You couldn't tell though. Great result. Morale stays high ahead of the cup finals. 

But how did the rest do?

The dream is over for Stoke as Man Utd showed no mercy.

Leicester blew it at home against an already safe Barnsley.

Chelsea drew which opened the door for City. All they needed was to beat 20th place Swansea.

You just couldn't make it up.

If Leicester had won and depending on by how many they could have leapfrogged them both. If Stoke had won (they would have had to win like 13-0) they could have done it as well.

The final league table looks good. Amazed at just how far ahead we finished of Liverpool and Man City at one time this threatened to be a 4 horse race. It wasn't our greatest season points wise but I felt we played the better football consistently this season.

[andychar]

Fulham

Award Night

In the year we bought his future replacement Fuentenebro produces a record breaking season.

So you can say its been a good season.

[andychar]

Fulham

FA Cup Final

Fulham v Chelsea.

Huge game. We are either going to be one closer to the goal of this save or one further away at the end.

We are favourites but only just.

We haven't beaten Chelsea in a competitive fixture in 10. The last time we beat them was in a London Cup game. This is worrying and I didn't know our record against them so was bad!

Near full strength. Only Nardini missing. Sarnowski can hopefully come good.

17th minute - FIrst real chance of the Cup Final and its Fulham. Markovich picks it up on the wing and threads it to Gugu in the box who lays it back to Bonnin. He fires and really should do better. Easy save and its 0-0 still.

Chelsea with the possession, Fulham with the chances but nothing of note. Its been a disappointing Cup Final so far for the neutral.

Sarnowski is only in because of an injury to Nardini but boy did he make himself the most valuable player on the field. Gugu with the ball just outside the box, lovely pass to Sarnowski who fires home past the diving keeper. 

Fulham lead and you can sort of argue its deserved.

Its a goal out of nothing. A stunning free kick hits the bar and bounces on the line, the Chelsea striker is the quickest to react and taps home the easiest goal of his career. Just like that we are level.

73rd minute - Suddenly the wind is in the Chelsea sails. A decent attempt from outside the box goes wide. Still 1-1. We are in for an interesting 15 minutes. If I was a betting man I'd say we are in for Extra Time.

81st minute - Another chance goes begging for Chelsea. Another shot outside the area goes wide, defensive mistake opened the door there and Fulham will be relieved. At the moment there is only one winner.

82nd minute - Adjas does brilliantly and creates himself half a chance, he fires straight at the keeper and Chelsea clear. Just a reminder that this is still 1-1 and Fulham still pose a threat.

83rd minute - You dont get closer to scoring! Corner to Chelsea, header hits the bar and bounces on the line, its a carbon copy of the goal but this time a Fulham defender is first to the ball and it's hacked clear. Absolutely huge clearance.

We have waited nearly 80 minutes but this game has finally come alive!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

Rachid Adjas! Fulham win the ball in midfield and 2 balls later Adjas is through. His shot hits the keeper but bounces straight back to him for him to fire into an open net. Fulham have absolutely rode their luck this last 10 minutes and now have just had the luckiest bounce of them all.

Andrew is reminding the players there are still 5 minutes to go and they need to keep it tight.

94th minute - Corner to Chelsea, this could be the last chance....and its headed over! Fulham are 90 seconds away from their 3rd FA Cup and their first ever domestic double (not counting League Cup)

96th minute - Andrew is furious the game continues. He thinks the whistle should have gone. Chelsea attack and the ball falls to a player on the edge of the box, he faces a brilliant save out of the Fulham keeper and its a corner...

Chelsea are on borrowed time...

Adjas with a towering header clears the ball!

What a cup final this turned out to be after a very slow start. Late late drama and Adjas might be criticised for not reaching his full potential but he just fired himself into Fulham folklore.

And most importantly...

We move onto 22 trophies.

The season is not over yet...