Mr Khan’s Programme Notes

Good afternoon and welcome back to Craven Cottage. It feels wonderful to have our supporters back here on the banks of the Thames after nearly a month away. This is another sellout crowd, and I want to personally thank everyone who has chosen to spend their afternoon with us today. I also want to extend a warm welcome to our visitors from Hull City. The Tigers have had an impressive start to their campaign following that dramatic playoff victory at Wembley last spring, and we fully anticipate quite the test when we kick off at 3pm.

Before we discuss today’s match, I want to reflect on our recent form. Prior to the international break, we were trending upward – draws at Liverpool and here at home against Manchester United, complemented by an excellent victory at West Ham United in the Carabao Cup. That momentum carried us through most of Saturday’s match at Ipswich Town, but we all know how that ended. The result was devastating for all of us, and I won’t pretend otherwise.

And yet, I am reminded of the positive path we have been on and the genuine potential of this team. Our squad is strong, while still coming together. We have been in every match, missing only the opportunities we’ve had to complete the task. I believe those opportunities will soon be seized – especially if we have our supporters in full voice today and beyond.

On that note, I want to extend my personal gratitude to everyone who made the journey to Portman Road on Saturday. Our away support is always excellent, but it was truly exceptional at Ipswich Town and deeply appreciated by me and the entire squad. I know we can count on you today, at Coventry City next week, and certainly when we host Crystal Palace in our next cup tie on 28 October.

Congratulations to all of our FFC players who represented their nations during this extended international break. For some national teams, it spanned four matches – an exhausting but honourable commitment. It was genuinely uplifting to see them all back at Motspur Park the day before the Ipswich match, especially with their spirits so high. I am a believer in the power of national team football and how it can have a positive impact on club play. Fulham is consistently representing well on the global stage, and we are proud of that.

On the transfer front, we have strengthened our squad since my last notes with three incoming signings: David Affengruber, Hugo Larsson, and Manuel Ángel. Each brings quality and potential to our setup, and all have now seen action for us in Premier League play. We also wish good luck to Luc De Fougerolles, who has joined Real Salt Lake on loan. These moves are part of our commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and that commitment is absolute.

I want to welcome Charlie Daniels, who has been appointed as our U21s Head Coach. Charlie’s experience and passion for developing young talent will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our Academy pathway.

Charlie Daniels is pictured with Dan Thomas
Our Women’s team continues to perform well in Tier 3, the Women’s National League. I should note that their recent defeat against Exeter brought an end to an impressive 51-game unbeaten league run spanning three divisions. That is an extraordinary achievement that speaks to the quality and consistency of our women’s programme. While this particular run has ended, it represents the standard of excellence we have set, and I have every confidence it will continue.

I want to draw attention to two important dates:

Next Saturday, on 24 October, we will celebrate Fulhamerica Day throughout the United States with watch parties at more than 20 pubs nationwide. Fulham has been associated with the United States for decades due to the traditional presence of American players on our squad, but today it is taking on a new and exciting dimension. Our fan base in the U.S. is growing impressively across cities throughout the nation. The renowned Amsterdam Tavern in St. Louis will serve as the headquarters pub, with Billy the Badger attending and special activities that will make it worth the visit. Please check fulhamfc.com for more information on where you can join Fulhamerica Day celebrations, presented by ClickHouse.

And, on 7 November, we will honour the fallen at our annual Remembrance Day match against Newcastle United. This moment is always an important reminder of the sacrifices made by generations past that make it possible to enjoy football and life in freedom. It is a privilege to mark this occasion at Craven Cottage.

A poppy wreath rests in front of a plaque commemorating those we lost in World War I and World War II

I also want to extend a special greeting to the many Jacksonville Jaguars fans who are here today from Florida and throughout the United States. The FFC-Jaguars doubleheader in London is truly one of the best weekends of the year, and it’s always a treat to hear later from Jaguars supporters about how much they enjoyed the full experience here at Craven Cottage – from the history to the hospitality to the spectacle of Premier League football. Thank you to our Fulham supporters for welcoming our visitors from Jacksonville with such warmth and enthusiasm.

As we stand here on the cusp of this match, I want to restate that we are on the right path. The squad has shown character, commitment, and capability. We’re close, and the frustration from Saturday is exactly that – a sign of where we want to be and what we expect of ourselves. Today is an opportunity to respond and build momentum.

I am deeply grateful for your attendance today and your passionate support for Fulham Football Club. We know how much this club means to you, and it is our intention to serve you accordingly. Let’s get behind Alvaro and the squad and begin our push today.

Come on, Fulham!