A grey season came to a bright, sunny conclusion on Saturday 7 May when Fulham overcame relegated Bolton 1-0. 'There was a genial atmosphere at the Cottage with no recriminations or protests. When shrill feminine cries disturbed the first-half calm, someone was quick to exclaim: 'I'll have what she's having.'
Home supporters ungrudgingly applauded visiting players, particularly Emile Heskey, ex-Fulhamite Darren Pratley and the gallant goalkeeper Ben Amos. The latter consistently frustrated Matt Smith's attempts to stake his claim as Moussa Dembele's replacement. Dan Burn was also eager to get on the score sheet only to be thwarted by the woodwork.
Many people stayed behind after the match to acknowledge the Fulham squad. Probably the players with the best memories of the 2015-16 season will be Scott Parker, Tom Cairney and Ross McCormack.
It is hard to see any respect in which Slavisa Jokanovic has so far improved the team. Inevitably he now speaks of rebuilding. I wonder how much money and how much time he will need (and be given) to effect this.
God willing we will all be back in our places in August. At this point in every season I recall the words of John Pryke, the great local journalist. In 1965 when the Metropolitan Borough of Fulham lost its identity and was swallowed up by the new London Borough of Hammersmith, John spoke for many of us:
'We shall always be kept on the map because of that homely little 1st Division club on Stevenage Road, where Fulham is a sacred word.'
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
