How Great Were Fulham 2009–2010?
How did Roy Hodgson’s Fulham (2009–10) go from underdogs to European finalists — and where does this run rank among football’s greatest “small club” miracles?
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by special guest Stuart Burgess — a die-hard Fulham fan — to relive one of the most unexpected and brilliant chapters in modern English football: Fulham’s 2009–10 Europa League journey.
We break down Hodgson’s tactical genius: the organisation, the repetition, the pragmatism, and the way Fulham became incredibly hard to beat in big games. We revisit the key signings and personalities — including Bobby Zamora and Zoltán Gera — and how the squad’s belief grew through late-season survival into European momentum.
Then we relive the European nights: the comebacks, the chaos, and the statement performances against major opponents — including Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus — as Craven Cottage became a true cup fortress. We also explore the atmosphere: famous fans, tight stands, and the sense that Fulham were living a once-in-a-lifetime story.
Finally, we reach the climax: the Europa League Final vs Atlético Madrid — where injuries and fatigue took their toll, but Fulham still pushed it to the edge. We also discuss what came after: Hodgson’s departure, the slow decline, and why this season remains such a treasured outlier.
Where does Fulham 2009–2010 land on the Greatness Index — cult greats, European nearly-men, or the ultimate proof that tactics can level the playing field?
Takeaways
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