Stand up if you still believe. The enduring battle cry from Fulham’s Europa League campaign still rings true today. In just a few short hours, Fulham will travel to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading in the second leg of the Play-Off semifinal. The score is finely poised at 1-1; whoever wins at the Madejski moves on to Wembley.
Much has been made of Reading’s home record. They have not lost at home to a team in the top half of the table all season long. Yet if it anyone can win at the Madejski, it is Fulham.
This is a team that goes away to the big boys with no fear. This is a team that plays with passion, verve, and swagger.
St. James’ Park? 3-1.
Hillsborough? 2-1.
John Smith’s Stadium? 4-1.
Carrow Road? With ten men? 3-1.
This is a team that aims to entertain, that plays the best football in England, that scores the most goals, that plays the game the way it is meant to be played.
This is a team that doesn’t take no for an answer. This is a team filled with togetherness, fight, and resilience. This is a team that fights for the badge, fights for each other, and fights to win.
This is a team that finished 20th last season. This is a team that everyone counted out. This is a team that was tipped for relegation. This is a team that lost their top two scorers.
Yet this is a team that bounced back, buoyed by Slavisa Jokanovic, the best manager in the league. Buoyed by Tom Cairney, the best midfielder in the league. Buoyed by Ryan Sessegnon, the best teenager you’ve ever seen.
This is a team that is destined for glory. This is a team that will be raring to go tonight. This is a team that has a date with destiny on May 29. At 3:00 PM. At Wembley.
This is a team that is on the brink of glory. This is a team that needs your support. This is Fulham. COME ON YOU WHITES.
Stand up if you still believe.