Internet Football Grounds Guide - Craven Cottage, Fulham FC

Contents
What's The Ground Like? Future Developments Hammersmith End & Riverside Stand (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? Where To Drink? Riverside Stand & Putney Road End (photo) How To Get There By Car & Where To Park By Tube Johnny Haynes Stand (photo) Local Rivals Admission Prices Ground Layout Fixtures 2007-2008 Disabled Facilities Programme & Fanzine Record & Average Attendance Fans Ground Reviews Ground Tours Hotel Accommodation Feedback Return To The Main Menu
What's The Ground Like?
On one side of the ground is the Stevenage Road Stand, which has recently been renamed the Johnny Haynes Stand after the former Fulham great. It previously had terracing at the front, but this has now been made all seated. The stand was originally designed by Archibald Leitch (who designed a number of football grounds and stands in the early part of the 20th century) and was opened in 1905. Considering its age, it can be forgiven for having a number of supporting pillars and old wooden seating in its upper tier. It does though have a fine classic looking gable on its roof; labelled Fulham Football Club. Opposite is the aptly named Riverside Stand. which sits on the banks of the River Thames. This all seated, covered stand, was opened in 1972. It is slightly raised above pitch level and has small sets of steps at the front of the stand, by which spectators can access it. It also has a row of executive boxes running across the back of it and also houses a television gantry. There are a couple of small windshields to either side, plus it has a couple of supporting pillars. Overlooking the ground from one corner, between the Johnny Haynes Stand and Putney End, is the unique Pavilion building, which many fans refer to as 'the Cottage' (although this is technically incorrect as the original cottage after which the ground is named, was demolished many years ago). This looks somewhat misplaced being more reminiscent of a small cricket pavilion, rather than something found at a football ground, but it does add to the overall character. Both ends which were previously terraced have now been replaced by two new large all seated, covered stands, that look fairly similar in design. They both though have some supporting pillars which is disappointing. The Hammersmith End has one large pillar towards the front and middle of the stand, whilst opposite the Putney End has a row of pillars running across the stand, about a third of the way down it. Attached to these stands in three corners of the ground are some three storey structures that are used to house corporate executive boxes. An unusual feature is that the teams enter the field from one corner of the ground, by the Cottage and then make their way up onto the pitch as it is raised. The only disappointment is that the fabulous old floodlights that the ground previously had, have been removed and replaced by a nondescript modern set. Top Of Page
Future Developments
Kevin Freeman informs me; 'The club have gained planning permission to build a new 30,000 seater stadium on the present Craven Cottage site. However the problem with this scheme is the cost - heading up towards Ł100 million at the last count. It is therefore likely that the Club will further re-develop the ground in stages, presumably by infilling the corners and enlarging/replacing existing stands, until an economically viable capacity is reached. The club will only seek to relocate elsewhere if this cannot be achieved (i.e. if the necessary amended planning consents aren't forthcoming)'. Top Of Page
The Hammersmith End & Riverside Stand
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What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are housed to one side of the new Putney End Stand, on the river side of the ground. The stand will be shared with home supporters, with away fans being allocated around 3,000 seats, which is just under half of the overall capacity of this stand. One huge benefit that the new Putney End stand has over the old terrace, is that it has a roof. There are a couple of supporting pillars that could impede your view, but this only applies to certain seats in Row DD and above. The leg room is ample and as the rows of stand seem to have been constructed from metal and plywood, rather than concrete, fans can't resist making some noise, by stamping up and down on it. A number of burger vans provide the usual fayre of hot dogs (Ł2.50), cheeseburgers (Ł2.80) and bacon rolls (Ł2.60). Alcohol is also available from stalls at the back of the stand, with bottles of Fosters priced at Ł3 per bottle. Please note that smoking is not allowed in the stands at your seat. I have been previously to Craven Cottage on a number of occasions and on a nice summer day, this is one of my favourite grounds. From the walk from the tube station through a park, to having a pint overlooking the River Thames, this can be quite an enjoyable experience and I have never had any problems there. The walk down Stevenage Road to the away entrance, gives you chance to admire the quaint red brick facade of the Johnny Haynes Stand, whilst inside you can enjoy modern facilities, and apart from the game, you can still catch glimpses of rowers making their away along the Thames. I have to say the recent re-developments have made a great ground even better and there is now a superb blend of the new and the old, giving the ground great individuality and character. My only grumble has been sometimes the rather large police presence outside the ground (including mounted police and dog handlers), before and after the games that I have attended. One would have thought they were expecting a riot. On one of my visits the Birmingham Fans were chanting to the Fulham fans, "you only sing when you're rowing!" One other item of interest is that Fulham is the only Club that I know of that has a designated area of the ground reserved for 'neutral supporters'. This is located on one side of the Putney End, adjacent to the away fans section. I guess that the original idea was to attract tourists to London to a game. However, for each game there seems to be a good mix, of home, away and neutral fans in this area. Top Of Page
Where To Drink?
David Frear adds; 'The Crabtree on Rainville Road (10 minutes from the ground) welcomes all away supporters and as a Fulham season ticket holder I can tell you that as long as you don't watch your football at Loftus Road you can be assured of a warm welcome'. To find this pub go along Stevenage Road away from the Cottage and the away end. On reaching the home end of the ground, turn left along an alley which runs behind the stand. When you reach the River Thames turn right and walk along the riverside path. You will reach the Crabtree on your right. Andrew Johnson recommends; 'the Zulu Bar (formerly the Kings Head), on Fulham High Street, is one of the nearest to the ground and is always popular with away fans'. Otherwise near to the tube station is the 'Eight Bells' and just further along Fulham High Street is 'The Larrik' and O'Neills. Some of the other pubs near to the ground, have been designated home supporters only, so alternatively some away fans use the pubs South of the River (across Putney Bridge). The Dukes Head is recommended, which has nice views overlooking the River Thames towards the ground and does good food. It is a Youngs pub with a cosmopolitan atmosphere as it is located next to a number of rowing clubs. Also in Putney is the Bricklayers Arms which was named the CAMRA London Pub of the Year in 2007. It is located in Waterman Street. Simply go across the bridge over the River Thames towards Putney, turn right along the bank of the Thames and then left into Waterman Street. Allow a good twenty minutes to walk from the pubs this side of the river to the ground. Top Of Page
Riverside Stand & Putney End
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How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
From the North M1 Thanks to Robert Donaldson, a visiting Stockport County fan, for providing the following directions; 'At the end of the M1, turn right (west) onto the A406 (North Circular) and follow it towards Harrow for nearly 4.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto the A40 heading into London (passing close to Loftus Road and after a little over 4 miles turn right (west) onto the A402 for just about 350 yards. Here you turn left (south) along the A219 for a little over half a mile. This brings you into Hammersmith where you turn right onto the A315 and then after just 130 yards or so turn left (south) back onto the A219. Follow this road for a little over a mile, and the ground down the side streets off to your right. From The North M40 & West M25 Leave the M25 at Junction 15 and take the M4, which then becomes the A4, towards Central London. After around two miles branch off left into Hammersmith Broadway (before the flyover). Go around the ring road around central Hammersmith, keeping to the right. Then take the A219 Fulham Palace Road. Keep straight on this road, passing Charing Cross Hospital on your left. After about another half a mile turn right into Crabtree Lane for the ground. From the South M25 Leave the M25 at Junction 10 and take the A3 towards Central London. After around eight miles, leave the A3 at the turn off for the A219. Take the A219 towards Putney. Continue straight on this road, down Putney High Street and across Putney Bridge. You will see the ground on your left. Parking is possible in the streets around the ground but they are controlled by council parking meters, so make sure you bring some change, (Ł1.60 per hour) and early arrival is advised. Parking though is free in these areas in the evenings and on Sundays. For a map showing the location of the ground click here (to take you to the Street Map website). To go to a simplified page, containing the directions and pub info, which you can print out click here. Top Of Page
By Tube
The nearest station is Putney Bridge, which is on the District Line. The ground is about a fifteen minute walk. Turn left out of the station and then just follow the other supporters. You get a nice pleasant walk through Bishops Park along the riverbank to the ground (note that the park is closed after evening games). Top Of Page
Johnny Haynes Stand

Local Rivals
Chelsea, QPR and Brentford. Top Of Page
Admission Prices
Fulham operate a three category system of ticket pricing (A, B & C) whereby the most popular matches will cost more to watch than the least popular ones. The highest category (A) ticket prices are shown below, with the lowest category (C) ticket prices shown in brackets. Home Fans: Riverside Stand: Adults Ł50 (Ł38), Concessions Ł30 (Ł25), Juniors Ł20 (Ł10) Johnny Haynes Stand (Centre): Adults Ł50 (Ł38), Concessions Ł30 (Ł25), Juniors Ł20 (Ł10) Johnny Haynes Stand (Wings): Adults Ł45 (Ł30), Concessions Ł30 (Ł20), Juniors Ł20 (Ł5) Johnny Haynes Stand (Outer Wings): Adults Ł35 (Ł25), Concessions Ł30 (Ł15), Juniors Ł20 (Ł5) Hammersmith & Putney Ends: Adults Ł45 (Ł30), Concessions Ł30 (Ł20), Juniors Ł20 (Ł5) Away Fans: Adults Ł45 (Ł30), Over 65's/Students Ł30 (Ł20), Juniors Ł20 (Ł5) Concessions apply to Over 65's and Under 20's. Juniors are under 17's. Top Of Page
Ground Layout
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Fixtures 2007-2008
For the Fulham fixture list click here (to take you to the BBC Sports Website). Top Of Page
Disabled Facilities
For details of disabled facilities at the ground please visit the relevant page on the National Association Of Disabled Supporters (NADS) website. Top Of Page
Programme & Fanzine
Official Programme: Ł3. One F In Fulham Fanzine: Ł2. Top Of Page
Record & Average Attendance
Record Attendance: 49,335 v Millwall, Division Two, October 8th, 1938. Modern All Seated Attendance Record: 25,357 v Chelsea Premier League, January 1st, 2008. Average Attendance: 2006-2007: 22,279 (Premier League) 2005-2006: 20,606 (Premier League) 2004-2005: 19,838 (Premier League) Top Of Page
Fans Reviews Of Craven Cottage
Steve Beattie (Watford) 1/1/07 Lee Roberts (Doing The 92) 24/4/01 Top Of Page
Ground Tours
The Club offer tours of the ground on the last Thursday & Saturday of the month (except matchdays). The cost of the tour is Adults Ł9.95, Children (under 12) Ł5.95. Tours should be booked in advance by calling: 0207-384-4777. Top Of Page
Hotel Accommodation
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Football Hotels who are powered by Activehotels, who specialise in locating accommodation near or within a short travelling distance of the football ground. They also have the added advantage over some other hotel booking services that you pay on departure. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. To access their Fulham and general London page click here. Top Of Page
Feedback
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me and I'll update the guide.

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