FULHAM, England — No chill. That's about the only way I can explain the crowd on a Wednesday night in London at Craven Cottage. The sheer amount of emotion being poured into this match by every Fulham FC supporter in the century-old stadium is remarkable.
Every missed pass draws the ire of those wearing black and white while a near goal puts the entire grandstand on edge with anticipation.
While 14,325 fans is significantly fewer than a major college football game, the atmosphere inside feels like an Iron Bowl. Need I remind you this particular matchup featured two of the bottom five clubs in England's second-tier league.
Shad Khan knew all about this environment when investing in Fulham and after a disastrous first campaign that witnessed his side relegated, the chairman, as they call the owners here, seeks to return the Cottagers to glory. One thing is for certain, fan support will not be an issue on the banks of the river Thames.