Fulham FC
Craven Cottage
The Ground

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 was slightly raised above pitch level, but at the beginning of the 2007/08 season additional rows of seating were installed at the front of it, bringing it down to the pitch side. 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Both ends which were previously terraced have now been replaced by two new large all seated, covered stands, that look fairly similar in design.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. There is a small electric scoreboard situated above the Putney End. Outside the stadium behind the Johnny Haynes Stand (Stevenage Road) is a statue of the former player.

Future Ground 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 £100 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)'.

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, 
please e-mail me and I'll update the guide.

E-mail this page to a friend

Football Ground Guide Index