Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Stuart Burgess
Guest(s)
Release Date
8 February 2024
Duration
87 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by Fulham fan Stuart Burgess to relive one of the most extraordinary stories in Premier League and European football — Fulham’s 2009–2010 Europa League run under Roy Hodgson.
Just two years after surviving relegation in the “Great Escape,” Hodgson transformed Fulham from perennial underdogs into one of Europe’s most organised and admired sides. The campaign began quietly, but soon turned into a fairytale — filled with unforgettable nights at Craven Cottage, a fortress of noise, belief, and spirit.
Fulham’s European adventure became the stuff of legend. They toppled the giants of Juventus, overturning a 4–1 deficit with a 4–1 home victory that included Clint Dempsey’s audacious chip — a goal that became one of the defining moments in the club’s history. From there, they conquered Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, and Hamburg, before falling just short against Atlético Madrid in the Europa League final in Hamburg.
The conversation explores Hodgson’s tactical genius — his structured 4-4-2 system, his calm man-management, and his ability to inspire players like Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora, Brede Hangeland, and Mark Schwarzer to play the best football of their careers.
Alongside tactical insight, the episode captures the emotional essence of Fulham’s run — the community spirit, the charm of Craven Cottage, and the sense that for one glorious season, anything was possible.
Fulham 2009–2010 wasn’t just a team — it was a symbol of belief, proof that greatness doesn’t require glamour.
Takeaways
Roy Hodgson turned Fulham into a tactically disciplined European contender.
The Juventus comeback remains one of football’s greatest underdog victories.
Fulham’s run united players, fans, and city in shared belief.
The club’s European adventure elevated its global reputation.
Hodgson’s legacy lives on as a masterclass in organisation and calm leadership.
Fulham 2009–2010: Hodgson’s Heroes and the Europa Dream
Fulham’s 2009–2010 season remains one of the greatest underdog stories in modern football. Under the calm guidance of Roy Hodgson, a club once battling relegation reached the Europa League final, thrilling Europe with their spirit, structure, and unforgettable moments.
Built on a foundation of tactical discipline and belief, Fulham’s journey began quietly but soon turned legendary. The night they overturned Juventus 4–1 at Craven Cottage became football folklore — capped by Clint Dempsey’s audacious chip that sent the Cottage into chaos. From there, Fulham defeated Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, and Hamburg, earning their place among Europe’s elite.
Hodgson’s side played simple yet beautiful football. In a traditional 4-4-2, Fulham were compact defensively but devastating on the counterattack. Veterans like Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora, and Brede Hangeland led a team built on organisation and effort rather than star power. Their journey was not without challenges — including an exhausting bus trip to Hamburg caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption — but their resilience defined them.
Though Fulham fell narrowly to Atlético Madrid in the final, their story transcended the result. It was a triumph of teamwork over ego, of preparation over money, and of belief over expectation.
The 2009–2010 Fulham side will forever be remembered as Hodgson’s Heroes — a team that proved dreams really can come true by the banks of the Thames.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
The Great Escape and Hodgson’s transformation of Fulham
Europa League campaign and the Juventus comeback
Hodgson’s tactical structure and player management
Key players: Murphy, Zamora, Dempsey, Hangeland, Schwarzer
The final in Hamburg and Fulham’s lasting legacy
The 4–1 comeback win over Juventus at Craven Cottage
Clint Dempsey’s chip — one of Europe’s most iconic goals
Zoltán Gera’s semi-final winner vs Hamburg
The Great Escape from relegation in 2008
Reaching the Europa League final in Hamburg
The 48-hour bus journey to Germany due to the Icelandic volcano
Notable Manager
Roy Hodgson
Notable Players
Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora, Clint Dempsey, Brede Hangeland, Mark Schwarzer, Zoltán Gera, Damien Duff, Simon Davies, Aaron Hughes, Paul Konchesky, Chris Baird, Dickson Etuhu
Style of Play
4-4-2 Formation, Compact Defence, Counter-Attacking, Tactical Discipline, Wide Play, Team Cohesion
Roy Hodgson’s 2009–10 Fulham were a masterclass in tactical clarity and team cohesion. Built around a traditional 4-4-2, Hodgson’s side combined compact defensive structure with intelligent counter-attacking play — simple in concept, but executed with near perfection.
Defensively, Fulham were disciplined and immovable. The central pairing of Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes formed one of the Premier League’s most dependable partnerships, shielded by the tireless work of Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu. Mark Schwarzer’s command in goal anchored a defensive unit that thrived on positioning, communication, and resilience rather than pace.
In transition, Fulham attacked with width and purpose. Damien Duff and Simon Davies provided balance on the flanks, while Zoltán Gera operated between the lines, linking midfield and attack. Up front, Bobby Zamora played a selfless and intelligent target role, creating space for runners like Clint Dempsey, whose creativity and bravery defined Fulham’s European magic.
Hodgson’s approach was rooted in repetition, trust, and unity. Every player knew their role; every movement was drilled on the training ground. The result was a side that could frustrate giants like Juventus and Hamburg through sheer organisation — and still strike with stunning moments of flair when it mattered most.
Fulham’s football wasn’t flashy, but it was honest, brave, and beautifully efficient — proof that structure and spirit can take a small club to the edge of immortality.
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