Link here.
Photos here.
Brian McBride has informed Fulham Football Club of his decision to leave the Club. The American striker, who has made over 150 appearances for the Whites and scored 40 goals, bid farewell to the Club’s staff after discussing his future with Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson at Fulham’s Training Ground.
By way of a eulogy, here’s what Bruce of DuNord wrote about McBride in last year’s Fulham Review:
Brian McBride (signed January 04) – The quiet all-American athlete with the long blond hair held out of his eyes by a string. You could just tell he was going to run all day and try to jump right over the stands to get onto every ball. He paid the price many times using his head as a battering ram, even when he knew it might break again. His first professional gig was at Wolfsburg in Germany, but when the new pro league started up in the USA he quickly headed home. He was the first young player brought in for the start of Major League Soccer, and was promoted as the future of American soccer. After massive instant success he twice left us to play for other teams in England, Preston and then Everton. But both times he returned to Columbus unsatisfied and hungry for more. By then he had become a star for the USA, and the third time abroad was the charm.
Which really sums him up very well I think. Thanks for everything, Brian.
Brian…THANK YOU SO MUCH!
He will be missed…
Now strap your boots back on and come to Chicago!!! Not going to happen (he’ll probably go back to Columbus) but I can dream of Blanco & McBride, right?
Comment by Jason Gatties — May 28, 2008 @ 5:21 pm |
We knew this day would come at some point. Very sad to see him go, both as a Fulham and US supporter. There has been no greater ambassador for US Soccer. A true pro who always gave max effort and delivered some great performances over the last 4-5 yrs. I’ll miss watching him in the Prem every week, but happy that I’ll be able to see him in MLS.
If he goes back to Columbus, that squad just got so much stronger. What an attack when you put McBride in there with Schelotto, Rogers & Gaven (not so much).
Comment by George H. — May 28, 2008 @ 5:48 pm |
Goodbye and thanks for everything
Comment by withaplum — May 28, 2008 @ 6:31 pm |
It’ll either be Chicago or Columbus… either way, it’s sad to see him go. A lot of times, you have a jersey of a player that left a team that gathers dust because they don’t represent that team anymore.
I think McBride will forever represent Fulham.
Comment by El Steve — May 28, 2008 @ 6:33 pm |
so, here’s the question for y’all Brits: has Brian done enough in his 4.5 years to achieve legend status? Is it possible that sometime in the near future, some 40 something guy will point out a pipex #20 encased in glass to his wide eyed son and say, “that was worn by Brian McBride, son. He played when players were men?”
just wondering. I know that every American I’ve met — Fulham fan or no — is pleased that much of the world has had McBride as the face of the American player.
Comment by HatterDon — May 28, 2008 @ 9:25 pm |
I sure hope so, Don. I knew this day would come but I still hate to see him go. He’s my favorite footballer and has such class and workmanship, there are few his equal in that regard. Thanks Brian for all you blood and sweat in the black and white.
Comment by BC — May 29, 2008 @ 4:50 am |
I think you’ll find he has acheived legend status. He is the kind of player that every football supporter appreciates and admires. I have friends who support different clubs and they always mention McBride, their fondness of his fearless and hard working attitude, and his incredible ability in the air! I don’t think you’ll find a better headerer(is that a word) of the ball. He really will be missed and will definately be a member of the Fulham Hall of Fame : )
Comment by AFJ — May 29, 2008 @ 12:40 pm |
Fulham will really miss Brian next year as they did this. The US team certainly miss him not only from a goal perspective but probably more importantly from a work rate and dedication point of view. His type is very rare these days not only in the US but anywhere
All the best in MLS
Comment by allamerican74 — May 29, 2008 @ 7:29 pm |