Fulham

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

4/10. It has to be because of the immense disappointment. Marco Silva told the media this season was the opportunity to add the "cherry on top" of his reign. But we never really looked close. Our best run came during the period everyone tipped us to struggle - when we were missing our Nigerian trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samu Chukwueze during Afcon. But it gave us false hope; our results throughout the campaign have been a level below Brighton, Bournemouth and, dare I say it, Brentford.

Best moment and why?

Harry Wilson putting Chelsea to the sword in January. Our Welsh wizard will be remembered for coming up clutch in derbies (Brentford fans wake in cold sweats thinking about him). After waiting so long for an SW6 derby win, beating the Blues is starting to feel more familiar.

Player of season and why?

There hasn't been a lot of sustained individual brilliance. Wilson looked nailed on in March but he has tailed off significantly. I would give it to Ryan Sessegnon, despite his comparative lack of minutes. He performed admirably in place of the injured and below-par Antonee Robinson for most of the campaign, and if we had 10 more players with his drive and commitment, we might be dusting off our passports.

Unsung hero and why?

Raul Jimenez. A bargain for £5m and he keeps delivering. An injury to Rodrigo Muniz early in the campaign meant the 35-year-old played a lot more minutes than intended, but he has scored 10 goals - many of them match-winners. Lord knows where we would have finished without them.

Biggest disappointment?

Chukwueze. The Nigeria winger started strongly, leading many to implore Fulham to make his loan deal permanent. But he came back from Afcon a different man, and has done nothing to suggest he should stay next term.

What needs to change this summer?

Silva - because he looks to have hit his ceiling at the club. Stability is great, but this squad should be doing more than treading water. So if he stays - which is a big if - he would do well to mix things up a bit.

Major hope for next season?

Qualifying for Europe. With more places up for grabs than ever before, and with comparatively sized clubs achieving the European dream, we are all becoming increasingly confused and frustrated as to why we are not doing the same.

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Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 14th

Fulham are now very much in a Premier League holding pattern. There is not much up and not much down - they just have a very stable presence under the excellent stewardship of Marco Silva.

He has been key but his future is in doubt as he comes to the end of his contract, while the same applies to Harry Wilson, who has made such an excellent contribution at Craven Cottage.

What I said in August: "This will be another season of stability for Fulham under the tactically astute Silva. Mid-table perhaps."

Check out the rest of my review here

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We asked for your views on Fulham's victory over Newcastle on the final day of the season which could also have been Marco Silva's last game in charge of the club.

Here are some of your comments:

Kevin: Silva has been a perfect fit for Fulham, but I'm in two minds about him staying. Our football has become a bit predictable and side-to-side with no obvious striker. The chairman has to back him with new players, especially a striker if he decides to stay.

Dennis: This was a decent game in hot temperatures. Fulham deservedly ahead at half time. They flew out of the traps in the second half and were galvanized by a wonderful display from Tom Cairney. He was the best player on the pitch by a mile and scored a brilliant 25-yarder to seal an excellent win.

Geoff: Every team needs a goal scorer, but Fulham more than most. Without one even 11th may be beyond them next season, with or without Silva.

Phil: Fulham were excellent. It's a shame they didn't play like that more often this season.

Guy: Great game with a brilliant Cairney goal. So frustrating to think that just one goal against an already relegated Wolves would have meant European football, but I guess mid-table Premier League still beats playing in the second tier. Hope this summer we sort our squad early rather then late, and that means the manager situation has to be sorted pronto.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Nikesh Rughani
Final Score reporter

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An end of term feeling, if ever there was one.

Neither side had much to play for, with the chance for European football next season having long gone. Fulham just seemed to want it a bit more.

They took a first-half lead thanks to the head of Issa Diop, who followed in from Kevin's free-kick that crashed off the bar.

Newcastle started the second half more brightly, following the introduction of Harvey Barnes, but that energy soon fizzled away again and Fulham substitute Tom Cairney doubled their lead with an absolute screamer.

There has of course been speculation about the future of Marco Silva, who will soon be out of contract.

If he is to leave after five years at Craven Cottage, at least he leaves on a winning note.

Fulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to Sky Sports: "After a performance and a well-deserved three points for us, an important game to end the season on a high. It was important for us to win and finish above our opposition Newcastle, to climb two positions in the table to give a bit more of a deserved position.

"We missed small margins throughout the season, we have some great moments and some great wins as well but we missed the cherry on the cake for this club to be in European competition next season. But well-deserved, we gave the fans the three points and a good performance in a great afternoon at Craven Cottage. Good way to end the season."

On whether he has managed his final game for the club: "I don't know. I'm always honest. To be honest I don't know if for sure I will decide something. I will be the first one to enjoy a different farewell from the players and from the fans because the decision is not made yet. I am going to speak with the club again like we have been speaking and after we are going to decide together, simple as that."

Did you know?

• Fulham have won 35 points at home in the Premier League this season (W11 D2) – their most in the top-flight since 2011-12 (also 35). The Cottagers' 11 wins is their most on home soil in a Premier League campaign since 2009-10 (also 11).

• 75% of Issa Diop's goals in the Premier League have been headers (6/8), while the Fulham defender has scored more goals against Newcastle than any other side in the competition (2).

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Whether Marco Silva stays or goes, it was fitting that it was a couple of long-serving players who stepped up for him.

Although surely even he will have been a little surprised by the identity of the opening scorer.

Issa Diop had not scored since finding the back of the net against Liverpool in a League Cup semi-final in January 2024.

It was therefore not surprising that the popular centre-back was mobbed by his ecstatic team-mates after heading home on Sunday.

Stunned playmaker Emile Smith Rowe had his hands on his head in apparent disbelief.

Few in the stadium, however, will have been surprised by Cairney's ability to score a screamer.

If Silva is to depart, he does so on the back of a fine victory.

Chairman Shahid Khan's programme notes were open-ended about Silva's future.

"Marco Silva has been absolutely integral to everything we've achieved - he's a major part of the foundation we're building and he's aware of our collective ambition for the seasons ahead," he wrote.

An intriguing few days lie in store and it remains to be seen if this impressive victory was Silva's parting shot.

A Fulham season which at times promised so much still ends on a high with victory against Newcastle, despite another mid-table finish.

With Marco Silva out of contract, it could be a summer to rebuild for the Cottagers.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Fulham manager Marco Silva makes one change for the visit of Newcastle United.

Kevin replaces Sasa Lukic in the side following last week's 1-1 draw against Wolves.

It remains to be seen if this proves Silva's final team sheet. The Portuguese is to make a decision on his future in the coming days.

Fulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Iwobi, Bobb, Smith Rowe, Kevin, Muniz.

Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Reed, Cairney, King, Wilson, Jimenez.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe makes two changes for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy come in for Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes, who both drop to the bench.

This will be Trippier's final involvement before he leaves the club at the end of his contract next month.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Hall, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Tonali, Murphy, Woltemade, Ramsey, Osula.

Subs: Ramsdale, Trippier, Wissa, Gordon, Barnes, Elanga, Willock, A.Murphy, Neave.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

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This is another tough one to call. These two sides are level on points in mid-table and, while Newcastle have beaten Fulham twice already this season, both those victories came through last-gasp goals in the 90th minute or later.

The Magpies did get a big win over West Ham at the weekend and have finished the season strongly, which is important for Eddie Howe's future.

Marco Silva's had another solid campaign with Fulham too, though, and I think his side will get something here - although admittedly I have been awful at predicting their results all season.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham host Newcastle, with both clubs out of the running for European football next season.

Fulham's chances of qualifying for Europe have now been extinguished, which could mean that the odds on them having a new manager in charge for next season have shortened.

Marco Silva's contract expires at the end of June and he says he has not yet decided whether he will stay on and be in charge next season.

The club is reportedly keen to keep him, with a three year deal understood to be on the table, but if he has ambitions of immediate European action, then he could be more open to offers from elsewhere.

It's no surprise Fulham want to hang on to Silva, given his record in west London. Since steering the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season five years ago, he has firmly established them in the top flight, guiding them to 10th, 13th and 11th.

The Cottagers were on course to finish even higher this season but failure to win their past three games has cost them.

In fact, tailing off at the end of the season has been a Fulham habit under Silva, with his side's performances dropping off in the final third of the season.

Were it to end up being Silva's last game, it would be fitting to mark it with a win at Craven Cottage but history isn't on their side - Fulham have won their final league match just once in the past eight seasons.

Like Fulham, Newcastle's faint hopes of Europe next season disappeared in midweek but they are at least ending the season in good form.

After losing five in a row in all competitions, they have bounced back to take seven of the past nine points on offer in the league.

The return to form has meant speculation about Eddie Howe's future has died down but it is still likely to be a summer of change on Tyneside.

Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are both leaving, with Anthony Gordon rumoured to be following suit.

However, Howe has unearthed a new source of goals in the shape of William Osula, who has suddenly hit a rich vein of form, scoring six goals in his last eight league matches.

Europe is out of reach but a victory on Sunday would be a high note on which to end the season. And perhaps more important for Magpies fans is that Newcastle must win to have any chance of finishing above north-east rivals Sunderland.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League finale against Newcastle at Craven Cottage (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said there is "frustration" and "disappointment" to have not pushed for a European spot to the end as they are "an ambitious group of players and staff".

• He understands fans will have "mixed feelings" as it's been "another positive season" for the club, but without European reward.

• Silva said finishing this season with a win "is very important because it's the reason why we work".

• On the possibility of a top-half finish: "We still have targets, and that was the way we started the week. Newcastle have the same points as us – they are above us because of the goal difference. If we win the game, we are going to be above them."

• He wants his players to give their "maximum" and "fight for it" in front of the home support "because the fans deserve it".

Got a question about Fulham? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

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Can Fulham be effective against with their last game of the season at Craven Cottage Stadium on Sunday?

Both sides have secured Premier League status next season, with the Whites sitting in 13th, level on points but two places behind the Magpies.

Fulham have lost six of their past eight Premier League games against Newcastle, although the did manage the double over them last season.

And when playing their final league match of the season in London, Newcastle are unbeaten in their past seven (W6 D1), since a 3-2 loss at Spurs in 1972-73. This run includes 4-0 and 2-0 victories at Fulham in 2018-19 and 2020-21 respectively.

The Magpies have also not lost their final league game in consecutive seasons since a run of three between 2011-12 and 2013-14.

However, more positively for Fulham, Newcastle have only won two of their eight Premier League away games so far in 2026 (D2 L4) - though both of these victories came in the capital (Tottenham in February and Chelsea in March).

Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson is among the players on Aston Villa manager Unai Emery's summer shopping list, after being given a £100m transfer budget following the club's Europa League triumph. (Mirror), external

Everton are also interested in 29-year-old Wilson, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract ends in June. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Benfica want Fulham boss Marco Silva to take over from Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho, with former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim also a candidate for the role. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Marco Silva has a podium place alongside Jean Tigana and Roy Hodgson as the greatest Fulham managers I have witnessed in my lifetime. But his time has come to a natural conclusion.

I say natural because – as we are all acutely aware – his contract is up in the summer. The club wants to make him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League, but this season has shown that perhaps that offer is too generous.

Our insipid finish to a campaign that promised so much has left the whole fanbase flat. Marco's continued coyness when asked about his future has worn so thin I no longer wish for him to sign it.

There is the old adage: "Be careful what you wish for." You only have to look at West Ham, one game from dropping out of the Premier League just three years after winning the Conference League for evidence of that.

But I understand where the fans were coming from.

Premier League consolidation is great. But it is not the be-all and end-all. It is not why we became fans of the beautiful game: to successfully tread water for a decade or longer. That is not glory.

We want more - and with the prices all modern football fans are expected to pay for everything from matchday tickets to replica shirts, it is hard to argue we do not deserve it.

Shahid Khan has ploughed millions of his own fortune into Fulham, no-one is disputing that. But given the rate the Premier League is evolving, our transfer fees are increasingly uncompetitive and our scouting is not astute enough.

Couple that with a manager who looks – and sounds – like he has hit his ceiling, and it is time for a hard reset.

Silva said after our 1-1 draw with Wolves that this summer is "one of the most important for the club's future". And while his inaction is at odds with that statement, I agree with him.

I only hope that Marco – and the club – start acting like it soon.

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Wolves and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Ray: Disastrous. I don't think they have a clue how difficult the Championship is. The so-called best players could not hack it in the Premier League so we will sell them and buy real quality to play in the Championship. Dream on, and the manager is a loser.

Martin: Well we managed 45 minutes before conceding so it must be an improvement.

Chris: Awful, again! If Mr Edwards can't design and motivate the team that will most likely form the nucleus of next season's offering, how do we think the results will be any different in the Championship? We need to find a competent and capable manager now instead of waiting until the end of next season when we go down again! Might be pessimistic but certainly highly probable.

Wol: We played with some spirit but the difference of quality on the pitch between the two teams was vast. Fulham were stringing passes together when attacking but we struggled. Playing long balls to Armstrong is not going to get us goals. A lot of these players will leave in the next few weeks and the rebuild has got to be spot on as if it isn't, then we will have a tough season and will finish mid-table at most. It will take two or three seasons to get us back where we want to be, but we must stick together and hope that the transfer market is a success.

Fulham fans

Robbie: All huff and no puff in the final third of the pitch has ultimately been our arch nemesis most of the season and we haven't beaten any team convincingly all season, which was the same today. Calvin Bassey was again our standout player which says everything about our performances when a defender is making all the headlines!

David: One day the top management will go and get a first-class striker instead of waiting until the end of the transfer window to see what's left over and going cheap. Marco must be pulling his hair out. Again, the end of the season and we're slowly slipping down the table. Likewise, they let good players and managers leave over pay rather than giving them their asking price or a deal to keep them at the club.

Louis: Utterly embarrassing. Europe officially over. This happens every single season. The only goal that we can score is from a penalty - that sums up Fulham. Zero drive at all. Clumsy at the back. Zero midfield. Our striker had one shot, off target, of course.

Maurice: Silva's poor team selection again. He has to play King, and Bobb rather than the lacklustre Smith-Rowe, and Wilson. Time for Silva to move on and for fresh energy brought in for next season. But thanks for the last five years, you have been super.

Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Leeds 1-0 Burnley

• Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 3-1 West Ham