Fulham make bold mega-money move – ‘their rivals can’t follow this’
Fulham are on course for another mid-table finish under Marco Silva this season but have made big strides off the pitch in recent years.
The club’s new Riverside Stand has opened to supporters after redevelopment and now their eight-tier hospitality offering is also open to the public.
Fulham‘s new mega-money offering features Michelin-star inspired menus, rooftop pool access on the three-floor ‘Sky Deck’ – which offers sweeping views across the River Thames and London.
Craven Cottage now holds 28,000 fans after capacity was temporarily reduced to 19,000 during construction.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted other Premier League clubs are not likely to follow in Fulham’s footsteps.
Fulham take ‘bold strategy to maximise revenue’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted the Riverside Stand’s offerings will be “unique to west London” with not many similar “pockets of wealth” across the country.
The cheapest option in the new stand will cost around £2,700 per season – with the most expensive running fans around £20,000 per year.
Wyness suggested Fulham’s “bold strategy” will pay off for the club because of their unique locality.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 9 | Brighton | 36 | 55 | 3 |
| 10 | Bournemouth | 36 | 53 | 12 |
| 11 | Fulham | 36 | 51 | 1 |
| 12 | Crystal Palace | 36 | 49 | -2 |
| 13 | Everton | 36 | 42 | -5 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s like a separate metaverse in Fulham, it’s a whole different world in west London.
“It does feel like you’re entering a gentile part of history when you go to Craven Cottage.
“It’s a rich enclave down there, between Chelsea and Fulham.
“They’ve created this club with rather expensive season tickets, giving you access to Michelin star restaurants and swimming pools.
“It’s right on the river with great views of London.
“They’re maximising the revenue, so good luck to them. It’s a small ground, even after putting the new stand in.
“They are doing their very best with what they’ve got. It’s a bold strategy, and full marks to them for doing their best.
“I expect it to be sold out, but it’s unique to west London. I don’t expect to see a flurry of swimming pools to be put into the club’s stands across the country.
“There aren’t that many pockets of wealth.”
Fulham ‘very concerned’ about Silva exit
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Thursday (15 May) that Fulham are very concerned about the prospect of losing manager Silva in the off-season.
The 47-year-old has just over 12 months to run on his Craven Cottage contract and has refused to rule out an exit in recent days.
Silva is wanted at Tottenham and at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal ahead of the summer.
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