I will be continuing with my review of the 1983/84 football season, after a period of self-doubt and self-analysis. This side project will be one of many, as I try to balance my life, which includes – amongst other things – trying my hand at online dating once again. I am probably setting myself up for more disappointment, but  will discuss this in another blog. For now, I will focus on the dreary Fulham programme for their encounter with Portsmouth at Craven Cottage, on 03/09/83.

To purchase the Fulham programme set fans back 45p, for a 32-page issue that contained very little colour. It is disappointing that the unrewarding front cover remained the same throughout the season. It was created by 26-year old Jason Bowyer – an artist by profession and life-long Fulham supporter. I am not doubting the talents of an enthusiastic young man, who’s work was displayed at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, but I always prefer to see a constantly changing action-shot featuring match-action, on my programmes.

After the manager’s notes from the pen of the forthright Malcolm MacDonald, we are treated to the Captain’s Corner page by Roger Brown, in which he highlights the disappointment of missing out on promotion following a controversial end to the previous season. It seems that Fulham had only missed out on promotion to Division One by a single point, in 1982/83. Their final game at the Baseball Ground, home of Derby County, was abandoned due to crowd trouble with over ten minutes remaining. County were winning 1-0, but there was still hope for the away side. They were hoping for a replay, but the FA decided against this for fear of setting a new precedent. It is little wonder that this was a sore point, and Malcolm MacDonald writes another column later in the programme, that underlines the disgruntlement felt by everyone connected with the Cottagers.

Unfortunately, Fulham had not a great start to the season, as they slumped to a 3-0 loss at Barnsley in the first game of the new campaign. It is entirely understandable, that the West London club were suffering something of a hangover.

I simply think that the mood of everyone around Craven Cottage, could have been lifted by a more colourful programme, instead of the bland offering they got. If you take the time to read the articles that are there, then you will not be disappointed, but it is such a shame that it is all packaged together in such an unappealing manner.

The tiny text could be a problem for many readers, while the cartoon featured above is a good idea, but it is just not funny at all.

There is also the strange inclusion of a page dedicated to Rugby League, in order to attract football fans to watch the club’s latest sporting venture in to egg-chasing. There are more welcome features, such as a ‘Where are They Now?’ page, a ‘Chairman’s Message’, an interview with Ray Lewington and the usual information about the afternoon’s opponents.

Overall, this programme has more substance than style, something that was probably appreciated back in 1983, but looks unappealing to the modern eye.