West London derby

The West London Derby is the name given to a football derby played between any two of Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers. However the rivalry means more to Fulham and QPR than it does to Chelsea. The 2003 football fans census found that Fulham and Q.P.R. see Chelsea as their main rivals and each other as the 2nd most important and Brentford as 3rd most. However, Chelsea fans didn't list any of the trio from West London, instead selecting Arsenal, Tottenham and Man Utd.[1]

Summary

SW6 Derby

In contrast to many rivalries in English football, such as the North London derby and the Merseyside derby, Chelsea and Fulham have spent much of their existence in separate divisions - between 1968 and 2001, the two were in the same division only five times - and have rarely been rivals for the major honours or played in many high-profile matches. This has greatly limited the scope for it to develop and actually served to weaken it.

In 1904, businessman Gus Mears approached the Fulham chairman Henry Norris about moving the club from their Craven Cottage home to the nearby Stamford Bridge Athletics Ground on the Fulham Road, which he had recently acquired. Norris declined following a dispute over the rent; as a result, Mears formed his own club to occupy the ground, Chelsea. Fulham thus had an indirect role in Chelsea's foundation. It also ensured that, despite Chelsea's name, there were two clubs in the Fulham Borough. The geographical proximity of the teams is the basis for the rivalry, rather than religious or political reasons, as with other derbies.

The first competitive match between the sides took place on 3 December 1910 in the Second Division, with a crowd of 35,000 at Craven Cottage watching Fulham win 1-0. The peak of the rivalry was arguably during the inter-war years and just after, when matches between the sides were always among the most popular (and most highly attended) on the fixture calendar. While both clubs were largely unsuccessful until the 1960s, they have since drifted apart and the significance of matches between them has correspondingly declined. Chelsea enjoyed successful spells during the 1960s and 1970s, and again from the mid-1990s to the present day, while Fulham spent much of that period in the lower divisions of the Football League. As a caveat to that, when Chelsea and Fulham did meet in league games in the 1970s and 1980s, the attendances were always among the highest for the season, with the lack of regular matches often making the derby more eagerly anticipated.

The reduced number of encounters saw Chelsea fans develop rivalries with other teams, notably Leeds United, other London clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Fulham also formed rivalries with other teams from London like Brentford and QPR. All these reduced the prominence of the West London Derby. That is less true for Fulham fans, with the fact that their nearest neighbours have been more successful ensuring that matches against Chelsea retain a David vs Goliath factor. Fulham returned to the top division in 2001, putting the clubs in the same division for the first time since 1983-84.

On 19 March 2006, Fulham beat Chelsea 1-0 for the first time in 27 years with a goal from Luis Boa Morte. The match was marred by controversy and crowd trouble and has arguably rekindled the derby somewhat. Chelsea gained revenge for this defeat on 23 September with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage, in which Frank Lampard struck twice. Thankfully there was little trouble before and after the game, due to appeals for calm from managers and players of both clubs and a much higher than normal police presence, to deter fans from entering the pitch after the game. The last two games to played at Stamford Bridge have both been close contests. On the 30th December 2006 they played out a 2-2 draw with Carlos Bocanegra getting a late equaliser for Fulham and on the 29th September 2007 they had a 0-0 draw. This draw was Avram Grant's first West London derby in charge of Chelsea and the same for Lawrie Sanchez of Fulham.

Hammersmith and Fulham Derby

The origins of a rivalry between Fulham and QPR date back before Chelsea were formed. In 1892 the two teams met at Kensal Rise to play in the West London Cup Final. QPR were 3-2 victors and won their first piece of silverware . For the next few seasons QPR continued to win the cup, whilst Fulham won The West London League. In recent times, however, QPR and Fulham haven't played each other a lot as both teams have been in different divisions for all but two seasons since the Premier League first started in 1992. As two very similar clubs in size, history and fan base, derbies, are at times, fiercer and more competitive than those against Chelsea.

From 2002-2004 Q.P.R and Fulham were closer than they had ever been when Q.P.R and Fulham shared Loftus Road whilst Craven Cottage was being redeveloped. This would have added extra spice to a derby had they drawn each other in the cup, especially had Q.P.R been the away team at their own ground.

The last competitive matches were during the 2000-01 season. Both matches ended up being 2-0 to Fulham. The game at Loftus Road saw Richard Langley and Clarke Carlisle - two of Q.P.R's best players - seriously injured in the game and both were out for 18 months with cruciate ligament injuries, this was vital for Q.P.R's descent into the third tier for the first time in 34 years.

Q.P.R. v Chelsea derby

Despite QPR being members of the Football League since 1920, the two sides did not meet in a competitive match until 1968-69, when Rangers made their debut in the First Division. Their first match took place on 14 September 1968; Chelsea won 4-0. Since then, the sides have met a further 45 times, making it the most common West London derby since the 1960s. The clubs developed a rivalry in the 1960s and 1970s when both were playing top-flight football and competing to be among London's top sides, with Chelsea winning the FA Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and League Cup, and Rangers winning the League Cup and finishing as league runners-up by a single point.

Many Q.P.R. fans favourite game against Chelsea was a 6-0 victory on Easter Monday in 1986. Chelsea were 2nd in the league table at the time, and the result all but ended their title challenge. During this period, the clubs were relatively evenly-matched, although Chelsea were always considered the bigger club, with both occasionally dropping into the Second Division in the late 1970s and early 1980s, so they met in almost every season. The teams met in a competitive match for the first time since 1996, when drawn to face each other in the FA Cup 3rd Round on 5 January 2008. Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to a first half own goal by Lee Camp. There was trouble after this game, this lead to 23 arrests and 1 fan taken to hospital.

In recent times Chelsea have become one of the dominant forces in the English game, whereas Q.P.R are in the second tier of English football. The links between the two clubs have been maintained through numerous on-loan players; two of Chelsea's best youth team players joined Q.P.R. on loan for the 2006-7 season. These players were Jimmy Smith and Michael Mancienne. Mancienne renewed his loan for the 2007-08 season.

Q.P.R and Chelsea have competed in two pre-season friendlies since the turn of the century. The most recent was in 2003 when Chelsea thrashed a Q.P.R Legends XI 7-0. On 28 July 2001. Q.P.R stunned the £50m Chelsea line-up by beating them 3-1. Jesper Gronkjaer gave Chelsea a first-half lead, but Q.P.R got an equaliser from Leroy Griffiths and then took lead from a long range effort by Karl Connolly. Q.P.R confirmed the win when Gavin Peacock, also a former Chelsea player, scored late on. This game was marred by crowd trouble and saw both sets of fans enter the pitch.

Mirroring Chelsea's purchase by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, QPR have received investment from Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal. The fact that the Mittal family, who own a 20% stake in the club, are reputed to be five times as rich as Abramovich has seen QPR fans dub themselves the world's richest club.

Brentford v Fulham derby

Fulham are a team that Brentford competed with regularly pre-war in the Football League. The rivalry died away after the Second World War as Brentford dropped out of the upper divisions. Supporters had to wait until 1980 until the two clubs were to meet again, this time in the Third Division. The rivalry continued on a fairly regular basis during the 80s and 90s until the last competitive match between the two in 1998. Fulham are seen as the younger generation of Bees' supporters main rivals and the two clubs are traditional rivals. Perhaps the most remembered local derby between the teams took place in 1992 when Brentford beat Fulham 4-0 to gain promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in nearly 40 years. Fulham have since had millions pumped into the club and have enjoyed several seasons in the upper divisions.

Brentford v Q.P.R. derby

Brentford have competed with QPR since both clubs' inceptions in the late 19th Century. The two teams then competed every season between 1920 and 1933 in the old Third Division South in the Football League. Brentford then enjoyed success in the higher divisions until the two teams paths crossed again and the rivalry was resumed between 1945 and 1966 on a regular basis. Following on from the 1966/67 season, QPR competed at a higher level for several decades until the rivalry was again briefly reignited in 2001 for three seasons. However, the bad feeling between both clubs runs deeper than simply locality. In 1967, QPR attempted a takeover of Brentford which would have resulted in the death of Brentford and QPR moving into Griffin Park. The story infamously broke in the press and Brentford supporters rallied to save their club and the crisis was averted.

Results

Brentford vs Fulham

	Brentford wins	Draws	Fulham wins
League	11	12	17
FA Cup	1	0	1
League Cup	3	1	0
Total	15	13	18

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Brentford	Fulham
Griffin Park	April 11, 1998	Second Division	0	2
Craven Cottage	December 2, 1997	Second Division	1	1

Brentford vs Chelsea

	Brentford wins	Draws	Chelsea wins
League	4	1	5
FA Cup	0	0	1
League Cup	0	0	0
Total	4	1	6

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Brentford	Chelsea
Griffin Park	January 7, 1950	FA Cup	0	1
Griffin Park	March 15, 1946	First Division	0	2

Brentford vs QPR

	Brentford wins	Draws	QPR wins
League	19	22	21
FA Cup	2	1	0
League Cup	0	0	0
Total	10	5	12

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Brentford	QPR
Griffin Park	February 14, 2004	Second Division	1	1
Loftus Road	November 11, 2003	Second Division	0	1

Chelsea vs QPR

	Chelsea wins	Draws	QPR wins
League	14	15	11
FA Cup	3	1	1
League Cup	0	1	1
Total	17	17	13

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Chelsea	QPR
Stamford Bridge	January 5, 2008	FA Cup	1	0
Stamford Bridge	March 23, 1996	FA Premier League	1	1

Chelsea vs Fulham

	Chelsea wins	Draws	Fulham wins
League	34	17	7
FA Cup	2	2	2
League Cup	2	1	0
Total	38	20	9

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Chelsea	Fulham
Craven Cottage	January 01, 2008	FA Premier League	2	1
Stamford Bridge	September 29, 2007	FA Premier League	0	0

Chelsea vs QPR

	Chelsea wins	Draws	QPR wins
League	14	15	11
FA Cup	3	1	1
League Cup	0	1	1
Total	17	17	13

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Chelsea	QPR
Stamford Bridge	January 5, 2008	FA Cup	1	0
Stamford Bridge	March 23, 1996	FA Premier League	1	1

Fulham vs QPR

	Fulham wins	Draws	QPR wins
League	6	4	12
FA Cup	3	1	0
League Cup	1	0	0
Total	10	5	12

Last two results

Venue	Date	Competition	Fulham	QPR
Craven Cottage	March 10, 2001	First Division	2	0
Loftus Road	January 21, 2001	First Division	2	0

Notable matches

• Fulham 1–0 Chelsea (19 March, 2006) – Fulham secured their first win over Chelsea since 1979 with a goal from Luís Boa Morte in a heated and controversial match. Champions-elect Chelsea had a Didier Drogba goal disallowed for a hand ball and William Gallas sent off, with the latter incident sparking a mass brawl of the players. After the final whistle, both sets of fans invaded the pitch, which provoked a similar action by the visiting Chelsea fans, which led to some clashes and arrests.

• Chelsea 1–0 Fulham (14 April, 2002) – The most important match between the clubs in recent years, an FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park. Newly-promoted Fulham went into the match as underdogs, attempting to reach their first major final since 1975. By contrast, Chelsea were aiming for their fifth final in five years. John Terry's deflected shot just before half-time proved to be the difference between the sides, sending Chelsea into the final.

• Brentford 4–0 Fulham (26 April, 1992) - A match fondly remembered by Brentford fans. On this Sunday morning fixture, Brentford secured promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time since 1954. Brentford raced into a four goal lead by half time, including two goals in a minute. As the commentator on the day quoted, it was "raining goals at Griffin Park".

• Q.P.R. 6-0 Chelsea (Easter Monday, 1986) – Many Q.P.R. fans favourite game against their rivals was a 6-0 victory on Easter Monday in 1986. Chelsea were 2nd in the league table at the time, but went into the match having lost 4-0 to West Ham United two days previously; this result all but ended their title challenge. During this period the sides were fairly evenly-matched, but Chelsea were expected to beat Q.P.R. Rangers striker Gary Bannister grabbed a hat trick in the 6-0 win. Towards the end of the game David Speedie was sent off for punching a QPR player. This led the visiting Chelsea fans to chant 6-1, 6-1![2]

• Q.P.R. 2-4 Chelsea (21 February, 1970) – In 1970, Chelsea and QPR were drawn to face each other in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Chelsea's Alan Hudson described it as a "fantastic draw", owing to the rivalry between the two clubs. To add further spice, QPR were fielding two former Chelsea players, Terry Venables and Barry Bridges, as well as their star striker, Rodney Marsh. In an entertaining match, despite the poor pitch, Chelsea were 2-0 up within 8 minutes thanks to Peter Osgood and David Webb, with a twice-taken Venables penalty putting Rangers back in contention. As Rangers threatened to equalise, Osgood scored twice more to complete his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt, before Bridges grabbed a late consolation for his side. Chelsea would ultimately go on to win the cup that season.

• Q.P.R. 3-2 Fulham (1892) - The West London Cup Final at Kensal Rise saw League winners Fulham take on the emerging QPR. Fulham were favourites, but QPR were not to be underestimated. They were just beginning to establish themselves as one of West London's top sides. Fulham had firmly established themselves as the best team in the area, because they had won the West London League for two years running. Fulham raced into a 2-0 lead and held it at half-time. QPR somehow managed to pull it back and won their first piece of silverware. THis is seen as the first famous derby.

Crossing the divide

A list of players who have played for or managed at least two of the main three clubs.

All three clubs

• Roy Bentley – won the league title as a striker with Chelsea in 1955 and moved on to Fulham a year later, where he was converted into a defender. Upon leaving Fulham, Bentley spent two years with QPR.
• Bobby Campbell – managed Fulham between 1976 and 1980, and later Chelsea between 1988-91. Also coached QPR in the 1980s.
• Dave Sexton - Having been a coach at Fulham during the 1960s, Sexton managed Chelsea and QPR during the 1970s. He won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in successive seasons with Chelsea and took Rangers to within a point of the league title; as such he is regarded by both clubs as one of their greatest ever managers.
• Ray Wilkins – started his playing career at Chelsea, and later played for and managed both Fulham and QPR, making him one of the few men to have played for all three clubs. He also had a stint as assistant manager to Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea.
• Clive Walker - Winger who played for all three West London clubs.
• Paul Parker - Played for all Three Clubs ,Started his career at Fulham before being sold cheaply to QPR (where we went on to start for England in the 1990 World Cup) also played 4 games for Chelsea in 1997.

Chelsea and QPR

• Barry Bridges Striker 1960s and 70's.
• Gary Chivers 1980s defender.
• Tommy Docherty managed Chelsea in the 1960s. 2 spells as QPR manager.
• Rhys Evans Goalkeeper, loaned from Chelsea to QPR.
• Mark Falco Known mainly for his time at Spurs, he was on loan to Chelsea and later had a spell with QPR.
• Mike Fillery - skilful left sided midfield player moved from Chelsea to QPR in 1983/4.
• Paul Furlong - much travelled centre forward. brief spell at Chelsea later gained legend status at QPR.
• Allan Harris - Full back, brother of Ron Harris. Later assistant manager under El Tel.
• John Hollins – played in Chelsea's 1970 FA Cup-winning team and QPR's team in 1975-76, their best ever season. He also managed both clubs.
• Tommy Langley - Chelsea to QPR. Striker in the late 70's early 80's.
• Michael Mancienne – Spent two loan spells at QPR.
• Gavin Peacock – Played for Chelsea in the nineties, either side of spells at QPR.
• Ben Sahar – came to QPR on loan from Chelsea in pre-season of 2007/2008 and scored against West London rivals, Fulham.
• Scott Sinclair - the most recent signing, came on loan to QPR during the 2007/2008 season.
• Jimmy Smith – came on loan to QPR during the 2006/2007 campaign.
• Nigel Spackman - Midfielder. Chelsea then QPR via Liverpool.
• John Spencer - Diminutive Scottish striker. Chelsea, later QPR and Everton.
• Terry Venables - Player at Chelsea most of the 1960s. Transferred to QPR from Spurs in 1969. Managed QPR 1980 to 84.
• Ian Watson - Defender moved from Chelsea to QPR in the mid 1960s.
• David Webb - Scored the winning goal in the 1970 cup final for Chelsea. Part of the successful 1975/6 QPR side.
• Roy Wegerle - very skilful striker. Moved from the USA to Chelsea then QPR via Luton.
• Steve Wicks - Blond centre-half played had 2 spells with both Chelsea and QPR in the late 1970s through the 1980s.

Chelsea and Fulham

• Dave Beasant – after leaving Chelsea in 1992, Beasant played for a further 10 clubs before ending up as a reserve goalkeeper/coach at Fulham in 2003. He retired from his playing capacity a year later without actually playing a game, and is still employed by the club as a coach.
• Wayne Bridge – was on loan at Fulham from Chelsea during the second half of the 2005-06 season.
• Gordon Davies – first at Fulham, then Chelsea.
• Bjarne Goldbaek – first at Chelsea, then Fulham.
• Jon Harley – first at Chelsea, then Fulham.
• Ray Lewington – first at Chelsea, then Fulham.
• Ian Pearce – first at Chelsea, then Fulham, via Blackburn Rovers and West Ham.
• Robert Savage – first at Fulham, then Chelsea. Not to be confused with modern-day player Robbie Savage.
• Alexei Smertin – signed with Fulham in early 2007, having played for (among other Premiership clubs) Chelsea.

Fulham and QPR

• Dean Coney Fulham and QPR striker. Part fo the deal that took Paul Parker to QPR
• Lee Cook - QPR winger transferred to Fulham 2007/8 season.
• Rodney Marsh – Started off at Fulham, before becoming a Q.P.R legend and the moved back to play for the maverick Fulham side.

Manchester United and England. Returned to Fulham for a brief loan spell under 1997.

• Zesh Rehman - Fulham to QPR 2006.
• Tony Sealy - Small but quick striker. Top scorer as QPR won promotion in 82/83. Later moved to Fulham.
• Callum Willock - Loaned from Fulham to QPR.

See also

• Sports rivalry
• Local derby
• List of football (soccer) rivalries
• Local derbies in the United Kingdom

References

• Soccerbase
• www.footballderbies.com
• QPR Report