Fulham signed record-breaking American strike sensation and he helped end 40-year drought
Fulham might be linked with Ricardo Pepi but they have already enjoyed success in the Premier League with USA forwards.
Amongst them is the all-time highest-scoring American in the league Clint Dempsey.
However, it is Dempsey’s former team-mate in the Cottagers attack who achieved cult status at Craven Cottage.
Brian McBride became so beloved in west London that he even had a bar named after him at the ground.
The former international striker, who scored 30 goals in 95 caps for the USA, arrived at Fulham in January 2004.
McBride had already had a storied career by the time he made the permanent switch to England from the Columbus Crew.
His first international cap came whilst still playing college football for Saint Louis University.
During his time representing the school, McBride set records for goals and assists with 72 and 40, respectively, in 89 appearances.
Brief spells at the second tier Milwaukee Rampage and German side Wolfsburg were followed by eight years with the Crew.
McBride would become a favourite of David Moyes, who signed him on loan at both Preston North End and Everton.
McBride’s Fulham legacy
However, when the Toffees missed out on signing him permanently, Fulham swooped midway through the 2003/04 season.
They were immediately repaid as McBride came off the bench to score the winner against Tottenham Hotspur on his league debut.
It was the first of 40 goals in 154 appearances for the club, with plenty of memorable strikes.
Most notably, perhaps, was his effort against Arsenal in November 2006.
McBride’s near-post header from a corner found the bottom corner just six minutes into the London derby.
It set Fulham on their way to a 2-1 home victory, their first triumph over the Gunners for 40 years.
That campaign would end with McBride being named the club’s player of the season for the second year in a row.
Meanwhile, he would subsequently become club captain for his final season at Craven Cottage.
By the time he returned to the MLS in 2008, signing for the Chicago Fire, he had scored 36 goals in 148 Premier League outings for Everton and Fulham.
Dempsey is the only American to have scored more, with 57 to his name from 218 appearances for Fulham and Spurs.
McBride’s legendary status amongst Cottagers fans was cemented a year after his departure.
The club named the sports bar at the ground in his honour, with the venue renamed ‘McBride’s’.
Fulham eye a new USA hero
Another USA frontman could soon be hoping to emulate McBride’s success on the banks of the River Thames.
Pepi has emerged as a target for Marco Silva’s side in the January transfer window.
Fulham are set to return with a second bid for the 22-year-old, talkSPORT understands, despite seeing a £26million bid rejected by PSV.
Pepi has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
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