Dempsey to call in at the Cottage (Video)

Clint Dempsey returns to Craven Cottage today for the first time since he left Fulham in the summer.  The USA international will be hoping that the short trip across the capital involves Tottenham taking home three points.

Dempsey officially joined Fulham in January 2007 from New England Revolution in a $4 million deal, which at the time made him the most expensive MLS player ever.  Before going on to become one of Fulham’s main sources of goals, he scored just once in his first few months at the club.  It was, however, a particularly important goal, as it came in a 1-0 home win against Liverpool which helped the Cottagers avoid relegation and effectively kept the side up.

After finding his feet in the Premier League, Dempsey would go on to score no fewer than six league goals a season for Fulham.  His goals in all competitions gradually increased each year, with a grand total of 23 last campaign prompting him to be targeted by several big clubs.  For someone who is not an out and out striker, Dempsey sufficiently proved that he knows where the net is. 

The American forward made no secret of his desire to play among Europe’s elite, and a £6 million move to fourth-placed Tottenham would normally have granted that wish.  However, despite Spurs’ final league position last season, unusual circumstances regarding Chelsea winning the European Cup but not finishing in the top four meant there would be no Champions League at White Hart Lane for at least another year.

With their highest Premier League goal-scorer of all time returning to visit, Fulham now face the unusual task of trying to stop Clint Dempsey finding the net at Craven Cottage.

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