"Brian McBride has been a fine ambassador for Fulham Football Club. As my captain last season Brian was truly respected in the dressing room and led by example on the pitch. His attitude is second to none - Brian is a true pro in every sense of the word." 

Those were the words of  Fulham manager Roy Hodgson in praise of his American striker.

In today’s Premier League it is not hard to find fault with some of the foreigners gracing the so-called “best league in the world.” Aleksandr Hleb is the latest player to show little respect to his club and supporters with his on/off departure from Arsenal this summer.

'According to reports from the MLS, US club sides are clamouring for McBride’s signature'


Similarly, whilst Didier Drogba has scored a hatful of goals in England and helped bring silverware to Chelsea, his attitude leaves a lot to be desired and if his final act in a blue shirt was to get sent off in the Champions League final, there are many who will see this as just desserts for the Ivorian.

Drogba and Hleb make it important that we celebrate the players who have left an indelibly positive mark on the Premier League. And on the other side of the spectrum to the money-grabbing examples suggested above, McBride has been a credit to all the clubs he has played for and will be sorely missed from the English game.

McBride played like a traditional old-fashioned English striker. He always gave 100% and would always put his head in where it hurts - where some players wouldn’t even put their feet. His stay at Fulham was summed up by his comments following his announced departure from English football.


"I've always stated my intention to go home at some stage and this seems like the right moment to move on. I'm proud that my last game saw the club stay in the Premier League."

McBride has shown a true passion for Fulham and their fans. He was one of the most important components of Hodgson’s great escape, and players who give their all live long in the hearts of football fans – which should be the case for loyal Cottagers.

Having played 150 times for Fulham, the American striker notched up 40 goals which is an impressive achievement for a team who are almost always at the nether end of the Premier League. According to some, a place in the Premier League is worth £60m so his three goals in the run-in which secured top-flight football for the Cottagers are almost invaluable.

In particular, his opener in the penultimate game of the season against Birmingham summed up McBride. Jimmy Bullard had whipped in a low free-kick and the American bravely stooped to head home, giving Fulham the advantage, and in the context of the season, scoring perhaps their most important goal against a relegation rival.

Just to take part in the end of season run-in, McBride had to recover from a nasty injury to his kneecap. At his age, many players may have given in. It would also be easy to forget that McBride also played for Everton on-loan during the 2002 season and notched four goals in eight games. David Moyes, one of the finest talent spotters in the game, signed the American striker for both Preston and Everton illustrating what a fine player he is.

According to reports from the MLS, US club sides are clamouring for McBride’s signature. He is expected to join the Chicago Fire to play for his home-town club. McBride, who was previously the first overall pick in the inaugural MLS draft, deserves his time in the sun and is lucky enough to play out the remaining years of his career in his own country in what is an improving league.

The USA were extremely disappointing at Wembley on Wednesday night. They failed to threaten the scoresheet and produced a wayward and listless performance.

Following McBride’s retirement from international football after the last World Cup, it is clear his national team haven’t replaced his physical qualities and never-say-die attitude. Fulham could well feel the same come the beginning of next season.