Fulham defender Michael Hector will be searching for a new club this summer as he is amongst the players recently released by Fulham.
Jamaican international Hector leaves Fulham with two promotions to his name. He played every minute in the second half of Fulham's 2019/20 campaign as they secured an extra-time win over Brentford in the Championship play-Off final at Wembley.
But Hector has found game time hard to come by in recent years. The 29-year-old started just seven times across all competitions for the Cottagers last term. His final outing came in their 4-0 thumping at Sheffield United on the final day of the season.
Hector has played for 18 clubs in his nomadic career, including Reading (twice) and Hull City.
Michael Hector interview with Geoff Pruce at Fulham FC
Michael Hector took in two promotions during his time at Fulham, a spell he recalled fondly ahead of his departure at the end of his contract this summer.
Have you enjoyed your time here, Hec?
Yeah, I have enjoyed my time at Fulham. The group of players they have are up there with one of the funniest groups I’ve been a part of. The staff, on a day-to-day basis, have been great, the kitmen, people behind the scenes that you don’t really see, are very, very close to me. I’ve loved every minute of it.
After having to be patient waiting for your debut, that first season couldn’t have gone much better as you went on to play every minute of the second half of 2019/20 as we won promotion…
After I was able to play, it went really well. It was frustrating not to be able to play in the first half of the season, but it was extra special to end it with promotion. It was special for me. The part I was able to play, it was special for me. Obviously my family could watch only a bit of the season before having to watch from the TV screen because of Covid, so it was a strange season. I think that kind of sums up my time at Fulham; stop-start. It was special for me to get promoted, it was my first promotion, and obviously to play at Wembley as well.
How good a night was that victory over Brentford?
Wembley was a very special night. It was different, being no fans, so we interacted as a team more, after the win. You’d normally be with your friends or family, so it was obviously different in that way. It was a special night, getting promoted, and it was a good way to end that strange season. All the pre-seasons that I had that year were worthwhile at the end of it with promotion at Wembley.
How did you rate Virgil van Mike as a nickname?
When I first heard the nickname I found it quite funny. It’s a nice name. I think an interviewer after Wembley said it was a bit cringey, but I thought it was nice. It means you’ve done well for the team if the fans are thinking about you. At that point of my Fulham career things were going really well. I appreciate the fans, for the song as well! It was special and I appreciate the support.
Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Fulham?
It has to be playing a big part in that Wembley win. Celebrating with my family after was special. My friends came down and were outside Wembley after the game so that made it even more special, to celebrate with them straight after the game. That Wembley victory was probably my favourite memory in a Fulham shirt.
Do you have a message for the fans?
The message I have for the fans is that I’d like to appreciate them for their support during my two-and-a-half years as a player, three years being associated with the Club.
All the songs, the nicknames, they were good times.
Obviously it was an up and down time with the Club, but I appreciated everything that they gave to me and I just want to wish the Club all the best in the future.
Hopefully now you can stay in the Premier League and kick on.
Part of the new stand is open now so hopefully that’s full for the Premier League season.
I wish you all the best, and I want to wish all my teammates the best as well for the future.