Ream explains decision to join Fulham

Tim Ream has told Fulham’s website the previous success of American players at the club was a key factor in his decision to move to Craven Cottage.

The United States defender, 27, opted to join the Whites rather than QPR, who also had a bid for him accepted by Bolton.

Explaining his decision to join Fulham, he said: “The biggest thing was the history aspect of it and walking into the training ground and feeling the vibe – the feeling around the club was a big thing.

“But there was also the success that previous Americans have had here; Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Eddie Lewis, Kasey Keller – the list goes on and on.

“Speaking to a few of those guys and getting a feel for what the club was about, it seemed like a perfect fit.

“There’s a good network of Americans past and present who all of us [American players] speak with.

“Knowing and having played against Brian [McBride], and coming from the same university, it just seemed like a good fit.”

Ream’s fitness will be assessed before a decision is made on whether he will make his Fulham debut in the game against Huddersfield on Saturday.

He did not feature in Bolton’s opening matches of the season while his future was unresolved.