Spacey's quarter-final frontier

Rise of Fulham
But all that has changed with the rise of Fulham LFC. Only formed in 1993, they were still playing in the Greater London Premier League in 1999/00 when they were promoted and turned professional. Two seasons later they gained promotion to the Premier League by winning all 22 of their southern division games, scoring 234 goals. Last season, having signed Spacey, they relieved Arsenal of the title after strolling through the campaign unbeaten.

Unbeaten run
They may no longer be fully professional, but this summer they unveiled Spacey as manager, and they remain unbeaten this term. Now Fulham are ready for a new test, the UEFA Women's Cup quarter-finals.

Spacey's approach
Having seen off KÍ Klaksvík, FC Codru Anenii Noi and Dutch hosts Ter Leede off in the group stage, Fulham meet 2001/02 winners 1. FFC Frankfurt, starting with a first-leg trip to Germany on Sunday. Spacey, who herself played in the last eight of this competition with Arsenal, talked uefa.com through her approach.

uefa.com: What did you make of Fulham's first experience of European football?

Marieanne Spacey: We entered it with anticipation and excitement. Before it we thought that the final game against Ter Leede would be the decisive game and that's how it turned out. It was a typical top-of-the-table European match with some very good football played and some fine goals scored. Overall we got a great impression of European football in what was also a great bonding exercise for the squad.

uefa.com: Will it be a lot tougher against Frankfurt?

Spacey: You have to look at is as being a fantastic experience. We have earned the right to compete against the best in Europe and we won't be nervous but looking forward to the challenge. We are in a no-lose situation as everyone is saying that they are the favourites. We will be positive against a club with great strengths and will enter with excitement but no fear.

uefa.com: How will the Women's Cup aid the development of your team?

Spacey: There is a massive leap between club and international football in England. Some of our team have played internationally but this is a learning curve for those who we have brought in who want to play for England, they have a chance to see the next level. We won the league last season and now have this great opportunity over two games. We will make the most of it and relish the challenge.

uefa.com: What has pleased you most about your domestic form this season?

Spacey: The fact that we are scoring goals from all over the pitch. The team is playing to its potential and with a lot of flair as there is a lot of freedom within our system. Most of all, though, they are enjoying it; there's no point playing if even after you have won you have not enjoyed the experience.

uefa.com: Can you go through the season unbeaten?

Spacey: It's going to be hard but we have to be positive. We are up there to be beaten as we have done so well over the previous seasons. Yet the league has levelled out now, Arsenal and Charlton [Athletic LFC] are also up there, and anyone can beat anyone on their day. That's better for the teams and for the fans as they are encouraged to watch if games are competitive.