Fulham FC

 
  “Hearing the fans cheer is the
   greatest reward you can have.” 
                           
                         - Mohamed Al Fayed

Football is a passion. And, after years living in the area the gravitational pull of Fulham Football Club was too much; Mohamed Al Fayed purchased the freehold of Craven Cottage along with a major share of the Club itself, and the rest is a history.

A hat trick of investment in the grounds, the players, and the managers has seen Fulham triumph from a lowly Division Two team into a consistent Premiership force. Now in his tenth year as Club Chairman, you could say he set the precedent for UK football’s future big investors, like Abramovich and the Glazer family.

1995
Daily Telegraph runs the story ‘Fulham are in need of a miracle worker.’

1997
Mohamed Al Fayed arrives in Fulham armed with the most sizeable chequebook the Club has seen, together with the charm to woo Kevin Keegan out of retirement. In October 1997, Keegan becomes Fulham’s prized new manager. Media attention soars; Keegan is back at his best, and building an enviable football team.

1998
The end of Mr Al Fayed’s first season sees Fulham reach the play-offs; it is the hotly tipped favourite for the 1998/99 season.

1998/99
Fulham’s defeats can be counted on one hand. Knocking both Aston Villa and Southampton out of the Premiership, Fulham does itself proud on the big stage, and wins plaudits throughout the football world. Confirmed champions some three weeks before the end of the season, Fulham wins its first piece of silverware in 50 years.

Success comes at a price; eager to capture the brightest new talent, England asks Keegan to become the new national manager. Who will fill his shoes?|

Paul Bracewell takes over as Fulham’s Manager, and just falls short of getting the team out of the first division.

 
2000
Jean Tigana arrives, bringing with him a potent managerial record and an entirely new football philosophy to boot. Rooted in theory, method and formula, he revolutionises the Club. Fulham is knocked off the top spot for just two weeks in the entire season. The die is cast. Fulham shatters Nationwide League records; it boasts the most wins, the fewest defeats, the highest points total, the best goal difference, and the highest individual goal scorer.


2001
Now a Premiership side, Fulham has the clout to pull in top players, including the likes of Dutch keeper, Edwin van der Sar. A second season in the Premiership is secured. Mr Al Fayed has ambitions for Fulham to become a permanent Premiership fixture.

2004/05
Following an impressive renovation programme, Fulham returns to its spiritual home, Craven Cottage. Chris Coleman steers Fulham to its fifth consecutive Premiership season.

2005/06
A season of contrasts, Fulham wins 13 games at home, but only one victory away. Their greatest triumphs are the spectacular wins over Liverpool and local rivals Chelsea.

2007/08
Lawrie Sanchez is appointed Manager. Mohamed Al Fayed celebrates ten years as Chairman of his much-loved football Club. In late December 2007, Fulham signs Roy Hodgson as the new Manager. 

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