Mohamed Al Fayed insists he
will continue to bankroll Fulham until they become one of the greatest clubs
in the world.
The Egyptian businessman - owner of Harrod's and the Ritz in Paris - has
already provided £33.5million for new players since the London club
secured a Premiership place earlier this year.
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Mohamed
Al Fayed Owner and Chairman of Fulham Football Club
Fulham |
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Fulham broke their transfer record on Monday
by paying out £11.5million for Lyon's French international striker
Steve Marlet.
The 27-year-old became the sixth signing in four weeks following the
captures of previous record, the £7million Edwin van der Sar, Abdeslam
Ouaddou, Steed Malbranque, Jon Harley and Sylvain Legwinski.
But manager Jean Tigana has been promised an open cheque book in his
quest to create a club at the business end of the Premiership.
Frenchman Tigana has insisted he still needs to add to his Division One
championship-winning squad - with Josep Guardiola, the long-serving Barcelona
midfielder, who is now a free agent, thought to be considering a switch
to Craven Cottage.
"We are not in the Premiership to make up the numbers," said
Al Fayed. "The dream which I am trying to make come true is that
Fulham are one of the leading Premiership clubs as quickly as possible.
"I have a determination to turn Fulham into a great club that is
known worldwide and I have a great faith in Jean Tigana and his proven
talent as a manager and coach.
"Whatever we need to spend is governed by him. I have made it clear
I will back him all the way whenever he feels we need one or two new players."
He added: "I am not in football for the money - it is my passion."
Al Fayed hopes his extraordinary belief in Tigana will lead to further
success, having targeted the English championship when Kevin Keegan was
his manager back in the Division Two days of 1998-99.
An encouraging start to this campaign featuring an enthralling match
at Old Trafford and a victory over Sunderland suggests they have barely
broken stride since breaking the 100 points barrier in the First Division.
"It's not just the fact that we have done it, it's the way that
we have done it," said Al Fayed, of his club's arrival in the highest
tier.
"Fulham were one of the most exciting teams in the country last
season and that controlled, passing football is being carried on in the
top division.
"We did very well against Premiership sides in cup competitions
last season and it give us confidence. The early signs are already good."
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Source PA Sport byRichard Gibson