The Tanner Report: Mohamed al Fayed and Manchester City 5 Fulham 1

When I posted in the week I was very much in two minds as to whether to comment on a move from Joao Pahlinha to Bayern Munich.

There was much coverage that it would take place, with the Portuguese midfield colossus even going to Munich for a medical, but terms could not be agreed by the time of the transfer deadline so it did not happen.

One sad move that did take place was the passing of Mohammed al Fayed aged 94.

He was very much the architect of 21st century Fulham as an established Premier league club.

When he acquired the club in 1997 Fulham were in the third tier. He promised the Premier within 5 years and it was  achieved in 4.

He appointed two managers – Kevin Keegan and Roy Hodgson – who went onto to manage the national team and attracted a host of fine players –  like Edwin van der Sar, Steve Finnan, Louis Saha, Chris Coleman and Steed Malbranque.

He paid for the redevelopment of Craven Cottage  and acquired the training ground at Motspur Park.

His personal life was blighted by the death of his son Dodi which happened  fairly soon after he acquired the club.

He had a close bond with the fans, coming out on the pitch before every home match, waving his scarf.

Fulham had before him chairmen and owners who had not served the club well.

For Tommy Trinder – chairman in the 1950 and 60s – Fulham was part of his music hall act.

When the club wanted to build a new stand they needed the freeholders the Church Commissioners on board and property developer Eric Miller had strong connections there.

He was appointed to the board and with him came his enforcer Ernie Clay.

Clay and those that followed him were more interested in the potential of the ground and the club went into a decline that even Jimmy Hill could not arrest.

Enter Mr Fayed and a brilliant new era.

I can imagine him railing against a terrible decision yesterday against Manchester City.

Late in extra time in the first half when the score was level Aganji was clearly offside when Ake headed home from a corner.

The decision to uphold the goal upset Marco  Silva and in the second half Fulham conceded three more.