As you will be aware by now, we were recently given permission by the Council to return to Craven Cottage next season. I know that for some of you it was the best Christmas present you could have been given and I am more than pleased that we can plan our return in time to celebrate the Club's 125th Anniversary next season.
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Fulham Chairman and Owner
Mohamed Al Fayed |
It is still my aim to ensure that I can fulfil my long-term dreams of making Fulham a major force in football, and to achieve this we need to build a commercially viable stadium which has proved impossible to accomplish on the Craven Cottage site.
I have every intention of building a stadium of which all Fulham fans will be proud elsewhere in the borough, but until that time I know we will all enjoy a return to Craven Cottage, which has a very special place in all our hearts.
Chris Coleman and Steve Kean have started the season in fantastic fashion. We have played exciting football, scored many goals and dramatically improved our away record. The win at Old Trafford in particular was a massive achievement for all involved.
Although we are riding high in the Premiership at the moment, we should not get carried away by this success as there is still a long way to go. I know that Chris and Steve's primary aim is to ensure that we maintain our status as a Premiership club. Only then will it be appropriate to start considering new targets and goals, however I know that you all share my faith in Chris and the players to achieve their full potential.
I have been in discussions with Chris over recent weeks with regard to strengthening the squad in certain areas as we look to build and grow for the future and have made funds available to him to enhance the team. Since we arrived in the Premiership we have been gradually consolidating our position and it is vital that we continue to do this.
As we progress through each season, we take one step closer to realising my ambitions of becoming a major force in football. This is what I have always wanted for Fulham Football Club, and I will continue to work towards this end.
As always in football, the last year has had its ups and downs. However, despite the predictions of the media, we have enjoyed a tremendous first half of the 2003/04 season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Coleman, Steve Kean, the players and staff for their effort, dedication and commitment to Fulham so far.
But as I always acknowledge, a football club is nothing without its supporters, and with that in mind I would also like to thank you, the fans, for your continued loyalty. I know Chris frequently refers to you as "the twelfth man" so your role now is more crucial than ever.
I wish you all a peaceful and happy New Year.
Mohamed Al Fayed
Chairman