Keeper calls for Fulham full house

EDWIN van der Sar yesterday pleaded with Fulham fans not to hand Jean Tigana a humiliating UEFA Cup snub by declaring to the fans: ''Your club needs you.''

The Cottagers, who lost 2-1 to Hertha Berlin in Germany in Tuesday night's third round, first leg tie, are fearful of a pitiful crowd for the return match a fortnight today.

Fulham have switched the tie to a 5pm kick-off in return for a deal worth a reported £600,000 for broadcast rights with German television station ARD.

But the early start for a midweek game means the Loftus Road crowd could be just a few thousand, promising more embarrassment for Fulham following poor attendances for home games against Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb in previous rounds.

Goalkeeper van der Sar acknowledged, ''5pm is a weird time for the supporters, but I hope they turn up as we need their help."