Premiership: I want Cottagers to be as big as united - Al Fayed

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed today promised that the whirlwind Craven Cottage revolution will continue until the Londoners are as big a club as Manchester United or Barcelona.

In a rare interview, the eccentric Harrods boss was gushing in his praise of the club’s supporters and insisted he sees ‘‘no reason’’ why the team cannot follow their meteoric rise from Division Three to the Premiership with even more success.

Fulham make their Premiership debut at Manchester United on Sunday, yet in May 1996 they finished just eight places off the bottom of the Football League.

After boss Micky Adams masterminded a Division Three runners-up place the following season, Al Fayed ploughed his millions into the club and made the seemingly wild pledge that his side would be in the top flight within five years.

French manager Jean Tigana has achieved this amazing goal in four years and Al Fayed says the club’s elevation will not stop now.

He told www.fulhamfc.co.uk: ‘‘We had a five-year plan, and thanks to a lot of hard work and investment we have achieved that ahead of schedule.

‘‘We want to become one of Europe’s biggest and best clubs right up there with Manchester United and Barcelona. With God’s will, the guidance of Jean Tigana and the skill of the players, there is no reason why that cannot happen.

‘‘We have also invested heavily in our youth policy and our training facilities at Motspur Park. As I have always said, careful investment is the key to a successful future.’’

This summer, Al Fayed has shelled out £17million to sign Dutch international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, defender Jon Harley and midfield pair Steed Malbranque and Abdeslam Ouaddou.

And there seems no limit to the cashflow from Al Fayed’s deep pockets, with Tigana yesterday saying he wants to make four more signings to beef up his squad.

Al Fayed will allow himself a few moments’ reflection when his side runs out at Old Trafford this weekend.

He added: ‘‘On Sunday, I will fulfil one of my own dreams not so much that we are playing Manchester United in a fine stadium in the Premier League but more so that I will be able to join our loyal supporters to see our team playing at the very highest level once again.

‘‘There have been times when I needed the supporters’ full backing and they have always been right behind me.

‘‘The fans have always made me feel so welcome, and I am so pleased for them that we have been able to achieve Premiership status once again. Nobody deserves it more than they do.’’