Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has hailed chairman Mohamed Al Fayed's contribution to the club.
Cottagers boss praises chairman's contribution to the club
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has hailed chairman Mohamed Al Fayed's contribution to the club.
The Cottagers are flying high in eighth spot in the Premier League after enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run.
It is a far cry from last season when the Cottagers only just avoided relegation from the top-flight, where they have been since 2001.
Hodgson is now building for the future - with his chairman's help.
He said: "We are trying to make Fulham a strong club in the Premier League and it is fantastic that the club has succeeded in staying in the Premier League as long as it has - very much due to the efforts of our chairman.
Virtual extinction
"He was one of the first to take over a club, put a lot of money in it and save it from virtual extinction, then take it into the Premier League and keep it there.
"He doesn't get as much credit as he deserves, simply because like myself and the rest of the team, we are not attention seekers - we seek our attention when we play and hope it is positive from people who know what they are watching."
Their progress this season has been built on a solid defence, with their last four away games ending in goalless draws.
But Hodgson insists there is more to Fulham than defending as he prepares to welcome Chelsea to Craven Cottage on Sunday.
"Not conceding goals has not been about dragging 11 behind the ball and kicking balls into the stand, we're trying to play as much football as our opposition and all we do, like any good team, is to try work hard to get the ball back when we lose it," he said.
No difference
"We've been doing that home and away and there is no difference in terms of defending or attacking when we've been home or away.
"At home the opposition give you more respect and back off you a little bit more.
"That can help you but I don't think it will be the case with Chelsea as they have gone nine away games with eight wins and a draw. They will not be coming to Fulham thinking anything other than three points is what they need.
"We'll approach the game like we've approached all the games."
