With an ownership change of the magnitude that Fulham announced at the weekend, departures from the boardroom were inevitable. The behind-the-scenes running of a professional football club isn’t something that most fans see – and certainly doesn’t attract as much media interest as the arrival of a new centre forward – but it is critically important. In Fulham’s case, the club simply wouldn’t have had thirteen successive seasons in the top flight without the careful stewardship of those on the board.

Mark Collins isn’t a name that many will know, but his role in the initial Al-Fayed takeover of the club when Fulham were celebrating leaving the Football League basement in 1997 was crucial. A Fulham fan through and through, Collins has been an integral part of the running of the club as well as an approachable board member and a reassuring presence at Mohamed Al Fayed’s side as the new era became far more successful than many had dared to dream.

It remains to be seen how the new Khan regime will shape up but, as Companies House records his departure from the board of directors, I felt it appropriate to offer sincere thanks for Collins’ hard work, enthusiasm and contribution to a quite incredible journey.