Sometimes news comes right out of the blue and hits you for six. On Tuesday, when we learned that the lovely Lisa Hughes had passed away, was one such occasion. Lisa, who followed Fulham home and away right across the world with her fabulous family, exemplified everything that was special about Fulham Football Club. She was unbelievably generous, bright, fantastically funny and fanatical about Fulham. I still can’t believe that I’m writing about her in the past tense. It doesn’t seem right – and it probably never will.

Lisa’s contribution to Fulham went beyond the miles travelled for away games, getting behind the team or mere numbers of matches attended. When you saw that superb smile and exchanged even a few words, everything felt right with the world, regardless of what might be going on in your life. There is no way to describe the vast hole she will leave in the lives of so many people who loved her – and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this terrible time.

Since she was such a loved many of the Fulham family, the fans will pay tribute to her with a minute’s applause at the start of the second half (in the 46th minute) against Manchester City at Craven Cottage this afternoon. We’d all love it if you could join in – even if you didn’t have the pleasure of meeting or knowing this remarkable woman.

Sleep well, Lisa, you’ll be forever Fulham, and Craven Cottage will always be home.