Former Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed has passed away, aged 94.

The Egyptian billionaire, the former owner of Harrods, and the father of Dodi Fayed, who was killed in a Paris car crash with Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, purchased Fulham following their promotion from the Third Division earlier that summer. He promised to take the Whites to the top flight within five years and achieved his aim a year earlier than planned.

His dream of making Fulham ‘the Manchester United of the South’ didn’t quite materialise, perhaps in part due to the departure of key players like Louis Saha and Edwin van der Sar to Old Trafford, but his stewardship of the club ensured thirteen unbroken years in the Premier League until he sold to Shahid Khan in August 2013.

Al-Fayed’s tenure was tarnished by the secretive deal to sell Craven Cottage to Fulham River Projects after his ambitions to redevelop the club’s historic home were frustrated by local residents. After a fan-led ‘Back to the Cottage’ campaign, Al-Fayed relented and returned the Whites from exile at Queens Park Rangers. His appointment of Roy Hodgson, who took Fulham from almost certain relegation to the Europa League final, was inspired and also saw the Cottagers record their highest finish of seventh place in 2009.

Al-Fayed is survived by his four living children, including Omar, who served on Fulham’s board towards the latter end of his father’s ownership. There is no doubt that Al-Fayed transformed the fortunes of London’s oldest professional club and we send our warmest condolences to his friends and family. Thank you for letting us leave the dream.

Take me home, Al Fayed – as the Hammersmith End still sings today.