FORGET Fulham's poor pulling power (current average 14,289) Mohamed Al Fayed has no intention of failing in his bid to establish London's Cinderella club as a major Premiership force.

He's already put his money where his mouth is, bankrolling successive managers, Kevin Keegan and Paul Bracewell, before handing Jean Tigana the keys to a transfer treasure chest that has helped the Cottagers take an almost unassailable lead at the top of Division One.

And it looks like there's a lot more to come after a complex business deal worked out with his bankers to "remortgage" his beloved Harrods - the world famous department store.

The deal has raised a cool £350 million which publicist Max Clifford reckons will allow him to invest in "exciting projects" - including Fulham Football Club.

Clifford, who numbers Al Fayed among his high profile clients, explains: "He doesn't just want a football club, he wants the best football club.

"We think we've got the right man in charge of the team in the shape of Jean Tigana and the potential is enormous. But building a Premiership club is an expensive business."

While Tigana can expect a significant windfall to strengthen his squad for the Premiership, much of the Al Fayed cash is expected to be ploughed into the £70 million new stadium project which, despite objections from local residents, was approved this week by the planning committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

The new 30,000-seater ground should be ready for the 2003-04 season. Fulham will remain at Craven Cottage next season, which will mean a return to terraces in the top flight if they win promotion to the Premiership as expected.

The First Division leaders will now also begin a search for a groundshare option for 2002-03 as the new stadium will be built during that season. Mohamed Al Fayed dreams of making Fulham a Premiership power, which includes building a new 30,000 stadium, and he believes manager Jean Tigana (inset) is the right man to lead the team to glory.