THERE is obviously no love lost between Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed and the club’s former manager Mark Hughes, judging by their bitter exchange of words.

Hughes was manager at Craven Cottage last season but left in the summer, prompting speculation that he was set to take the vacant manager’[s job at Aston Villa.

Hughes insists he did not quit for the Villa Park post, which was eventually filled by Alex McLeish, but because he felt Fulham did not match his ambition.

Al Fayed couldn’t resist firing back with his own volley of criticism, claiming Hughes had insulted the club that saved his career after he had been sacked by Manchester City.

“He was becoming a forgotten man when I rescued him to become manager of Fulham Football Club,” the Craven Cottage chief said.

I particularly enjoyed his reference to Hughes’ nickname – Sparky – when he added: “If people are looking for a flop, they only have to no further than the man who has lost his spark.”

As the owner he has every right to defend Fulham, a club he clearly loves, from such an attack by a former manager and I don’t doubt he feels justified in countering the criticism.

In fact I’d have called it game, set and match to Al Fayed on the PR front if the former Harrod’s owner – one of the most controversial figures in British society – had not described Hughes as a “strange man”.

The words pot, kettle and black immediately sprang to mind.