Al Fayed exclusive: Only God can save Fulham

He is the man with most to lose at Craven Cottage should the unthinkable happen.

Mohamed Al Fayed, whose millions shot Fulham into the big time seven years ago, will see his work turn to dust should the west Londoners be relegated on Sunday.

Never mind Roy Hodgson, never mind the players. It is Al Fayed, who sacked Lawrie Sanchez back in December to save the club, who could end up with egg on his face.

In the grand scheme of things, far, far worse has happened to the colourful Egyptian with the crazy shirts. But such is his love for the club, Al Fayed will do whatever it takes to ensure that the rollercoaster ride which has seen so many highs over the last decade does not go plunging into the Championship abyss.

If that means helping out with the team talk, so be it.

Because once the players run out of the Fratton Park tunnel on Sunday, Al Fayed knows that all he can do is pray.

The Fulham owner explained: "Of course I am very hopeful about Sunday. The players are fired up and I am ready. But the result is in God's hands."

Such is Al Fayed's determination to provide the very best for his men going into Sunday's do-or-die clash at Portsmouth, he intends to camp out at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground for the next 48 hours to help with cheerleading and team talks.

He added: "It's important for the boys to know that we are supporting them and behind them.

"I am going to spend the whole of Friday and Saturday with the team. Everyone knows how important this is and how important Fulham is to me.

"We have been in the Premier League for seven years and everyone knows what relegation would mean. Pray for me."

It was in December that Al Fayed took the decision to fire Sanchez after just eight months and 24 games - of which the former Wycombe and Northern Ireland boss won only four.

Even after Hodgson took over it was another eight games before the former Inter Milan boss could gain his first win - at home to Aston Villa in February.

But three wins in their last four games - including an incredible fightback from 2-0 down to win at Manchester City - have revived the Cottagers' survival hopes after seemingly being out for the count.

And now, with the club on the verge of one of the greatest escapes in Premier League history, Fulham travel to Fratton Park as masters of their own destiny. Last night Al Fayed pleaded desperately with the club's fans to help Hodgson's men over the line.

He said: "I know this has been a difficult season and that it has not gone as well as we would have liked.

"But these last few results have given us a chance to keep the dream alive and I have no doubt that the players will be giving it everything on Sunday.

"You the fans have been magnificent and I know that you will be there in great numbers. I also know that it will be vital that the boys hear you out on the pitch at Fratton Park.

"It has been your support that has helped them through so many tough games this season but no game has been more important than this one."

Doubts may have surfaced in the past as to whether Al Fayed would lose interest in the club at the first sign of trouble.

But the Egyptian maintains he is as committed to Craven Cottage as the day he took over the club a decade ago.

He went on: "Over 10 years ago I committed to Fulham for the long term and it has been a source of great pride and joy to me.

"My passion for the club and my desire to succeed is as strong as ever. We have laid the foundations for a club consistently competing in the top flight."

Al Fayed will be praying that Fulham are still there by Sunday night.