The sale of Fulham: Letting go and embracing change
File photo of Shahid Khan (R) with Bob Kraft, New England Patriots owner
This sure did come out of nowhere.
With fans left little time to mentally prepare for the end of 16 spectacular years of ownership, the Mohamed Al Fayed era is over.
It’s tough to let go of such a successful core, the heart of Fulham’s Premier League status. It’s tough to even fathom that the generous, kind, and passionate man who led the troops out of the darkness and into the international picture no longer has any say.
On first reaction, it feels like the fixing of something that isn’t broken. Stability is slipping away. All the trenches and foxholes that Fulham dug to protect their hard-earned status are being unearthed.
However, like so many other times that Al Fayed has served the fans by setting an example, we should follow his lead one last time – by letting go.
The sale of Fulham from Al Fayed to Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan represents a handing off from the club’s tribal leader to one who is meant to usher in a methodical climb into the next echelon of the Premier League ladder.
The Egyptian had earned the whole and absolute trust of the fans, and that alone should be an indication that better things are to come.
With the General of Craven Cottage reaching 84 years of age, he’s given all he can give to the fans. So he placed the club’s most valuable asset – us – in the hands of Khan, and that alone should be reason for excitement.
It’s time to let go the days of the rapid promotions, the successful relegation battles, and the Europa League final. Remember them fondly, but let go. Embrace the new change that blindsided the Fulham faithful, because every sign points towards progress.
Al Fayed trusts Khan. That on its own should be the all-stop of Khan’s defense, but there’s more. He’s worth almost twice Al Fayed. He’s working on a long-term plan for the Jaguars for NFL stability, something that’s a lot harder than many think. And he respects the history and tradition that comes along with his purchase.
Will Khan take Fulham alongside the Evertons and Tottenhams and continue to work towards not just financial but football stability? Nobody can predict the future. There’s massive risk with any sale.
What we do know is that Mohamed Al Fayed led us this far. Why should we doubt him when he finally chooses the next in line?
It’s time to usher in a new era. That phrase is used all too often, but here it absolutely applies. Al Fayed built the foundation – a wonderful, exciting, and flat out fun foundation – it’s Khan’s job to build the castle.