"HE even knew we were playing Wigan next," said a stunned Ken Myers, editor of the Fulham Independent Fanline, last week. Who was he talking about? The Pope. Not content with the divine intervention of Mohamed Al Fayed and Kevin Keegan at Craven Cottage it appears that the second division leaders can now also number the Pontiff amongst their support.

When he was studying to be a priest in Roehampton, West London, in his youth the former goalkeeper, by all accounts, was a regular on the terraces at Fulham and ever since has kept a close eye on their progress (or lack of it).

"I'd heard the Pope was a Fulham fan so, as it was Easter, I thought I'd ring him," said Myers. "I couldn't believe it when I got through to his spokesman at the Vatican. It's great to know he's a fan." His spokesman was one Father Kieron Conroy who confirmed the Pope was a member of Keegan's Black and White Army. "He wishes Fulham fans all the best and offers his support, such as he can give it."