Fulham managing director Fiddy quits

Fulham managing director Michael Fiddy has left his post just 18 months after taking over at Craven Cottage.

Mark Collins of Harrods Estates takes temporary control after Fiddy announced his departure with immediate effect to "pursue other opportunities".

Fiddy's move comes at a busy time for the Premiership club.

Fulham are still involved in a battle to build a 30,000 all-seater stadium at the Cottage and must wait for a High Court judgement before they can go ahead.

This has, however, just been brought forward from January to 13 November.

Plans are being fought by the Fulham Alliance, a group of local residents, who are demanding a public enquiry.

Fiddy had been involved in negotiations with residents, fans and the local council throughout his time in charge and his successor still faces some hurdles-before work can begin on the £70million project.

Ian Coles, spokesman for the supporters club Fulham United, said: "The new date is good news for us all.

"We're confident building work on the new ground will start on time.

"We are also confident that the High Court will throw out the baseless arguments that the Alliance will put up. They have to prove that the whole planning-process which led to planning permission by the local council and confirmation of this by the Government was somehow illegal."

Once the case is completed, Fulham are expected to announce a groundshare arrangement with either fellow Premiership club West Ham or Second Division team Queens Park Rangers for next season while Craven Cottage is being upgraded.