Down by the Riverside wilth Phil Lloyd

GO back two years, five years, ten years -- in fact, any length of time you'd care to mention.

There isn't a moment in history when, confronted by the genie from the magic lamp, I would have wished to be a Fulham fan. But I think I might now. For decades, Fulham have attracted more sympathy than support.

At various times they have had a music hall comic as chairman, a long-chinned TV pundit as player and a manager who went on to fail in the England job.

Peering out of the shadow cast by near neighbours Chelsea, Fulham's prime attraction for a fan has been the

view its terraces offer of the River Thames, for when the activity on the pitch lacked interest.

Which, as Mr Trinder used to say, was most of the time. But now they have a team worth watching.

Despite a grotty ground, they're playing confidently under a manager whose English is suspect, and are all-conquering home and away with skilful attackers and solid defenders.

If money is needed, their owner has a sack or two to spare. If the forwards are having an off day, there's always an obliging referee to award an imaginary penalty in their favour.

Fulham now are where Rovers were nine years ago. It's a good time to be a Fulham fan.

It's rather less good for those of the blue and white persuasion.

On Sunday, Rovers supporters lingered outside the Craven Cottage Directors Box, just in case Mr Fayed might have been willing to trade 18 points for a passport.

We've reached such a low ebb that some saw avoidance of embarrassment at Fulham as an achievement.

In fact, there were signs that maybe, just maybe, we've also reached the point where the tide might be ready to turn.

I don't want to sound too delighted after a game we lost, in which our midfield was overrun for 45 minutes and we groaned aloud at non-tackling full-backs, careless and reckless midfielders, wide players unable to cross and forwards who spurned the occasional chances we created.

But without clutching at straws, we know now that Rovers can pass the ball around, can tackle with vigour and can reduce a powerful attack to impotence, until Mr Rennie's kind-hearted gesture.

We also know that Craig Hignett exists and that he can shoot effectively. Maybe we can even down the Dons this week. Maybe we can re-float the ship.

Maybe Fulham's bubble is about to burst.

Maybe I'll hang on to my passport and trust Mr Souness to revive Rovers' fortunes.