I have just done the same on my 04 130 tdci mondeo and it too will not start
I tried cranking with the return pipe off (in 10 second bursts) but still no luck. My last mondeo was a 115 tdci and this had a connection on the supply and return, just in front of the timing cover,I use to not fill the new filter and split the return as mentioned above in front of timing cover and after five or six 10 second cranks with 10 second rests,reconnected the return line and away she ran
However on the 130 04 I have now the lines run all the from the filter too the pump. So not having any deisel spare at home I think I will try again tommorow I might have to put the old filter back on as it should still have the fuel in it as i didnt invert it,try and start it,go buy a fuel can (mine has petrol in it) fill it and start again
What dose one use to fill the new filter with? funnel and small pipe?