Fulham

Following Mark Hughes' decision to leave his post as manager at the end of the season, Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed faced his second summer in a row searching for a new gaffer. This time though, long term target Martin Jol did arrive following his stint in his native Holland with Ajax. An impressive 8th place finish last term puts the pressure on right away, and we all know Al Fayed can have an itchy trigger finger at times.

Goalkeeper

Another solid keeper graces the pitch at Craven Cottage, and rumours of a move seemed to have calmed down this summer following last years intensity. As it now looks like Mark Schwarzer will stay another year at least it isn't too problematic, while a new back up has been brought in already this summer.

Defence

Never really been a problem at the club, and they still have the solid backline that former manager Roy Hodgson breathed so much confidence into. Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos are big imposing centre half's, while they now have flair at the left side with new signing John Arne Riise.

Midfield


Here Fulham could maybe be lacking that bit of quality needed in the centre of park. Captain Danny Murphy has been a terrific servant but he isn't getting any younger, out wide though they are solid. Flair players Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey, one of the Premier League's most underrated, continue to perform fantastically.

Forwards

If as widely expected Andy Johnson moves onto pastures new, another body would be needed up top. Moussa Dembele and Bobby Zamroa, and Dempsey who can in he forward positions, can't carry the burden themselves. It is widely known that a Premiership team needs four solid front men.

Manager

Jol is still very well liked through England, and many fans still aren't impressed with the way he was let go by Spurs. Including many Spurs fans themselves. He has plenty of experience, and could be another little gem at the Cottage.

Areas to Strengthen

Another midfield player of real quality wouldn't go a miss in the side, neither would an added striker. Other than that it could be a matter of adding a little strength in depth.

Expectations

Fulham are another side that due to over performing, expectations have risen. A top half finish will be the least that is expected, and a decent showing in Europe would cheer the faithful up no end.

Odds

2000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Bryan Ruiz undisclosed (Twente Enschede)Csaba Somogyi free (Rakospalotai) John Arne Riise £2m (Roma) Marcel Gecov £700,000 (Slovan Liberec) Dan Burn undisclosed (Darlington) Pajtim Kasami undisclosed (Palermo) Tom Donegan free (Everton) Orlando Sa free Zdenek Grygera loan (Juventus)

Players out

Jonathan Greening £600,000 (Nottingham Forest) Kagisho Dikgacoi undisclosed (Crystal Palace)  Zoltan Gera, Eddie Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, John Pantsil, Matthew Saunders, Matthew Reece (all released) David Stockdale loan (Ipswich Town) Carlos Salcido loan (Tigres) Keanu Marsh-Brown and Lauri Dalla Valle loan (Dundee United) Rafik Halliche loan (Swansea City)