A year ago, Roy Hodgson’s side celebrated an amazing last gasp escape from relegation. What a difference a year makes. Next season, Fulham will welcome Europa League football to Craven Cottage.

The progress made by the team in a year under Hodgson is quite remarkable. Several individuals have stood out with Norwegian international defender Brede Hangeland and Australian international goal-keeper Mark Schwarzer - signed on a Bosman from Middlesbrough - particularly impressive. Both have subsequently been offered contract extensions and with Hangeland having attracted interest from elsewhere, the ability of the Cottagers to off European football may be vital in retaining let alone attracting talent.

The final week securing of 7^th spot was an amazing climax to a season that began with concerns and ended with disbelief in some quarters. To finish 3^rd in the London league above both West Ham Utd and Spurs must have pleased Hodgson and the supporters. For a club that was in the lowest echelons of English football in the recent past it is an incredible journey that has not yet finished. The squad will need to be strengthened to cope with the demands of Premiership and European football but given the recent progress, nothing can be ruled out in terms of the ability of the team.