Yet another club who axed their manager mid-way through the season, the responsibility of keeping the football club in the Premier League was passed on to Roy Hodgson after Lawrie Sanchez's sacking. About a month ago Fulham were written off as relegation certainties, who had failed to win away from home all season. Now with one game left, Fulham are a point above the relegation zone, knowing a win away to Portsmouth on Sunday will secure top flight at Craven Cottage for at least another season. The season didn't start too great for the club, influential striker Brian McBride was ruled out with a knee injury he only came back from a few months ago. Jimmy Bullard was still out injured, and Sanchez's summer signings were hardly setting the world alight. Following Sanchez's dismissal, Roy Hodgson was the surprise choice as manager. It took a while to get results, but with the combination of McBride and Bullard back to full fitness the real Fulham are starting to come out of their shell. Success or failure will be determined by whether they stay up or not.
So what do Fulham need to do to avoid another season of struggle? Providing they stay up, it is vital they keep hold of Bullard and McBride. Bullard has been linked with a move away, while McBride is stalling over a new contract. If they can be convinced to stay, Hodgson needs to get rid of the deadwood and start shaping the squad how he wants it. A new central defender would be high on the list, with Zat Knight never really replaced at the back. Another goal threat to take the pressure off McBride would also be useful, with neither David Healy or Dimonsay Kamara delivering enough this season. If they go down, it's going to be a challenge to keep the nucleus of the team together, and finance may mean selling most of the squad. It's a vital weekend for everyone connected with Fulham Football Club.
Player Of The Season: Jimmy Bullard
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