The experienced Niemi should prove to be a good goalkeeper, he is ably assisted by both Warner and Batista. However, Fulham look weak at centre back, the likes of Pearce, Christanval and Stefanovic are reasonable players, but risk being overrun when playing against some of the better teams in the division. The full back area is a little better, with Hughes being a good player on the right and Konchesky and Bocanegra being decent on the left. However, there is a lack of quality defensive cover, with the likes of Baird and Volz being two particularly poor players who should probably be sold.

The midfield area is also lacking in any standout players, the likes of Smertin, Bullard, Davis and Murphy are reasonable players, but Fulham could really do with a more creative minded attacking midfielder to improve the supply line to the forwards. In the wide areas, Dempsey is a capable right sided midfielder who is well supported by Davis. However, the left side could prove to be a problem, with an average player like Seol being the best of a bad bunch. The likes of Bouazza and Kamara are not good enough at this level.

The problems continue through to the attacking department. When their best player is the ageing American, McBride, it is a sure sign that a team are in trouble. Whilst the likes of John should be able to trouble defences with his pace, Fulham are in desperate need of at least two quality forwards if they are to achieve survival.

With weaknesses in almost every area of the pitch, prospective Fulham managers are going to have a tough job on their hands, keeping this side in the division. The transfer budget will have to be spent carefully and it may also be necessary to look to the loan market for what will need to be a major squad overhaul.