Thursday 3 August 2017 14:55, UK
Fulham are hoping to build on last campaign and turn a play-off finish into promotion this season, says forward Sone Aluko.
The Cottagers were the form team heading into last season's Sky Bet Championship play-offs, but fell short in the semi-final against Reading.
Aluko insists the team aren't going to dwell on disappointment, and told Sky Bet that promotion is the only aim for the upcoming campaign.
"At the start of last season no one tipped us for the play-offs at all," he said. "In fact we were talking about a relegation battle. But I just couldn't see that happening, we had a very strong team, a very good manager and staff and great facilities. Everything is here for the club to grow and kick on.
"Obviously it was very disappointing with how it ended in the play-offs because we thought we had enough to beat Reading and go through, but over the two legs it wasn't to be.
"We're proud of what we did but we know there's more to come. We need to bring in a few players and strengthen the squad, we had a lot of loanees last year who have gone back and Scott Parker has retired, which is a big miss for us. But we're a strong team and we're very confident.
"I can't see a team running away with it this year. I think it will be tough and it's not always the teams who spend the most money who do the best.
"Promotion is the number one aim for us and I really think we can do it this year."
The Sky Bet Championship returns on Sky Sports Football this weekend with three live games. Sunderland host Derby from 7pm on Friday night, Aston Villa face Hull on Saturday from 5.15pm and Leeds travel to Bolton on Sunday from 4pm
