Peter Fraser looks at what Fulham need to do in order to avoid another fight for survival.
We look at how sides are gearing up for the new campaign
To say Fulham survived last season in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth would be somewhat of an understatement. In the latest of our Shaping up for the Season feature,
Peter Fraser looks at what Roy Hodgson needs to do in order to avoid a repeat performance.
What's happened so far
Fashionable West London is often the scene of lavish and spectacular spending but that has not been the case at Craven Cottage so far this summer, despite a narrow escape from the threat of relegation last term.
Manager Hodgson has already secured five close-season arrivals, but he has only tested the spine of his 2008/09 chequebook on one occasion to suggest it could be more Bargain Bin than Deli Counter on Fulham's shopping list.
Out-of-contract goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer made the difficult decision to swap Teesside for England's capital as he ended his 11-year spell at Middlesbrough, while Zoltan Gera has also arrived without troubling Fulham's accountants after leaving West Brom.
In Fulham's other thrifty transfer activities, Iranian midfielder Andranik Teymourian has been welcomed from Bolton in a free deal, while Finland international defender Toni Kallio's loan move from Swiss club Young Boys has been made permanent.
The only official purchase has been that of former Darlington goalkeeper David Stockdale as an undisclosed amount was paid to the Quakers indicating that Hodgson was clearly keen for reinforcements between the sticks.
Fulham flirted with the drop before a victory over Portsmouth on the final day of the last campaign and Hodgson - who succeeded Lawrie Sanchez in December 2007 - has indicated that he was unimpressed by some of those players who underachieved.
Hodgson released a host of fringe squad members in May as Bjorn Runstrom, Michael Timlin, Ian Pearce, Philippe Christanval, Jari Litmanen, Corrin Brooks-Meade and Tony Warner departed.
Veteran striker Brian McBride has opted not to renew his contract and USA international Carlos Bocanegra has joined Rennes in a free transfer, while Charlton have reportedly made and offer for Hameur Bouazza.
And, as a Facebook announcement suggests, 'Ashley-Paul Robinson is goin Fulham. im on dis ting!!!'. The young Crystal Palace winger has had a trial at Craven Cottage, with his current club's status; unimpressed and unlikely to stand in the way.
What they need
In comparison with Kings Road rivals Chelsea, who are likely to shell out on a few spectacular acquisitions, Fulham can be seen to require a little bit of everything.
The necessity for top-flight survival is an ability of keep cleansheets and after leaking 31 goals at home on the banks of the Thames last term - the third worst record in the league - a defender or two is in order.
Hertha Berlin centre-back Josip Simunic, who impressed with Croatia at Euro 2008, has been mentioned, while Middlesbrough's Luke Young and Paris Saint Germain's Bernard Mendy - who spent a period on loan at Bolton - could offer Premier League experience at full-back.
Having only arrived at the turn of the year, it was expected that Hodgson would make sweeping changes to his inherited squad this summer but, having handed substantial funds to Sanchez, Fulham appear to be opting for a more economic approach as the Cottagers bide their time before entering the transfer market with an eye on value for money.
Hodgson will be desperate to keep hold of influential midfielders Jimmy Bullard and Simon Davies, but James Harper could offer competition for places and the Reading man is keen for a return to the Premier League.
In attack, London-loving Everton forward Andy Johnson could be offered a cure to his reported homesickness as Fulham prepare to start the season without Diomansy Kamara, who is facing six months out after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.
Reading striker Dave Kitson and Aston Villa's Marlon Harewood would also provide the targetman Fulham will be missing following McBride's departure.
What they'll get
While Fulham supporters will be eager for familiar faces and Premier League names, it appears more likely that Hodgson will demonstrate his undoubted knowledge of European football.
The former Internazionale, Switzerland, Viking FK and Finland boss brought in a number of players from his past to help steady the ship in January and, with an apparent shoestring budget, it looks like their could be a few more prudent investments as the new season approaches.
Steven Davis is likely to be sold to Rangers, after catching the eye while on loan at Ibrox last season, and this could free funds for the arrival of Rosenborg full-back Fredrik Stoor and Simunic.
Romanian midfielder Paul Codrea has also been suggested as a possible option, if Serie A side Siena can be persuaded to part with the 27-year-old.
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