Fulham had a terrible season last year vastly under performing with their star studded attack badly let down by their leaky defence.

In the summer transfer window they brought in some talented players like Tom Cairney, Ben Pringle and Richard Stearman.

They also brought in Jazz Richards, James Husband, Luke Garbutt and Tim Ream to strengthen their defence but it didn't work. Under Kit Symons Fulham endured a terrible start losing a lot of games and conceding goals at an alarming rate.

The strike pairing of Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele was one of the best in the Football League with them finishing with 40 goals between them and these goals kept Fulham up ultimately.

But their defence was a shambles with Garbutt inconsistent at left back and no centre back pairing seemed to work. Michael Madl helped stabilize the defence and if Fulham keep their squad together and bolster the defence they could have a crack at top 6.

Here is there possible starting XI for the first day next season:

GK - Marcus Bettinelli

It was difficult for Fulham to nail down the Number One spot last season with young keeper Marcus Bettinelli suffering from knee ligament damage early in the season.

Joe Lewis was loaned in from Cardiff but didn't impress and in the end Andy Lonergan was brought in on a free transfer after his release from Bolton. He made over 30 appearances and fans were sympathetic towards him over Fulham conceding a lot of goals.

Overall they conceded 79 goals which was the second highest in the division but the defence bears the brunt of most of that.

At 24, Bettinelli has come in for criticism over the mistakes he makes but fans agree that he should get to start this season to see how he goes and if he develops.

LB - James Husband

The young Middlesbrough left back was loaned out to Fulham last season after impressing in the previous season.

He tussled with loanee rival Luke Garbutt for the coveted left back spot with Husband coming out on top in his time there. At Middlesbrough he plays second fiddle to George Friend who is one of their most consistent players and with Middlesbrough's promotion to the Premier League, Husband is not likely to get regular football and perhaps a full season at Fulham will help.

They struggled at left back last season with Luke Garbutt inconsistent. He is only 22 and should start for Middlesbrough in the future with his pace, tackling and defensive work all coming along nicely.

CB - Michael Madl

The Austrian centre back arrived on loan from Sturm Graz and made an immediate impression in the back four.

The big tackling centre back was good in the air and broke up play well and became a fan favourite for his work rate. Fans called for him to be signed up and he duly was, and with the exit of Dan Burn to Wigan his role will be crucial to Fulham with fans hoping he will have the same impact Michael Morrison had at Birmingham.

Tim Ream has mainly been played at left back but has not been on Madl's level when at centre back so the Austrian should get first team football next season just because he has been Fulham's best defender.

CB - Fernando Amorebieta

The Venezuelan centre back has had a topsy turvy career at Fulham ever since his move from Bilbao.

He played when they were relegated from the Premier League and last season he was strangely loaned out to Middlesbrough where he scored a playoff semi final goal against Brentford which Fulham fans must have enjoyed.

But Middlesbrough didn't buy him on a permanent deal and Fulham started him at centre back alongside Bodurov, Hutchinson or Ream to no avail so hopefully he can establish himself alongside Madl who was very impressive towards the end of the season.

They both have considerable strength and aerial ability and could spark the end of Fulham's leaky defence.

RB - Richard Stearman

One of Fulham's better buys in the summer transfer window was Wolves defender Richard Stearman.

Wolves's defence got worse without him and if it wasn't for injury he could have played a big part of Fulham last season. He is versatile playing at right back and centre back and will be massive if he plays a full season as he has plenty of Premier League experience.

Fulham will need to keep him fit though as Jazz Richards hasn't been as good at full back. His defensive and physical play makes him hard to beat even with the best wingers in the Championship and that bit of passion and discipline has been sorely missed by Fulham.

CM - Scott Parker

The experienced English veteran is a must in the middle of the park for Fulham next season with him signing a contract extension at the end of last season.

He has been a consistent starter for Fulham over the course of the last 3 seasons and his role as a box to box midfielder is as crucial as ever with Parker also remaining loyal.

He has a long record of Premier League football with Chelsea, West Ham and Tottenham whilst also being capped for England 18 times. He may be 35 but he is one of the best players in that Fulham team he just needs someone good to play next too.

CM - Ryan Tunnicliffe

The former Manchester United youngster has played for 7 different clubs at the age of 23. After failing to break through at Old Trafford after a series of loan moves he moved permanently to Fulham.

But under Meulensteen and Magath he became surplus to requirements being loaned to the likes of Blackburn. This season he scored twice in 29 games and laid off many chances for team mates and was bright in attack.

Fulham fans will be hoping for even more progress next season.

LM - Ben Pringle

The 27-year-old endured a bit of obscurity with Derby before establishing himself and starring at Rotherham helping them to back to back promotions to the Premier League.

Pringle was named in the PFA Team of the Year for Rotherham and linked to Premier League sides. After solid performances in the Championship with Rotherham he was snatched up by Fulham terrorizing defences with his pace and passing.

He was loaned out to Blackburn last season after a period of struggle but it is bound to be a necessity for Jokanovic next season.

CAM - Stephane Sessegnon

If Fulham want to show some intent in the transfer market then former West Brom man Stephane Sessegnon is available.

West Brom released him as he was on a big wage but rarely playing, only scoring 2 goals in the last 2 years. He has never played in the Championship but his form in the Premier League when at Sunderland shows his pace and vision will cause any team to struggle against them this season.

He would have to take a pay cut but his experience could be invaluable. Fulham will need more service in midfield with Kacanikilic gone and Fulham playing a single striker.

RM - Tom Cairney

Easily their best performing midfielder last season's scoring an impressive 8 goals in 42 games becoming a set piece specialist.

With Matt Smith plus Moussa Dembele looking likely to leave the 3 behind the striker have a job on their hands to provide excellent service to Ross McCormack.

He is very experienced in the Championship with Hull and Fulham winning Blackburn Player of the Year in the 13/14 season. He is very quick and a good dribbler and also finds space to run into, if he can maintain this form next season he will be crucial once more.

ST - Ross McCormack

Probably the best striker in the Football League scoring an incredible 23 goals last season and forming a 40 goal partnership with young Frenchman Moussa Dembele earning McCormack a nomination for Championship Player of the Year which he lost to Andre Gray.

With Dembele likely to leave for a London giant and Smith moving to Wolves they will be down too Woodrow and McCormack.

McCormack is better and more experienced and if they do somehow ward off offers for him then he will be huge for them next season, possibly deciding if they go up or not.

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