Clint Dempsey believes Fulham should be aiming to finish in the top half of the Premier League next season.
The Cottagers narrowly avoided relegation in the 2007/08 campaign as they defeated Portsmouth 1-0 on the final day of the season.
However, USA international Dempsey – who is preparing for Wednesday’s friendly with England at Wembley – is confident Fulham will fare far better next term.
“You always want to be in one of the best leagues in the world and that is what the Premier League is,” Dempsey – who joined Fulham from New England Revolution in January 2007 told Sky Sports News.
“We have another year to right the wrongs, basically the year-and-a-half I have been here we have been in the relegation battle.
“We are trying to make sure we don’t do what we did last year. I’m looking forward to getting back to pre-season.
“For a team that comes out of relegation trouble, realistically we are looking to finish in the top half. But who knows what will happen.”
Dempsey also expects manager Roy Hodgson to ring the changes at Craven Cottage in the summer in order to reinforce his squad.
“I think so,” added Dempsey when asked about the likelihood of a summer re-shuffle.
“We have such a big squad. We had so many numbers in a training session it was unrealistic sometimes.
“There will be more people going out, but also they are still trying to bring more quality to the side and you will see more faces.”
