Barring the frequently-made mistake of claiming that Mohamed Al-Fayed rescued Fulham from the bottom of the Third Divison, rather than taking over after Micky Adams’ side had achieved a memorable promotion, this is an excellent look at how Roy Hodgson has continued his progress down by the Thames. Fulham were expected to suffer because of their Europa League commitments this year but – even with injuries denying them the services of a number of first-team players – are in the top half as we approach the hectic Christmas period. It’s nice to see Hodgson’s managerial acumen lauded, even if such praise is now commonplace.