Captain's Honour

Following Brian McBride's departure this summer Danny Murphy was confirmed as Club Captain for the 2008/09 season.

The midfielder will lead the Whites out against newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday and spoke of his pride at wearing the armband ahead of Saturday's game.

"I didn't think about it because Brian had been captain for a long time," revealed Murphy. "I think it was the first week back in pre-season I realised that he wasn't going to be there and there was going to be a new captain.

"I didn't think too much about it and then one morning the Gaffer pulled me in and told me the news. I was delighted, to be honest, because it was completely unexpected.

"I suppose the fact that I'm a little bit older and experienced now is a plus rather than a negative. I feel that with the extra responsibility I can help those around me more than some of the other lads because I have been around a while now.

"I've seen lots of different things and we have got a lot of new players come to the club so it is important I take the role seriously and make sure that the responsibility that comes with the captaincy is something I respect and I do my utmost to give it my best. It is an honour."

A host of new players arrived at Fulham this summer and Murphy paid tribute to Mohamed Al Fayed's commitment and passion for the Club as Fulham prepare for their eighth successive season in the top flight.

"It was a great vote of confidence in the Manager and reward for the players left, to improve the squad and make us better because it would have been easy for the Chairman and the hierarchy to not be forthcoming with that amount of money again.

"The love that they have for the Club has shone through. They don't want Fulham to be in the Championship, they want Fulham to be in the Premiership and for the Chairman to plough that much money in again is testament to his passion and his desire to keep Fulham in the Premier League."

Murphy signed a new one-year contract with the Club during the summer and the midfielder revelead he hopes to see out his playing days at Craven Cottage.

"I see it quite simply. I signed a year contract. There is the option of a second year there. I've got no intention of playing my football at any other club from now until the end of my footballing days.

"Obviously I can never say for sure that that is going to happen because you never know in football. But I've got a good relationship with the manager, it's a great Club to work for and the fans are great.

"We had a difficult season and came through it. I only see progression for the Club now and I very much want to be part of that starting this season.

"I've got no desire to think about any other option other than being a Fulham player and making sure I'm part of a successful team and season which the fans can enjoy."