Fulham midfielder Simon Davies believes the Club is heading into another exciting chapter under new Manager Mark Hughes.
In the stands at Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon, Hughes watched on as the Whites suffered their first pre-season defeat, going down 1-0 against Portsmouth in Linvoy Primus’ testimonial.
But Davies, who worked with Hughes when he was Wales boss from 1999 to 2004, insists there were still positives to be taken.
“Okay the result wasn’t what we would have liked, but I think the team spirit and character that this team has was clear,” he told fulhamfc.com. “There were times where we played some very good football and moved the ball around well.
“We had a few chances of our own, but you never want to concede from a corner like we did. We were obviously aware that the new manager was in the stands and of course, we would have liked to have won the game. But I’m sure there was a lot that he saw that he liked.
“He’ll have his own ideas and we’ll start working with him from Monday – which I’m very much looking forward to, as are the rest of the boys.”
Under Hughes, Davies was part of the Wales squad that almost qualified for the European Championships in 2004, losing to Russia in the play-offs.
“He’s a good manager, we all know that,” he added. “He has an excellent record and plenty of international and Premier League experience. I know him from when he was charge of the Wales team and he has a lot of qualities.
“He’s very professional and knows an awful lot about the game. He’s one of those managers that get the best out of his players.
“Some of the boys have asked me what he is like, and what I have said is that he is a top man and a great manager. Let’s also not forget that as a player he was also a bit of a legend. He’ll have the respect of the lads straight away.
“Naturally, people will want to make comparisons, and regardless, it would always be difficult to replicate what we achieved last season – it was the most successful year in the Club’s history.
“But Mark is very ambitious and he’ll definitely be looking forward to the challenge.”
With the 2010-11 Premier League season starting in just two weeks, Davies anticipates an intense fortnight ahead.
He said: “We’ll have an intense two weeks in front of us, but we’ll be prepared. Ray Lewington has been working us hard and as an experienced group of players we know what was needed and expected of us.
“This will be a new season and a new start - it’s another chapter for the Club. With places up for grabs and new additions coming in it certainly promises to be an exciting period.”