Fans’ favourite John Pantsil has captured the hearts of the Fulham faithful with his energy and enthusiasm, not to mention his now famous post-match lap of honour.
After two fairly ineffective years at Upton Park with West Ham United the hard-working right-back has been transformed since moving to West London in the summer of 2008.
Pantsil has been, by some quarters, lauded as one of the most effective attacking full-backs in the English top-flight in recent season. Indeed, at one stage during the 08/09 campaign, Pantsil had delivered more crosses into opponents’ boxes than any other player.
Another with European know-how, having played for Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Champions League and for Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the UEFA Cup. With more than 50 caps for his country, Pantsil has represented the Black Stars at the African Cup of Nations and the 2006 and 2010 World Cup Finals.
Pantsil has developed into a more than reliable performer using his acceleration to cover at the back and his powerful bursts to support the midfield.
Pantsil was enjoying another memorable campaign last season until he picked up a knee ligament injury during the West London derby at the tail end of 2009.
Pantsil returned to First Team dutues against Everton on the 25th April and went on to deliver a wonderful performance during the Team's Europa League Semi Final win over Hamburg at the Cottage.
Pantsil was a central figure in Ghana's 2010 World Cup Finals adventure and the defender will be hoping for another outstanding season at the Cottage this year under Mark Hughes.