Mark joined Fulham from Middlesbrough in the summer 2008 and signed a two- year-deal with the Whites.
The Mark Schwarzer superlatives came thick and fast last season, with the Australian international experiencing a very successful first season at Craven Cottage.
At times the 37-year-old looked virtually unbeatable as Fulham’s last line of defence put together a catalogue of world-class goalkeeping. The former Middlesbrough stopper more than played his part in the Whites’ most successful season to date, and garnered glowing recognition from his Manager and team-mates, pundits and press, and the fans – who named him their Player of the Year.
And the big Aussie was more than worthy; winning and securing a number of precious points, particularly outside of SW6, and alongside Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland, John Pantsil and Paul Konchesky he formed one of the league’s meanest defences - finishing the campaign with 15 clean sheets and just 34 goals conceded.
His free transfer from Middlesbrough, where he spent 11 years, surely represents one of the Club’s greatest pieces of business with the Club fighting off interest from both Juventus and Bayern Munich for his signature. Very few command their box with more governance, and coupled with his exceptional reaction and agility, he’s a ‘keeper that breathes confidence into those in front of him.
In a season that also saw him named as the inaugural Australian Footballer of the Year Schwarzer was rewarded with a one-year contract extension that will make him a Fulham player until the summer of 2011.
Schwarzer has once again been consistently outstanding this season and received February's Barclays Player of the Month Award after helping Fulham to an unbeaten month, which saw the Aussie keep five clean sheets in eight league and cup games.