Why Fulham Could Be in Huge Trouble Next Season

The 2011-2012 Premier League campaign was one of the most exciting seasons in years with thrilling derbies, shocking moments and new Champions crowned. And it is with this that Martin Jol's Fulham side managed to prove doubters wrong and survive the relegation battle and finish in an amazing ninth place, on the same points as Liverpool. However, with the new season just around the corner, many sides are looking at the individuals that were part of the successful Fulham side. As always with the new season on the horizon, this is the period of the footballing calender of which new additions are made to sides. And Fulham boast some of the most exciting prospects in England right now. Clint Dempsey, 29, enjoyed one of his best seasons yet in a Fulham jersey, scoring 17 goals in 37 appearances and if that wasn't enough, he's not even a striker by trade. But this amazing goal ratio has many top English clubs looking into his contract situation at Fulham and could potentially bid for the American attacker with new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers showing interest. Another name being mentioned as a possible transfer target for top clubs Chelsea and Manchester United is Belgium midfielder Moussa Dembele. Dembele is a hot prospect right now after playing a huge part in Fulham's succesful campaign this season, if a huge offer comes in for the Belgian, it would be hard for Fulham to decline. Fulham were just one of many clubs that finished surprisingly higher than anticipated with sides such as Norwich, Swansea and Newcastle all taking the league by storm. And the success of these teams saw both Norwich and Swansea lose their managers with Paul Lambert joining Aston Villa and Brendan Rodgers joining Liverpool. These clubs will all now be fighting for their lives in the Premier League and the likes of Swansea will be looking towards the mid-table as their priorities, a place where Fulham have found themselves for years and have been unable to do better than Europa League placing. They could potentially find themselves back in the Relegation battle. One of Fulham's strengths is the experience they have within the squad. Players such as Damien Duff, John Arne Riise and Danny Murphy all have performed at title winning clubs and bring a huge collection of experience into the side but are also not getting any younger. With a squad age average of 28.04 years, they are one of the oldest teams in the Premier League. Although Danny Murphy is yet to sign a new deal with the club, he's expected to be offered a new contract, however the question is, Is it worth it? Fulham must look to keep hold off their top stars with Pavel Pogrebnyak's deal coming to an end, Fulham would be letting one of the most influential strikers of this season go. Contract's coming to an end, deals yet to be signed and uncertainty over players futures. Are Fulham in danger of becoming involved in the Relegation scrap this season? Or can Martin Jol steer the Craven Cottage side towards Europa League qualification?