Mark Hughes believes Fulham can finish in the top ten this season after he was unveiled as the new manager of the Cottagers (14/1 to finish in the top six).

The west London outfit had been forced to search for a new boss after Roy Hodgson opted to leave Craven Cottage and join Liverpool.

Fulham failed to appoint their first choice, Martin Jol, after his current club Ajax refused to release him from his contract.

However, they have now turned to former Manchester City and Blackburn manager Hughes to keep them punching above their weight after they reached the final of the Europa League last season.

The Welshman has been tasked with carrying on the great work done by Hodgson, who turned the club around from relegation candidates to top seven contenders.

While the club finished 12th last season it was arguably the greatest campaign in the history of Fulham (250/1 to be the top London club) as they reached their first ever European final.

With the Cottagers not in Europe this season, Hughes is confident he can better last year’s finish as he set out his goals during his unveiling on Tuesday.

“We don’t have the distraction of the Europa League,” he said.

“That’s a big ask when you’re involved in that competition. We had that experience the year before at City.

“I think the fact we haven’t got that this year is a bonus. If we can get into the top 10 this year, that’ll be good progress.”

Fulham begin their Premier League campaign a week on Saturday when they travel to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton.