Betfacts / Editor / 04 July 2007 / Leave a comment

Fulham striker Brian McBride says a good start is crucial if the Cottagers are to enjoy a better Premiership season next time around.

However, Betfair customers remain unconvinced that the London outfit will enjoy the start of the upcoming campaign, as they are one of the principles in the developing 'Month End Bottom-Aug' market having been matched to small stakes at 8 and currently available at 12.

However, former US international McBride is looking forward to the start of his first full campaign under Lawrie Sanchez but knows there is still a lot to put right after the brush with relegation last term.

He said: "We are looking for a big improvement next season. Lawrie has done a good job. He explained what he wanted when he came in and I'm looking forward to pre-season.

"We need to make sure we are fully focused for 90 minutes in every game next season, we had too many games last season where we let it drop in parts."

Betfair traders though feel it could be another long season for McBride and his colleagues with Fulham currently available at 2.88 to be relegated next term with only Derby (1.6), Wigan (2.2) and Birmingham (2.26) shorter than them in the market.