Fulham's new captain Danny Murphy today warned his team they need to show a vast improvement if they are to avoid another fight against relegation.

The midfielder scored the goal that ensured Fulham's Premier League survival in their final game of the campaign at Portsmouth and is desperate his team don't make the same mistakes as last term.

The 31-year-old said: "For the majority of last season, we weren't good enough. Beating the drop is going to live with me for the rest of my life because it was so memorable.

"But our position was reflective of a bad season and one in which we underperformed. So we need to improve, individually and collectively."

The fixture list has been kind to Fulham as Saturday's League opener is against Hull City, who are playing in the top flight for the first time.

Murphy, though, is taking nothing for granted. He said: "The new signings and the players still here from last season need to gel quickly. And a good start will be imperative.

"That is important because it sets the tone and gives you the confidence to go out and play rather than having to chase all the time like we did last year."

What gives Murphy grounds for optimism is the passing game encouraged by manager Roy Hodgson plus the arrival of Andrew Johnson (£10.5million from Everton), Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil (a combined £6.3m from West Ham), goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough) and Zoltan Gera (West Brom), who arrived on free transfers.

Murphy, whose partnership with Jimmy Bullard in the heart of midfield is likely to be crucial to Fulham's fortunes, said: "The way the gaffer wants to play is more suited to me, but also, in my opinion, the majority of the players we've got.

"If you look around our squad, most of them are talented footballers and the additions we've made are that way, too.

"Of course, you need to be able to mix it up and not be one-dimensional. But I believe we also have good size in the squad and people who are capable of scoring from set-plays.

"We have the potential to be a really good side. But we will need a little luck along the way and to stay clear of injuries. If that happens, then with the squad we've got, I see no reason why we can't have a very productive season."

Murphy's role is going to be crucial. Following the departure of the talismanic Brian McBride back to the United States, Hodgson passed the captain's armband to the former Liverpool, Charlton and Tottenham player on account of his experience and his ability to keep cool under pressure.

"I never get carried away and I think the manager is that way, too," said Murphy.

"Keeping a level head is important and the best example of that was the last month of last season when I thought we showed more maturity than those teams who went down.

"We looked like a team of players who were more comfortable with the situation we were in. That shone through and if that continues into this season then it's only going to be beneficial."

It is important to Murphy that he makes his mark. Having signed a new one-year contract with the option of a second season, he said: "I've got no intention of playing my football at any other club from now until the end of my footballing days.

"Obviously, I can never say for sure that that is going to happen but I've got a good relationship with the manager and the fans are brilliant.

"We've had a difficult time and come through it. Now I want to be part of the club's progression."