Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell has claimed that a settled squad will help the club improve next season.

The Cottagers endured a difficult end to the last Premier League campaign before finishing in 12th place in the table.

"It was a bit of a transitional year for us, one where there were a few new faces," Sidwell told the club's official website.

"Obviously there will be more players arriving over the summer, but the main body of the squad will have had that experience of playing together.

"It's important to get those new players in early and get the squad nice and settled ahead of the new campaign. I'm looking forward to seeing who else comes in, as last summer we saw the arrival of some very good players."

Fulham begin their pre-season schedule with a fixture against Costa Rican side C.S. Cartagines in San Jose on July 14.