Harrison Reed says Fulham went into this season with "no fear."
And that mission statement is paying off for one of the Premier League's best stories of the season so far. Marco Silva's high-fliers go into this weekend seventh in the table, having held Liverpool to a thrilling draw on the opening day, they pushed Arsenal and Tottenham all the way, won at Leeds and now face Everton full of confidence.
Fulham midfielder Reed, 27, is enjoying the best season of his career, is finally scoring goals and feeling at home in the Premier League. He is also determined to stay there this time.
Reed said: "The manager wants us to do it our way, be on the front foot and that's been key. The result on the first day against Liverpool was huge because you see Liverpool first day and you think: 'This is going to be tough.'
"But there was never any fear from the manager and that comes across from the players. He wanted to be front foot, attacking and you could also feel the energy from the crowd, even just walking out to do the line-up. That first 20 minutes set the tone for the season.
"In the past, I think we've struggled after going behind but this time we've won from losing positions. The message from the manager is there are 95 minutes of football, we don't give up and we fight for the club, the fans and for each other.
"The manager is so clear, every player knows exactly what is required of them. He's just an all-round good manager from his tactics, knowledge of the game and experience as well. I think you can see that in our performances on the pitch and it's a reflection of him on the pitch.
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"We had a disappointment two years ago, we had to go again in the Championship, new manager coming in and we don't want to be there again. That's a huge motivation for all of us."
Reed went to Southampton at just seven years old, got his big chance under Mauricio Pochettino, grew up playing for Tony Mowbray at Blackburn and is now equally thankful for Fulham boss Silva for another career change.
He had always played as a holding midfielder. But Silva spotted something in him and Reed is now enjoying himself in a different, more attacking role. Goals and assists have begun to follow, including a sensational strike against Aston Villa.
"He spoke to me and told me how he sees me, he told me how dynamic I could be, he felt I could play more than just the 6 role, be more attacking, box-to-box and I've loved it," said Reed.
"I think I went over 100 games without scoring for Fulham. I wasn't too prolific in my other seasons but I did score for Norwich and Blackburn and then to come to Fulham and go two seasons without a goal then, of course, it's on my mind.
"But then playing in that more advanced role, I put pressure on myself to contribute to the team for sure. To see a couple hit the back of the net, to chip in with assists and it's a really good feeling."
Reed's form has prompted Fulham fans to claim he deserves an England call-up. He is Fulham's man of the moment and while Reed - who represented England at under-19 and 20 level - is enjoying the compliments, he is more interested in ensuring they stay up this time.
Reed said: "I want to perform to the best level possible, push Fulham as high as possible and anything that comes with that is a bonus. Of course, it's a dream to represent your country but it's not something that crosses my mind at the moment."
Reed is also due to become a dad for the first time as his girlfriend Lorna is expecting their baby in December and that is one unexpected bonus of an enforced break because of the World Cup. Reed added: "The timing of the games and the break has given us a little window!"
