Tuesday brought the news that Fulham supporters had wished for, but many feared would never come.
The club announced head coach Marco Silva has signed a new contract until 2026.
His deal had been due to expire at the end of the season but Silva has ended uncertainty over his future and his commitment is a huge boost for Fulham.
Silva has done an excellent job since taking over at Craven Cottage in 2021 and there is real optimism among fans that he will now build on the good foundations he has built.
Crucially, the new deal indicates a willingness from the owners to back Silva in the transfer market.
Silva was left frustrated by the slow progress of the Fulham’s summer transfer business but he has surely been reassured about their spending in January, next summer and beyond.
Monday’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham highlighted where the squad needs to be strengthened.
Defensive lapses from Calvin Bassey exposed a lack of depth and Fulham desperately need to strengthen up front following the summer departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Another priority in January will be fending off interest in Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, who are ready to make another bid for the midfielder after failing with a summer move for him.
Silva could now play a key role in convincing his Portuguese compatriot to stay.
Over the summer, Silva himself was subject of a £40million offer to move to Saudi Arabia.
He rejected a big-money move, and his commitment to Fulham puts them on healthy footing to build on their impressive 10th-placed finish last season.
