Mark Hughes says that he is confident that Fulham can turn the season around. Pressure had mounted on Hughes after fans reacted angrily to Fulham's 3-1 home defeat by West Ham on Boxing Day.

But following the 2-0 win at Stoke Hughes retorted: "The pressure builds because we feel we are a better side than our league position suggests.

"We have shown we can battle and scrap, maybe some thought that was beyond us."

Fulham managed to get a point against Sunderland in their fight for survival. Andrew Johnson's introduction for the second half gave the hosts a greater threat and it was he who came closest to breaking the deadlock.

Dickson Etuhu had a header cleared off the line while substitute Boudewijn Zenden dragged narrowly wide for the Black Cats.

The last five meetings between these two sides have now produced just two goals, therefore a classic was never likely to be on the cards.

Clint Dempsey secured a vital point for Fulham as they attempt to move away from the relegation battle. The West Londoners’ leading marksman Clint Dempsey also came close to give Fulham the lead. Some neat approach play from Diomansy Kamara set up the American on the edge of the box, but after he did well to shift the ball on to his favoured right foot he could only bend a shot wide of Ben Foster’s goal.

The England goalkeeper turned to stone as the ball swirled past his right hand post.

Fulham manager Mark Hughes says that he does not want to change the side too much for Carling Cup tie against Stoke. While many Premier League managers are likely to rest their key men in the competition and give a chance to fringe players, Hughes is taking a different view.

Having only recently taken charge at Fulham, Hughes is eager to send out his first XI at every opportunity as he continues to assess the strength of his side.

Fulham have decided to double Bobby Zamora's wages according to reports. The 29-year-old marksman helped the Cottagers reach their first European final in the history of the club, and could have even been a part of England's World Cup 2010 squad if not for an Achilles problem.

The London-based club are thought to have turned away deadline day advances from Liverpool, as the Reds were on the lookout for a striker owing to the over reliance on Fernando Torres.

Ajax manager has revealed how Ajax blocked his dream return to England with Fulham. Jol, 54, had been earmarked by the Cottagers as the man to replace new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson. Despite agreeing terms with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, the Amsterdam giants refused to let go of their man and discuss compensation.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss admitted he had craved a return to London but this was blocked by the Ajax hierarchy.

"It was unbelievable [Fulham's interest]. I like Fulham, I like England, I like London," Jol said.

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has distanced himself from continued speculation linking him with a summer move to Arsenal.

The veteran shot-stopper was a pivotal presence during the Cottagers' monumental run in the Europa League last season, when they made it all the way to the final of the competition.

In contrast, the inconsistent form shown by Manuel Almunia and Lucasz Fabianski for the Gunners had prompted speculation that manager Arsene Wenger could make a move for the Australia international after the World Cup.

FULHAM’S giant defender Brede Hangeland is a shock target for AC Milan – if the Italians do not land Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic.

Starsport revealed last month that AC Milan made the acquisition of a world-class centre-back their top priority over the summer – particularly if they lose Thiago Silva, 25, to Chelsea.

Vidic, 28, is the man the Rossoneri want to lead their defensive revamp and they are prepared to splash out £20m on the Serbian hardman.

We want to get the fan's view of everything thats going on at Craven Cottage. If you think that you could be the person to give strong opinions that will get pushed around the thousands of Fulham fans on facebook, then please send usan email (worldcupfootballfans at googlemail.com)

You can blog on anything connected to football.