As he walked out on to the Craven Cottage pitch ahead of his side's final match of the season, Roy Hodgson received a standing ovation from Fulham's dedicated followers, writes Claire Harmer.
This heart warming praise was awarded to Hodgson in recognition of the role he played in remarkably reversing the club's fortunes over the course of just one season.
Twelve months ago, the side he inherited in January 2008 avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth - staying up only by virtue of their slightly better goal difference over relegated Reading.
And despite two goals from Leon Osman spoiling the party as Fulham sunk to a home defeat against Everton for the first time in their Premier League history, Hodgson truly deserves every word of praise he received.
As it turned out, Fulham had done enough before Sunday's final showdown to qualify for next season's new Europa League, as Tottenham Hotspur failed to get anything from Liverpool at Anfield.
And in a season that included victories over Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United and title contenders Arsenal, few could argue that Hodgson and Fulham do not deserve their place among Europe's elite.
But despite clinching the Cottagers' best ever finish to a Premier League season, Hodgson was reluctant to claim the plaudits for himself.
"I said to the players after the game that I've had a long career and I've been very lucky," said Hodgson.
"Quite a few honours have come my way but as far as I'm concerned, the work these guys have done for me this year, not just the players, but all the staff around me, makes me really proud of it. I will remember it as one of my very best years.
"I don't like ranking achievement but this one will always be one of the finest moments. When I came to Fulham we looked doomed and a year-and-a-half later we are in seventh place and in Europe - and I do think that is an achievement.
"I don't want to take credit for that. I am a cog in the wheel. I am a person who prepares the players but they deserve the credit. The fans pay to see the players not me.
"I am really pleased with the players and the work they have put in. Fortunately the other results went pretty much as we thought. For Tottenham to beat Liverpool at Anfield was always going to be a tough ask. But I will take seventh spot and the European place.
"After a couple of days I shall look back on what has been a fantastic season for us.
"Now the hard work begins to make certain that we try and bolster our squad and start all over again on August 1.
"We can look back on season 2008/09 like and we can say it was a great season because we got into Europe."
Now that is a modest man..a very modest man...and I salute you, Mr. Hodgsen. For bringing Fulham from the brink of relegation to the glory of European nights next season..
