Once again making a mockery of predictions the club were facing another desperate struggle against relegation, Fulham finished seventh, their best top-flight performance, qualifying for the inaugural Europa League in the process.

Operating on a modest budget, Roy Hodgson transformed his team into a formidable outfit at home that boasted a brilliant record against the top four.

And their record of 17 points outside Craven Cottage suggested that the appalling away form that had hindered them for so many seasons was finally being addressed.

The challenge now facing Hodgson is how to improve on last season as he attempts to manage the hopes of a club and fans as they negotiate uncharted waters.

For Murphy, Fulham's club captain and heartbeat of the side, it is crucial to remember the values that have driven their success.

"Personally and as a group we had such a terrific season and it's nice to look back on it with fond memories, but I think now it's time to look forward," he said.

"People usually talk about trying not to wallow in self-pity, but in our case I think we should be wary of wallowing in the success of last season because that can be dangerous.

"All of a sudden you can start thinking 'we're a good team now,' but what we had last year was a terrific work ethic, a desire to do well and perform every week.

"That needs to continue, otherwise we'll come a cropper in the Premier League.

"I've been around a long time and I've seen that happen. You can become a bit complacent and think you're better than you are as a team. Maybe lose a bit of the edge that you had before.

"So we'll have to be careful of that and the senior players will be trying hard to make sure that doesn't happen."

Murphy was an ever-present last season and emerged as possibly Fulham's star performer.

At 32 he may no longer possess the legs to control a midfield for 90 minutes but his work rate remains high and Hodgson appreciates his consistency.

Until his departure in the January transfer window, Jimmy Bullard drew most of the attention in Fulham's midfield yet it was the more reliable Murphy who Hodgson really valued.

Signed from Tottenham two years ago, he is enjoying his twilight years at Fulham and has one more season left to run on his contract.

"I've got a lot of responsibility on my shoulders in terms of the captaincy and my role in the team," said Murphy.

"I'm probably fitter and stronger than I've been in a while because last season was my first full one after an indifferent time at Spurs.

"I think we've got a better squad now than we've had before. I just want to be part of a successful season.

"We've got a lot of players who are hungry and keen to succeed in this division."

Fulham have been praised for their attractive passing game that is easy on the eye yet Murphy insists it is not just about winning points for style.

"While we don't always play with the quality we want, that is the aim, and we hope that it is the right recipe to get results because we need to find that balance," he said.

"We don't just want to be a pretty footballing side and not win games, we want to be both."