Fulham manager Roy Hodgson will use the trip to Australia as preparation for their next English Premier League season. The Cottagers have confirmed a trip down under in July (where they will be based on the Gold Coast), during their pre-season, and Hodgson plans to use it as a preparation tool ahead of the 2009/10 season.

"I am very pleased that we can announce our early pre-season plans and, although this season is yet to end, I am looking forward to our trip to Australia," Hodgson told Fulham's official website.

"I know that the climate on the Gold Coast, where we will be based, will help enormously with our planning for next season and we have an opportunity to play three teams of quality who I am sure will want to put on good performances against us, which of course is what one hopes will assist the team in both their personal preparations, but also of course collectively."