Fulham completed the signing of Mark Schwarzer in May 2008, agreeing a two-year deal for the commanding Australian keeper after he turned down a similar deal to stay with Middlesbrough.

Schwarzer, an excellent shot-stopper and regarded as a reliable pair of hands at Premeir League level, claimed to have been approached by both Bayern Munich and Juventus but opted for Fulham as neither of the two European giants could guarantee him first team football.

At times the 37-year-old looked virtually unbeatable as Fulham's last line of defence put together a catalogue of world-class goalkeeping. The former Middlesbrough stopper more than played his part in the Whites' most successful season to date, and garnered glowing recognition from his Manager and team-mates, pundits and press, and the fans - who named him their Player of the Year.

And the big Aussie was more than worthy; winning and securing a number of precious points, particularly outside of SW6, and alongside Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland, John Pantsil and Paul Konchesky he formed one of the league's meanest defences - finishing the campaign with 15 clean sheets and just 34 goals conceded.

His free transfer from Middlesbrough, where he spent 11 years, surely represents one of the Club's greatest pieces of business with the Club fighting off interest from both Juventus and Bayern Munich for his signature. Very few command their box with more governance, and coupled with his exceptional reaction and agility, he's a 'keeper that breathes confidence into those in front of him.

In a season that also saw him named as the inaugural Australian Footballer of the Year Schwarzer was rewarded with a one-year contract extension that will make him a Fulham player until the summer of 2011.

In his 11 years at Middlesbrough he made 367 appearances and picked up a Carling Cup winners medal after triumph over Bolton Wanders in the 2003/04 season.

Schwarzer started his career with Australian outfit Marconi Stallions, where Christian Vieri was a team mate. After winning a league title he moved to Germany joining Dynamo Dresden and then to Kaiserslautern.

He signed for Bradford City in November 1996, and is felt to be one of the best keepers the Bantams ever had despite joining Middlesbrough just four months later in 1997 for £1.5million.

His his debut came in a 2-0 League Cup win at Stockport County, and made his Premiership bow ten days later in a 3-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday.

source: Fulham FC & soccernet

Season	League				FA Cup				Lg Cup				Europe				Other				Total
	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R
2008/2009	38	0	0	0	5	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	44	0	0	0

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