Fulham marked the eve of the new season by giving their fans the news they have waited a year to hear - renovation work has finally started at Craven Cottage.
Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed plans to take his club back home from Loftus Road in 12 months' time - and the fact workmen this week began preparations on the pitch is the clearest indication yet that Al Fayed's scheme will go ahead.
The development has been greeted with delight by Fulham supporters, who will again be at QPR's ground on Saturday to watch their team take
on Middlesbrough.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman said: "Everyone wants to go back to the Cottage and the club are trying hard to get us there. We started work on the pitch so that, if we do go back, it will be in good shape."