Fulham so grateful to faithful fans the players have been calling them to say thanks for renewing their season tickets

Sacha Riether and Scott Parker among those to call a few supporters

Fulham beat Norwich at the weekend to close the gap on those above them

Fulham players have today been calling supporters who have renewed their season tickets for next season to say thanks.

Scott Parker, Brede Hangeland and Sacha Reither have been among those to surprise fans of the west London club with a quick call.

Despite back-to-back wins in their most recent Premier League games, Fulham fans who have gone ahead and renewed their tickets are still taking something of a leap of faith.

The Cottagers remain two points adrift of safety but with a favourable run-in compared to the teams immediately above them, supporters appear to be dreaming of another 'Great Escape' like the one achieved under Roy Hodgson. During the 2007/08 campaign Danny Murphy scored a second-half winner away against Portsmouth on the last day of the season to ensure the Cottagers stayed up on goal difference.

As part of the season ticket renewal pack sent out to fans, a season ticket holder is quoted as saying: "Since the 'Great Escape' and the Europa League final, we have become huge optimists because we want to experience that again."

That Fulham have knocked £100 off last season's prices if fans renew early has probably helped as well.