Fulham

You can't fault the Cottagers' ambition - they've had as many stabs at the Premier League as they've had managers! The money's there but finding the right formula has proven tricky. But Fulham are capable of some slick passing football on their day. And Craven Cottage remains an atmospheric, old-school ground - one of the last of its kind. The fans haven't lost faith, so it's only a matter of time before the Cottagers come up smelling of roses again. Though often unfancied by the bookies, passionate Fulham betting still occurs every week.

Located in a leafy corner of west London, Fulham are a club who've never lacked aspiration. Over the past two decades, they've mounted no less than five Premier League campaigns. Backed by wealthy owners, Fulham have splashed substantial cash trying to cement themselves as a top flight club. 

Alas, for all their lofty ambitions, the Cottagers have always seemed to come up short when it counts. Many managers have tried and failed to make Fulham's first division status stick. Just when survival seems likely, they always collapse in fatal fashion.

Yet through all the promotions and relegations, Fulham have endeared themselves to neutrals by playing some truly eye-catching football. On their day, the Cottagers are capable of passing opponents into dizzy submission with clever interplay and movement. Flair and guile run through this team's veins. That’s why fans cling to Fulham odds, however slim, of achieving an upset.

And Craven Cottage remains one of the last bastions of quaint, old-fashioned grounds in the league - a thousand miles from the identikit stadiums. Between the Hammersmith End and Johnny Haynes stand, pure footballing traditions endure. 

Fulham's long-suffering fans haven't lost hope that their team will someday find the secret formula and blossom in the Premier League. This historic club belongs at the top. With the right manager, tactics and signings, Fulham can shake their status as plucky underdogs. When it all clicks into place, the Cottagers will finally come up smelling of roses.