Thursday 30 October 2014 15:52, UK
Kit Symons on Thursday revealed his delight at finally being named Fulham's permanent manager - and refused to rule out a play-off push this season.
Symons took caretaker charge of the Cottagers in mid-September, following Felix Magath's disastrous spell which left them bottom of the table with one point from seven games.
The former Craven Cottage defender has since guided Fulham to five wins from nine games and was confirmed as permanent boss on Wednesday evening.
"It's got a great ring to it and just hearing those words is fantastic," he said at a press conference. "It's something I've dreamed about for a long time and now it's a reality. I'm under no illusions, the hard work really starts now but I can't wait and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I understood the process. It wasn't based on any one game; the decision was made for the long-term good of the football club. They were unusual circumstances but it gave me an opportunity to manage in what could be described as difficult circumstances.
"I've loved every minute of the caretaker role. I've done plenty of other roles in football as well so I feel I'm well-placed to take over in this capacity.
"Without naming names, I know there were some fantastic candidates on the list so for the chairman to then pick me is a fantastic feeling and it does make me feel special.
"We've started our season seven games late if you like, only having the one point. It would be a big ask (to reach the play-offs) but we intend to improve every single week and it's certainly not beyond the realms by any stretch. We'll set our standards and our targets very, very high."
