Runavik journey to London for a preliminary round tie that should prove a walkover for the Whites in the Europa League, regardless of what team we put out.

Welcome back dear readers - it's the show that never ends. Let me fess up straight away to having flown to Texas for trade show duties linked to my business in the world of tenpin bowling. Yes indeed, I'm here to press the flesh with my two major American clients and share in the Texan hospitality - we finish up Thursday night with a gala hoe down at Cowboys Stadium - by which time the Fulham result will be through.

Those heading for the Cottage, a healthy crowd in prospect I gather, won't need cowboy boots or bunting to enjoy their own summer's night on the banks of the Thames. I will be amazed if the Faroe Islanders get below a three goal margin in defeat.

Since Jol's appointment I have no more insider knowledge of goings on at FFC than we have all gleaned from the usual sources of information. I wouldn't have expected any transfer activity this early from Martin, the absence of some of our bigger international stars was anticipated, and it is surely inevitable that Jol will field a largely experimental side against the part-timers.

One or two big guns should sensibly start on the bench in case things don't go according to plan, but frankly I could almost fancy my own chances of getting through 90 minutes in my carpet slippers against this lot.

As to the bigger picture, I thought Jol made all the right noises at his opening press conference. He seems to be sidestepping all the has beens linked with Fulham since January, while keeping his own council on where the reinforcements might come from. In an ideal world I would love to see us being linked to Adam and N'Zogbia (especially as we should have snapped him up for £2 mill 3 seasons ago) but I have every confidence Jol will attract enough names of stature to augment his squad. He has been pretty blunt in saying we need to lower the average age of the side - which we can all see. I am slightly puzzled by the need for a new keeper, and can't quite work out who is the likelier to be moved on - Mark or Stockers.

There's still a few weeks to go before we can draw up any sensible assessment of our chances in the new season. In the meantime I suggest we all kick back and grab some rays while we can. As the temperature here in the greater Dallas area has been around 100 all week, that is precisely what I intend to do in the next 48 hours.

For those going, enjoy the game and COYW as always.

Twitter @fulhamphil

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