Ghana defender John Pantsil has proven to be one of the most instrumental players who helped to send Fulham to Europe this season. The English side finished seventh in the Premier League which ended on Sunday despite a 2-0 loss to Everton on the final day. The defender has played all but one of the 38 matches of the league season and missed the single game because of suspension. Panstil, who suffered lack of playing time at rivals West Ham, joined Fulham at the start of the season and has won the hearts of the fans because of his commitment to the club He played constantly as the right wing back for the club and made the club's defence resolute this season. After surviving on the last day in season 2007/08, the Cottagers made great inroads this season. Meanwhile, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has rated qualifying for next season's inaugural European league as one of his greatest managerial achievements. Hodgson said although he doesn't like rating his achievements, this one is right up there. "I said to the players after the game that I've had a long career and I've been very lucky," said Hodgson. "Quite a few honours have come my way but as far as I'm concerned, the work these guys have done for me this year, not just the players, but all the staff around me, makes me really proud of it. I will remember it as one of my very best years. "I don't like ranking achievement but this one will always be one of the finest moments. When I came to Fulham we looked doomed and a year-and-a-half later we are in seventh place and in Europe - and I do think that is an achievement. "I don't want to take credit for that. I am a cog in the wheel. I am a person who prepares the players but they deserve the credit. The fans pay to see the players not me. "I am really pleased with the players and the work they have put in. Fortunately the other results went pretty much as we thought. For Tottenham to beat Liverpool at Anfield was always going to be a tough task. But I will take seventh spot and the European place. "After a couple of days I shall look back on what has been a fantastic season for us. "Now the hard work begins to make certain that we try and bolster our squad and start all over again on August 1. "We can look back on season2008/09 like and we can say it was a great season because we got into Europe." Source: Ghanasoccernet