Long-serving defender Simon Morgan has revealed how the arrival of Jean Tigana as Fulham manager has revolutionised their approach to match preparation.

Morgan, who has represented the Cottagers in three divisions and served under 10 different managers in his 10 years with the club, finds the contrast to the old days staggering.

“I remember when pre-season training was Micky Adams standing at the top of a hill with a stopwatch and saying 'go', now we have people from the British Olympic Medical Centre giving us time trials and all sorts of tests. The training is completely different and I think it’s the first time we’ve had to be in for a 7am start” said Morgan.

33-year-old Morgan welcomes all the changes introduced by the Frenchman, which also include a very thorough fitness and health check and even a dentist on the Fulham pay-roll. The players’ diet has also been given an overhaul, as Tigana follows the principles of compatriot Arsene Wenger – one aspect that old pro Morgan is cynical about.

"Bananas and Jaffa Cakes were the fashionable things to eat last season” joked Morgan. ”Now it’s lots of bread, pasta and boiled chicken. I reckon in five years' time it will be back to what it was when I started playing - Guinness and steak.”

Morgan is hoping to play a full part in Fulham’s surge for the Premiership – the holy grail of multi-millionaire chairman Mohamed Fayed – after recovering from a knee operation that’s disrupted his pre-season training schedule. The defensive stalwart has been awarded a testimonial, against Tottenham next Wednesday.

The modern era of ultra-professionalism at Craven Cottage is a far cry from the days, not so long ago, when Morgan was club skipper: “We were relegated to the basement division in 1994 and I was captain at the time. We were losing to teams such as Yeovil and it was not very nice," Morgan told the London Evening Standard. “The club had a proud history and thought it could not happen. I’m just glad to be able to look back at those times and put them behind me."

He credits Adams with starting the revival when he was manager from 1996-97 and the cash brought in by Fayed as a big spur. Kevin Keegan, who succeeded Adams, was the man he enjoyed playing under most and the England coach's commitment to being at Morgan's testimonial is an indication of the relationship they had.

"I want to carry on playing here for a few years yet because it is a great place to be” enthused Morgan. “The chairman will not stop until we have won the Premier League. About four years ago we were 91st in the league and there is no reason why we should not be in the Champions League in four more years. That is the dream.”