The Cottagers' 3-1 win at Bolton Wanderers put the club on 37 points, one more than they managed in the whole of last season - and with nine matches remaining, writes Claire Harmer.

That statistic becomes even more impressive when you consider that last season they had looked doomed to relegation until the last day of the campaign when a 1-0 win at Portsmouth kept them in the top flight.

Now they are probably one win away from securing their place in the Barclays Premier League thanks to that victory at the Reebok Stadium where Davies scored his side's second - and arguably most crucial - goal.

It was the south-west London side's first league success on the road since that critical match at Fratton Park and it lifted the Cottagers up to ninth, eight points clear of the drop zone.

Speaking at an event organised by Barclays, title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League, Davies revealed who he believed Fulham fans had to thank for the upturn in fortunes.

He said: "You can't look much further than Roy Hodgson. I think he has totally transformed the club. When he arrived, we were in dire straits and what he achieved in keeping us up at the end of last season was amazing.

"One of the best things about him is that he never lets us get too far ahead of ourselves. If we lose, he makes sure we know that we are not as bad as people say we are, and if we win, we are never as good as they say.

"It's always one game at a time with him. He keeps our feet on the ground and he makes us realise why we are winning games - because we are organised and working as a team. You'll never win a game if you don't do that. He always lets us know how hard it is to win, which makes us appreciate it more when we do."

The victory at the Reebok Stadium came hot on the heels of two successive home defeats in the top flight, against Hull City and Blackburn Rovers.

With tough matches remaining, including home encounters with Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Everton, Davies knows it was crucial that the Londoners finally brought an end to their poor away record.

He added: "It was really, really important to us to win at Bolton, especially coming off the back of two bad home defeats. We didn't play well against Blackburn, but I think we deserved to win the Hull game, or at least draw. To lose that was a really big blow for us.

"So, it was vital to go away on Saturday and get that victory in what is a tough place. Bolton do put you under a lot of pressure but we were able to play our football, which we like to do. Hopefully we can take a lot of confidence from that."

Davies was speaking to premierleague.com shortly after taking the time out to meet pupils from Hampton School, Middlesex at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground, as part of the Barclays sponsored event.

The youngsters were invited to undergo a training session with some of Fulham's coaches, before being lucky enough to watch the first team train. They were then given a chance to grill both Hodgson and Davies on life at Craven Cottage, before the duo signed autographs and posed for photos with the kids. One lucky youngster even had the chance to go head-to-head with the Welsh international in a keepy-uppy challenge.

And Davies found himself somewhat envious of the opportunity the school boys had been given. On the event he said: "It's great. Maybe we should do more of this sort of thing. In a long season, it's not too much to ask, to let a group of kids come in and watch a couple of sessions and ask a few questions.

"From where I come from in Wales, it's a long way from any football team, and if I had had the opportunity to watch a Premier League team train, I would have jumped at the chance. They all looked like they really enjoyed it, and hopefully they'll take something away from it."

Having been presented to the pupils as an example of a model professional by manager Roy Hodgson, Davies further demonstrated his admirable attitude when he revealed how he had coped with the massive overhaul at Craven Cottage since his arrival in January 2007. Since signing from Everton, Davies has been coached by three managers - Chris Coleman, Lawrie Sanchez and now Hodgson - and he has witnessed a vast number of players arriving at and leaving the club.

"It's part and parcel of football. You just have to get on with it. A new manager will always want to bring players in, so he can put his own stamp on the team," he explained.

"I'm one of the longest serving players at the club, me and Clint (Dempsey) arrived in the same week. It's unfortunate that some players get moved on. I've been fortunate enough to be here through three different managers in about two years. There has been a massive transformation at this football club in that time, and where we are now is better for us all."

The departure of one player in particular, Jimmy Bullard, who went to Hull in January, has been of particular interest to Fulham fans and the media alike. With Bullard having since been ruled out for several months, after he sustained a second serious knee injury in a matter of years, Davies has made sure he stayed in touch with his friend.

"Jim is a one off really. I've actually spoken to him this week, to see how he's doing," he said. "We are all really sorry that he has injured his knee again, and that he has to go through (rehabilitation) all over again. But if anyone has the personality to comeback from that for a second time, it's him.

"He's a great player and it was great to have him around the club and we've missed him since he's gone. But the team has really come together now, and we've had some important wins, so hopefully we won't miss him too much and can keep improving."

As for Davies himself, the 29-year old is now regarded as being at his peak in terms of playing age. When asked about his personal ambition, Davies was quick to pledge his future to his current club.

He said: "First and foremost, I want to stay in the Premier League with Fulham. Staying in the league seems to get harder and harder, the pressure builds every year.

"To play Premier League football would be a big ambition for me, and hopefully Fulham can keep on improving and get higher and higher up the table."

Simon Davies was appearing at an official coaching and signing session for Barclays. Barclays is title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League which is watched by a global audience of 4.77 billion throughout the season in more than 200 countries. www.barclayspremierleague.com