Northern Ireland

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Baird eyes higher finish

13 Jul 2007 - 08:55:22

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Defender Chris Baird has backed new club Fulham to improve on last season's disappointing Premier League showing, following his arrival at Craven Cottage.

The 25-year-old completed a £3million move from Southampton on Thursday and will be reunited with former Northern Ireland international boss Lawrie Sanchez at the London club.

Baird believes Sanchez's other moves in the transfer market - including the captures of Aaron Hughes, Steven Davis and Diomansy Kamara - will result in the Cottagers improving on last year's 16-placed finish in the league.

"It's been a long time coming as Fulham have made bids to Southampton for me, but they were turned down straight away," he told the club's official website.

"It's been a long, hard wait, but thankfully it's all done and dusted now and I'm a Fulham player.

"It's not the easiest start against Arsenal, but I don't see why we can't get a result if we do things right in pre-season.

"We don't want to be in the same position we were in last season - we want to be secure in the Premier League and hopefully we can finish much higher up next year.

"I'm sure with the players we've got we can do that."