Hodgson backing Zamora

Cottagers manager confident new signing will succeed

By Will Wood   Last updated: 1st August 2008

Hodgson backing Zamora

Zamora: Motivated

We'll work on him becoming the player he was before last season. We're getting a man who is very motivated to show he is a top-class Premier League player.

Roy Hodgson
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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson believes Bobby Zamora will prove his doubters wrong after watching his new signing score a spectacular goal against Celtic.

The 27-year old, who scored his side's second goal as they secured a 3-1 friendly win over the Scottish champions, has struggled during his spell in the Premier League thus far, failing to fulfil his potential at both Tottenham Hotspur and then West Ham United.

In a deal costing the club £6.3million, Hodgson brought the former England under 21 international to Craven Cottage along with John Pantsil, and The Cottagers' manager is confident that it will be a case of money well spent.

Motivated

"He (Zamora) had a difficult time last season and needs a new start. He needs to put last season totally behind him," Hodgson said.

"We'll work on him becoming the player he was before last season. We're getting a man who is very motivated to show he is a top-class Premier League player.

"He did enough in his first 45 minutes today to suggest we'll get some good use out of him."

Despite having brought Zamora, Zoltan Gera, David Stockdale and Mark Schwarzer to West London, Hodgson admits he may venture back into the transfer market before the Premier League season begins in August.

Recuits

"There won't be many more signings but we haven't ruled out bringing in a couple more in key positions to help us out," he added.

"We've done quite a few things already and I'm very pleased with what we've done.

"We're looking at another striker and flirting with the idea of a defensive midfield player.

"We may also need some cover at centre-back because we're fairly light in that area. If we resolve those three situations we will have a strong squad."

One player who may be leaving Craven Cottage is Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Davis, who spent the second half of last season on-loan at Rangers.

While Hodgson is willing to let the 23-year old leave the club, the former Udinese and Finland manager is adamant that his side will not be held to ransom as they look to recoup much of the £4 million he cost.

Valuation

"The last I heard Rangers reiterated their initial offer which was refused by the club," he concluded.

"Steve's loan turned out to be exceptionally good for Rangers and Steve himself.

"He enjoyed his time up there and was a regular starter. He fears it won't be easy to break into our midfield, which is fairly stable.

"But players have values. We paid a lot of money for him and think he's a very good player. I'm perfectly happy to work with him and keep him at Fulham.

"Of course if he's going to leave us it will have to be because we've received the correct offer. The lad is worth the sort of transfer money we're asking."