Pantsil backing Hodgson

Cottagers full-back tipping manager for accolade

By James Pearson & Richard Torgerson   Last updated: 29th April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pantsil backing Hodgson

Pantsil: Backing Hodgson

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Fulham full-back John Pantsil believes manager Roy Hodgson should be named Manager of the Year.

The experienced tactician has guided The Cottagers to the cusp of Europa League football next term after narrowly avoiding the drop last time around.

Fulham have been one of the surprise packages of the season and the Ghana international believes the work Hodgson has done at the club should see him rewarded with the accolade.

"He deserves it, because he has done well," Pantsil told Sky Sports News when asked if Hodgson should be named Manager of the Year.

"Last season the team was going to be relegated and he helped us survive.

"This season, God willing, he'll probabley take the team into Europe. It's like he's our father of the team and everyone loves him."

Europa League

Fulham are currently seventh in the Premier League table and heading for a place in next season's Europa League.

However, Pantsil believes Hodgson would need to strengthen next term if they can secure European football.

"It's every players dream to play in the Champions League or the Uefa Cup," he continued.

"We've got a small squad of 24 where other clubs have 30, 40 or even 50 players.

"If you're able to qualify for Europe I think maybe the club will definitely bring some players in."

Hangeland hopes

Meanwhile, Pantsil hopes Fulham will be able to retain star defender Brede Hangeland this summer

"Brede will be a tremendous player. He'll receive offers in the summer, but we hope he will be here in Fulham," he added to VG Nett.

"He is extremely important for us. Not only because he is a good player, but also because we really have fun together."

Andy Johnson believes Hangeland is improving with every game he plays in the Premier League.

"He just gets better and better. He's definitely one of the best defenders in the league," explained Johnson.

Clint Dempsey concluded: "Brede has been our best player this season. He is extremely important for the team.

"It's not only on the pitch. He is a great guy, funny and he makes a lot of fun in the locker room."