Hodgson committed to Fulham

Players hope experienced manager stays at the club

By James Riach   Last updated: 13th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

As far as my future is concerned I have never given it much thought. I've been committed fully to Fulham all the time I've been at the club.

Roy Hodgson.
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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insists he is committed to the club, as his defeated Europa League players called for him to remain at Craven Cottage.

Atletico Madrid came out on top in Hamburg to beat the West Londoners 2-1 after extra time and win the inaugural Europa League final on Wednesday, although it was a spirited showing from Fulham.

Diego Forlan put the Spaniards in front but Simon Davies equalised with a volley before Forlan scored his second with just five minutes left to play.

Hodgson has led his side through a remarkable run in the competition this season, taking a number of scalps along the way, and was awarded the LMA manager of the year prize earlier in the week.

The experienced tactician has been linked with a move away from the club following his success, but insists he has not even considered a future elsewhere.

"The Premier League, like Serie A, like the Spanish Primera Liga, the Bundesliga, you're talking about the very, very top leagues in Europe and just being a part of it in itself is something very important," he said.

"As far as my future is concerned I have never given it much thought. I've been committed fully to Fulham all the time I've been at the club.

"I still have a contract at the club and as far as I know that's where I shall be."

Meanwhile, Hodgson's players have come out in support of their manager, and defender Brede Hangeland believes the 62-year-old is the key factor behind their excellent campaign.

Mastermind

The Norway international said: "He's the main reason why we're here today, it's as simple as that.

"We've got a good group of players that work really hard but it's all masterminded by him. He's done really well.

"I don't know what's going to happen but I obviously hope he'll stay. He's really important to the success we've had over the last two years so it's probably the most important thing for us over the summer to make sure he stays."

Goalscorer Simon Davies gave Cottagers fans hope in the HSH Nordbank Arena and the midfielder expects Hodgson to have attracted interest from other clubs.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he had offers on the table but I think he said before he wants to continue the job here he really likes it in Fulham and he's been a top manager while he's been here," he remarked.

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is also crossing his fingers that he remains at Craven Cottage.

He added: "He was a major factor in me coming to the club as he was I'm sure for a number of other players coming to this club.

"We're here because of the manager and the manager's done a fantastic job. We all hope he'll stay."

Comments (9)

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Liane Wright (Fulham fan) says...

To everyone at Fulham FC to the people behind the scenes, the footballers playing with 110% commitment & the supporters giving them 200% support. I so very PROUD OF YOU ALL. 40+ yrs supporting Fulham always believing & keeping the faith.

Posted 12:16 13th May 2010

Mark Stevens (Fulham fan) says...

i am so very sad but proud of our boys & roy. i think he'l stay coz he knows that there is something so special & rare down at the cottage: success with style&without losin our soul or becomin alladycish long ball bully boys. we r quite simply the most unique club on earth. no top club can ever get close 2 that claim. im fulham til i die, stand up if u still believe, COME ON U WHITES!

Posted 12:04 13th May 2010

Kennedy Banda (Arsenal fan) says...

roy, hard luck to u. remember there is always next time. we want to see u next season at furham

Posted 12:04 13th May 2010

Paul Cairns (Arsenal fan) says...

I can't believe how many teams Hodgson has managed in his time...It was an amazing run to the final however I firmly believe its the best Roy will ever do with Fulham..& hes not exactly starting out his management career!! Time to move on I say & have one last go with a bigger team.

Posted 12:03 13th May 2010

Greg Moran (Manchester United fan) says...

Hard luck Fulham but they did great going as far as they did and to be fair they had the toughest route to the final. Man Utd could of done with Forlan this season he is class.

Posted 11:47 13th May 2010

Michael joe Musgrave (Fulham fan) says...

I believe Roy will stay and the support he gets at Fulham is hard to beat. The team and fans all have great respect for him and may it continue. Keep up the great work lads.

Posted 09:22 13th May 2010

Daniel O' neill (Liverpool fan) says...

Hard luck Fulham, it would have been a great way to finish the season for ye and would have been just rewards for some terrific performances this year. Hang on to Roy, he seems like pure class!

Posted 09:11 13th May 2010

Chuck Carey (Fulham fan) says...

Sir Roy Hodgson....mark my words, it's going to happen!! LEGEND!!

Posted 08:53 13th May 2010

Kevin Ross (West Ham United fan) says...

Well done Roy and Fulham this season - I never rated Roy much as a manager but he has proved me wrong. Lets see if they can keep it up next year!!

Posted 08:49 13th May 2010

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