Roy Hodgson says Fulham might not be his last job as he continues to relish the challenge of the game.
Ever-green manager scoops new award and says he has no plans of stopping
Roy Hodgson says Fulham might not be his last job as he continues to relish the challenge of the game.
The vastly experienced 61-year-old has won many plaudits by guiding Fulham into Europe this season after masterminding their escape from relegation a year ago.
But Hodgson, who has become the first-ever recipient of the Barclays Premier League Spirit Award, says he has no plans of stopping just yet.
He told
telegraph.co.uk: "I don't think this will be my last job. I'm older than I feel and older than I look. I can't imagine stopping.
"I don't know where the next job will be. I don't have unfulfilled dreams as I've been at World Cup finals and I've been at clubs like Inter, Blackburn and Fulham. I enjoy the work where I am.
"My goal would be to keep healthy and have the same ambitions when it comes to working as people like Sir Alex and Sir Bobby (Robson), two friends of mine. I'd like to think there'll be jobs out there even if this one disappeared."
Delighted
Hodgson is delighted to receive the new award, which was introduced at the beginning of the campaign to highlight the player or manager who does something that best encapsulates the spirit of the game and what the Premier League is trying to achieve through the "Get on with the Game" programme.
"It is something to be proud of, for the club as well," Hodgson said. "You embody a lot of things as a manager of a club. You hope your message is getting across to the players. They are also showing on the field the sort of qualities you expect at Fulham as human beings.
"What we've tried to do is become a good team and win football matches. Along the way we've been recognised as a team that tries to do it in a correct manner."
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore added: "Roy Hodgson has set an example of how the game should be approached and played - he has been a great ambassador throughout the Barclays Premier League season.
"His achievements this season, coupled with the attitude that he and his players have shown towards match officials, the opposition and the fans, make him a worthy winner of the 2008/09 Barclays Spirit Award."
Hangeland happy
Meanwhile, Fulham defender Brede Hangeland insists he wants to agree a new deal at the club.
Hangeland, who has been linked with Arsenal, told the
Evening Standard: "We have been going in the right direction from the time I came here in January last year.
"Hopefully we can agree a new contract, and then I'll stay here for a long time."
