Fulham boss Roy Hodgson refuses to condemn predecessor Lawrie Sanchez as the spectre of relegation continues to haunt Craven Cottage.
Hodgson has yet to taste victory in his four matches in charge as he picks up the pieces of Sanchez’s disastrous spell at the club.
Confidence is low and League One outfit Bristol Rovers will fancy their chances of claiming a Premiership scalp in Tuesday night’s FA Cup third round replay.
The limitations of the squad assembled by Sanchez during last summer’s ill-advised £25million spending spree have been repeatedly exposed, leaving Fulham five points adrift of safety.
But Hodgson is determined to get the most from the resources left to him – while working frantically to sign reinforcements in the transfer window.
“It is not appropriate to comment on what I thought the previous manager was doing,” he said.
“Each manager tries to put together a squad he believes in, that will work in the way he wants them it work and that will adhere to the philosophy he sets down.
“When a new manager comes in certain players will be what he wants and certain won’t. I have no criticism or judgement on what has gone on before. Instead, it is up to me to work as hard as I can with the players who are contracted to the club.
But more importantly at the moment I must try to use this transfer window to bring in some players who will help me make the team even better.”
Hodgson’s recruitment drive is beginning to yield results with Brede Hangeland arriving last week, although the Norwegian defender will not make his debut against Rovers as he is still waiting for international clearance.
Negotiations for Watford striker Marlon King are ongoing while USA forward Eddie Johnson has a work permit hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
A further addition could be South Korean marksman Cho Jae Jin who seeks a move to Fulham and has been training at Motspur Park.
Midfielder Jimmy Bullard could start at the Memorial Stadium after making two consecutive substitute appearances since recovering from a serious knee injury.
