Fulham have this afternoon confirmed the appointment of Roy Hodgson as their new manager.
The 60 year-old, whose only previous managerial experience of the England top flight ended with his departure from Blackburn Rovers in November 1998, succeeds Lawrie Sanchez at Craven Cottage after the former Northern Ireland manager was sacked following last week’s defeat by Newcastle. Fulham are currently marooned in the relegation zone, having won just two matches all season.
Hodgson, who has signed ‘a long-term contract’, told the club’s official website:
“I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity with Fulham. I am determined that we will overcome the current position. I understand that it will be a challenge, but one that I will relish. After long talks with the chairman and the board I am convinced that we can take the club to a new level. I am very much looking forward to training with the team on Sunday, and will of course be at St. Andrew’s tomorrow to watch the vital clash against Birmingham City.”
Hodgson, who has won ten Swedish league titles and took Inter Milan to the UEFA Cup final as well as guiding Switzerland to the World Cup in 1994 and the European Championships in England two years later. He narrowly failed to take Finland to Euro 2008 in his most recent role. He will have a watching brief for Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City, with current caretaker boss Ray Lewington to remain in charge for the St. Andrew’s fixture before Hodgson takes first-team training at Motspur Park on Sunday.
Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed added:
“It is my vision to combine the best of the fantastic traditions of the English Premier League with the flair and innate professionalism of the continental game, which I hope will return Fulham to its tradition of playing attractive passing football. I believe that Roy has immense experience in all areas of football and can drive this club forward for the long term. My commitment to this club has never dwindled and I am more than ever determined that we have the right man to turn round our current predicament and build for a successful future.”
