Fulham hired former Inter Milan and Blackburn manager Roy Hodgson as their new manager on Friday. Hodgson signed a long-term contract and will take over as manager on December 30th. His first game behind the bench will be the New Year’s Day match against Chelsea. Ray Lewington will run the club in Saturday’s game at Birmingham.
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"I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity with Fulham," said Hodgson. "After long talks with the Chairman and the board I am convinced that we can take the club to a new level. I am determined that we will overcome the current position, which I understand will be a challenge, but one that I will relish.” Hodgson will be with the team on Sunday and will watch Saturday’s game against Birmingham City. "I am very much looking forward to training with the team on Sunday, and will of course be at St Andrews tomorrow to watch the vital clash against Birmingham City."
Hodgson was successful with Switzerland, leading them to the finals of the 1994 World Cup and 1996 European Championships. He also took Finland to success in the Euro 2008 qualification tournament although they did not qualify. Hodgson also coached Udinese in the Italian league. He is probably best known for his work with Inter Milan and Blackburn. Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed said: "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.
The hiring of Hodgson came as a bit of a surprise as many expected former Fulham midfielder John Collins to get the job. "I'm very surprised – we thought John Collins was going to be the next manager but we were kept in the dark." Fulham defender Chris Baird said. Fulham has just 14 points this season, tied with Sunderland for the 2nd worst spot in the Premier League Standings, ahead of only Derby. Currently Fulham sits in a very dangerous position as they don’t want to finish in the bottom three spots in the Premier League and lose their spot. It will be up to Hodgson to make sure that does not happen. It is somewhat surprising that Hodgson is not taking over for Sunday’s game against Birmingham since it is a critical game for Fulham with Birmingham just four points ahead of them in the Premier League standings.
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