Fulham have announced that former Inter Milan and Switzerland manager Roy Hodgson will become their permanent manager after this weekend's fixtures.
Hodgson, a well respected coach at both European club level and on the international scene, has been hired on what the club describe as a 'long-term contract.'
Caretaker manager Ray Lewington and his assistant Billy McKinlay will remain in charge of team selection for Saturday's Premier League trip to Birmingham with Hodgson taking charge immediately afterwards.
"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.
"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."
Fulham currently sit in the bottom three having managed just two victories this season from 19 games, a run that accounted for previous manger Lawrie Sanchez who was sacked earlier this month.
After investing heavily in the summer chairman Mohamed Al Fayed moved to make a change in an attempt to preserve Fulham's Premier League status.
"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," said Al Fayed.
"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."
Hodgson achieved success with Switzerland, who he led to the finals of the 1994 World Cup and 1996 European Championships and more recently took charge of Finland for their Euro 2008 qualification campaign, taking them to within touching distance of a first major tournament.
At club level Hodgson's most notable success came with Inter whom he guided to the final of the Uefa Cup in 1997 only to be beaten by Schalke on penalties.
Hodgson was an outside contender for the recent England manager's position and was consulted by Brian Barwick due to his experience of 32 years in various coaching roles both in England and on the continent.
However, his only major club management position in England was with Blackburn Rovers where he was sacked despite leading the club in to the Uefa Cup at the first time of asking after a poor opening to the 1998-99 season which left Blackburn bottom in November.
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário