Fulham Appoint Mark Hughes As Manager
Fulham FC have announced that they have appointed Mark Hughes as their new boss. The former Manchester City manager has signed a two-year deal with the English Premier League (EPL) club.
There had been much speculation as to who would replace Roy Hodgson, now at EPL rivals Liverpool, as the club’s new head coach. Ajax manager and former boss of Tottenham Hotspur Martin Jol had been offered the position, but turned it down. Such a move has not put off Hughes though, as he spoke of his delight at once again becoming an EPL boss.
After completing the deal, Hughes told the club’s official website: "I am happy to have joined Fulham following much speculation regarding the appointment of a new manager. I am joining on the back of two of the most successful seasons in the club’s history, and that in itself brings with it the challenges of expectation and ambition. I am confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this club forward in the right direction.”
Special times
Hughes also spoke of his ambitions for the club, saying: "I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season’s campaign and we will work hard to achieve that. I’m looking forward to working with the squad as soon as possible, and in making sure the on-pitch preparations are complete before the first competitive ball is kicked.”
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed was pleased to secure Hughes’ services and said: "I would like to welcome Mark Hughes to Fulham. I know that he understands my vision for the club, and believes in what we want achieve. We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue. I am confident that with his Premier League and national team successes, Mark will be a great guy for the job."
Hughes will take charge of the team when they face German Bundesliga team Werder Bremen in a pre-season friendly on Aug. 7.
Former Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea and Wales striker Hughes began his coaching career when he was appointed as the national manager of Wales in 1999. He was in charge for five years and was close to qualifying for the UEFA European Championships in 2004. Wales had managed to beat Italy in a qualifying group game, but were unable to overcome the challenge of Russia in the play-offs.
Premier manager
He quit as national coach in September 2004 to become manager of EPL team Blackburn Rovers FC – which was also the club where he ended his playing career. His remit was to steer the club clear of the relegation zone in his first season and successfully managed to do so. He also steered the club to their first FA Cup semi-final appearance in more than 40 years.
The following season brought even greater success as Blackburn finished in the top six of the league and qualified for European competition in the UEFA Cup. They managed to beat EPL big guns Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal during the campaign. In the 2006-7 season, Blackburn finished tenth and again reached the FA Cup semi-final.
In June 2008, Hughes became manager of Manchester City. In the 2008-09 season, he took the club to a tenth place finish in the league as well as the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. During this time, City had a formidable home record. He remained with City until December last year and lost only two league games that season prior to his departure.
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