Mark Hughes appointed Fulham manager
Supporters at Craven Cottage were left bitterly disappointed when Martin Jol opted to stay at Ajax last week, but there were smiles on faces this morning after it was confirmed that Mark Hughes will take over from Roy Hodgson.
The former Manchester City manager has agreed to become Fulham’s new boss on an initial two-year contract – his first job in management since being relieved of his duties at Eastlands last December.
Fulham chairman Mohammed Al Fayed was forced to act quickly this week after missing out on first-choice Jol. With just two weeks to go before the start of the 2010/11 Premier League campaign, it’s believed that Hughes will now turn to his former club in a bid to strengthen his new squad.
The likes of Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz and Stephen Ireland – players who all flourished under Hughes’ management – have been linked with a move to west London, and all three could make the move if the Welshman has his way.
Hughes would have been offered assurances over the club’s transfer policy before he arrived at the Cottage, and it’s now expected than an influx of new signings will join before the transfer window closes.
The Fulham board will also be confident that this appointment will convince the club’s key players, including Clint Dempsey, Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora, to stay at the club this season.
After waiting patiently for eight months, Hughes was understandably happy to return to Premier League management, but has recognised that the high expectation levels around the club after two successful seasons under Hodgson could be a burden.
"[It] 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," Hughes commented.
"I have discussed my aspirations with both the Chairman and Alistair Mackintosh and believe that we are aligned in our aims for what can realistically be achieved here.
"I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season’s campaign and we will work hard to achieve that."
Before he accepted Fulham’s offer, one of Hughes’ demands involved his backroom staff. Mark Bowen, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwiecki all worked with him at the City of Manchester Stadium, and also arrive at the club to assist the Welshman.
Meanwhile, Al Fayed hailed the appointment of the former Wales boss, and feels that the club will continue to move in the right direction under his leadership.
"I know that he understands my vision for the club, and believes in what we want achieve," the Fulham chairman stated.
"We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue. Mark will be a great guy for the job."
Hughes will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, before taking charge of Fulham’s friendly match against Werder Bremen four days later.
Despite his demanding spells with Blackburn Rovers, Wales and Man City, this latest assignment at Fulham promises to be his toughest yet.
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