Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Roy Hodgson as its permanent manager. Roy joins the Club on a long term contract effective from Sunday 30 December 2007. The team will be managed at the Birmingham fixture by Caretaker Manager Ray Lewington and assistant, Billy McKinlay.
Following a detailed selection process, the Club has identified Roy as the ideal candidate to fulfill the Club's future aspirations. With over 32 years experience in England and on the continent, the Club is certain that he is the best possible choice to both steer the Club away from its precarious position in the relegation zone and also to build a successful team for the future.
Mohamed Al Fayed commented:
“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.”
Hodgson achieved success on the international stage with Switzerland, who he led to the finals of the 1994 World Cup and 1996 European Championships. He recently took charge of Finland for their Euro 2008 qualification campaign and almost did the unprecedented in guiding his side to the first major tournament of their 100 year history.
At Club level Hodgson experienced success with Inter Milan, reaching the final of the UEFA Cup in the 1996-97 season. Soon after he took charge of Blackburn Rovers and steered them into the UEFA Cup at the first time of asking.
Roy Hodgson added:
“I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity with Fulham. 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.”