Fulham’s chances of doing well in the Premier League next season have been boosted by the news boss Roy Hodgson has committed his future to the club.
Hodgson has worked wonders since taking over at Craven Cottage and it came as no surprise when his former club Inter Milan where linked with a swoop following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
‘The Special One’ will take some replacing but it is easy to see why Hodgson’s name has been thrown into the frame after the miracles he has worked in west London.
Hodgson has changed Fulham from a side struggling in the Premier League to one pushing for Europe and last season’s run in the Europa League showed what a remarkable job the former Blackburn boss has done.
The Cottagers may have lost in the final but the fact they got there in the first place was an amazing feat and something Hodgson will be looking to build on.
“Me to Inter? I am surprised,” he revealed. “I don’t know. I have not spoken to anyone. I have not heard from Inter. My name is in the same speculation as Benitez and Capello (as they both have contracts elsewhere, like Hodgson).
“I am under contract with Fulham, and I am happy there. When I hear something then we will see, but I cannot say anything at the moment.”
Speculation has been rife linking the likes of Bobby Zamora with a move away from the club, but the crucial factor for Fulham will be keeping hold of Hodgson.
Players can come and go but as long as Hodgson is at the helm then Fulham are in safe hands and can look to the future. Without him there is a danger they could return to battling for their lives near the foot of the division.
The main worry for Fulham fans is will Hodgson think he has taken the club as far as he can or will he believe they are capable of winning some silverware?
The top seven never mind the top four will take some breaking into next season as Liverpool finished there in the last campaign, while the big guns have started to take the FA Cup seriously again.
That just leaves the Carling Cup and Hodgson, despite his denials may find it impossible to turn down the chance to coach the European Champions again.