Mark Hughes has been named the new Fulham boss on a two-year deal worth a reported £2 million a year.
The former Wales and Manchester City manager will succeed Roy Hodgson, who left for Liverpool earlier this summer.
Hughes had been in the running for the job from the outset but had seemingly ruled himself out after reports claimed that he was unwilling to uproot his family from the north west to the south. However, Fulham finally turned to him after failing in their bids to hire Sven Goran Eriksson and Martin Jol.
“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,” Fulham owner Mohammed Al-Fayed said on the club’s official website.
“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 said that he was looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the club’s relative success from the past two seasons under Hodgson: “I am happy to have joined Fulham following much speculation regarding the appointment of a new Manager. 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 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.
“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 in August.”
Liverpool manager Hodgson also gave his blessings to the new Fulham boss and wished both him and the club the best: “It is a good appointment. I am very pleased for him and Fulham Football Club.
“I think Mark is a very good manager and he has proved his worth many times. It is good Fulham have got such an experienced man to take over. I think he will enjoy working at Fulham because it is a fantastic club with fantastic people and magnificent players. I wish him well, but not too well when he plays against us – but I know he will do well.”
Tags: English Premier League, football managers, Fulham, Mark Hughes
