Source: Daily_Mail
Mark Hughes quits Fulham
ShareMark Hughes has left Fulham after just one year in charge, clearing the path for the Welshman to replace Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa.[LNB]Hughes took over from Roy Hodgson last summer and guided the London club to eighth in the Barclays Premier League, and to the Europa League via the Fair Play table.[LNB]But his contract expired on Wednesday night and Hughes believes he has taken the club as far as he can.[LNB] Gone: Mark Hughes feels he has taken Fulham as far as he can[LNB] The former Manchester United and Chelsea player insists he has neither been approached or approached any other club.[LNB]Hughes said: 'I hope the supporters and all those connected with the club will understand I wish to move on to further my experiences.[LNB]'I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that neither myself nor my representative have approached or have been approached by another club.[LNB]'This decision to leave Fulham has not been influenced by any outside party.'[LNB]If Hughes were to join another club he would not be able to do so until the end of this month due to the terms of his contract at Craven Cottage.[LNB]On the up: Fulham had an impressive season, eventually finishing eighth[LNB] A brief statement on Fulham's websiteread: 'Fulham Football Club can confirm that Mark Hughes has provided notice, under the terms of his contract, to leave the Club at the end ofJune. [LNB]'After discussions with Mark the Club has agreed to accept this notice.'[LNB]This season Hughes built on a reputation initially forged at Blackburn and then Manchester City, where many felt he was unlucky to lose his job.[LNB]As it was not thought Hughes was under any pressure from Mohamed Al Fayed, it would appear a bold move to leave without having something else lined up.[LNB]He had been installed as favourite to replace Gerard Houllier at Villa, although other names have come into the frame.[LNB][LNB]No return: Gerard Houllier has left Aston Villa following his heart scare[LNB] Nevertheless, Hughes' CV would pick him out as a suitable candidate for Villa, and a job would be regarded as a step up from Fulham if that is where Hughes eventually ends up.[LNB]The 47-year-old added: 'I would like to thank the chairman, directors, players and fans of Fulham Football Club for their support over the last 12 months and wish them every success in the future.[LNB]'I believe my management team and I have done a good job and the club has a strong foundation from which they can go forward.[LNB]'I have especially enjoyed our excellent relationship with the chairman and chief executive (Alastair Mackintosh).[LNB]'I sincerely wish Fulham a successfulcampaign in the Europa League next season and for their continued progress on and off the field.'[LNB] Hughes' Fulham contract expires as Welshman is linked to Villa hotseatAston Villa in the hunt for Fulham boss Hughes as Houllier chases ?5m pay-offVilla to begin search for new boss as health problems end Houllier's reignAll the latest Fulham news, features and opinionAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Roy Hodgson, Gerard Houllier, Mark Hughes, Mohamed Al Fayed Organisations: Fulham Football Club
