Source: Team_Talk
Hodgson named Manager of the Year
Fulham's Roy Hodgson has been named as Manager of the Year by the LMA, while Harry Redknapp and Chris Hughton are among other bosses honoured.[LNB] Hodgson has been recognised by his peers in the League Managers' Association after steering the Cottagers to the Europa League final for the first time in their history as well as taking the London club to 12th in the Premier League on a limited budget.[LNB]Fulham, who also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, will have played 63 games this term after their prestigious clash with Atletico Madrid having started their European campaign last July.[LNB]Tottenham's Redknapp took this season's Premier League manager of the year award after guiding Spurs to fourth place but LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson believes Hodgson's efforts since taking over an ailing Fulham in December 2007 make him a worthy winner of the overall prize.[LNB]"Since joining Fulham, Roy has transformed the club's fortunes," said Wilkinson.[LNB]"He initially saved them from the brink of relegation then took them to their highest ever league position last season. This year he has capitalised on that platform, achieving remarkable success in this season's Europa League.[LNB]"He is highly respected by the LMA members and also on an international level where he has worked his miracles in no fewer than seven countries. He is a great role model for all aspiring managers and coaches and is fully deserving of this recognition."[LNB]Newcastle's Hughton is the new Championship manager of the year for his efforts in taking the club back up at the first attempt, while Norwich's Paul Lambert and Rochdale's Keith Hill have been honoured for their exploits in League One and League Two respectively.[LNB]Steve McClaren, enjoying a career renaissance in Holland with FC Twente, was handed the LMA's special merit award, while there were also gongs for Arsenal director Ken Friar, who won the service to football award, and Ron Atkinson, who was inducted to the LMA's Hall of Fame.[LNB]Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA, said: "Tonight is a celebration of this season's managerial achievements throughout all four leagues at the highest level.[LNB]"To be voted for and acknowledged by your fellow members, peers and competitors is a great honour and the ultimate accolade is public recognition of success.[LNB]"The manager remains the most important man at a football club and to succeed in this profession requires extreme dedication and commitment.[LNB]"Roy Hodgson received an overwhelming number of votes from the members and has won the LMA Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Barclays by the most significant margin in the history of the award.[LNB]"He is highly respected within the game and held in the highest regard in the family of football. He freely gives up his time to help other coaches and managers develop and hone their skills and talents, regularly contributing to the LMA's educational programmes."
