Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson rebuffs Fergie blast
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has brushed off Sir Alex Ferguson's criticism of the Craven Cottage dressing rooms.
The Manchester United boss - whose side lost at the ground this term - criticised the size of the away dressing room, claiming his office was bigger.
But Hodgson has responded by saying it is the same for everyone at the historic ground.
"I do think a lot of managers and teams enjoy coming to Craven Cottage," said Hodgson.
"It's not got the ambience of Old Trafford - it's not that type or size of stadium.
"It's very, very different but what it gives is a flavour for how first-division English football has been through the years and I think people like Alex in particular enjoy that.
"Craven Cottage is a protected and listed building and the sizes of the changing rooms are, as far as I can see, equal.
"When we play our home games we have to accept we're in a tight, confined space and unfortunately we require that of our opponents as well.
"Craven Cottage is what it is and I don't think I'd want to change it.
"So I'll take his comments with a pinch of salt."
Meanwhile the Fulham boss has praised the efforts of striker Erik Nevland, who scored the winner against Stoke last weekend after coming on as a substitute.
The Norwegian has found himself behind Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora in the pecking order this term but has got on with the job and is now due to make his first start of the season against Chelsea on Saturday.
"His dedication and professionalism has never wavered and whenever I've called upon him, not least of all against Stoke, he's answered," said Hodgson. "So we're very lucky to have him.
"I was fair enough with Erik. I said, 'Look, I can't make you promises. I want you to stay but I can't promise you if you stay that it'll be different to this year'.
"But he said, 'No, I still want to be with you'. So that's it and we're really happy with it.
"At least maybe towards the end of the season he's going to get a few games behind him and that will be a good and fair reward for everything he's put up with.
"You can't keep people on the bench forever. That's not fair or not the
correct thing to do. But all the time you are prepared to be in that position and do a good job you're gratefully accepted."
