Fulham FC

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Hodgson cool over Bullard

10 Jan 2009 - 09:50:53

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that January is an unsettling time for him and every other Premier League manager.

Hodgson's main concern centres around midfielder Jimmy Bullard, who has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage after talks over a new contract stalled.

"There is no change in our position," Hodgson confirmed. "We want and expect Jimmy to stay here.

"He has a year and a half left on his contract and 18 months is a long time in football. So until something happens to the contrary I will be counting on him as a Fulham player.

"It's unsettling, of course it is. It's a time where there is a lack of stability with the speculation, but at least these days it's restricted to one month in the year.

"For managers and coaches, if we can be relatively sensible about the whole thing and not get upset when you read something linking you with a player you have never heard of, I don't think it's too big a problem.

"January is a time for teams who are maybe not doing very well and need to do something, or teams who have done pretty well and need an extra touch to maybe go all the way."