Fulham Football Club News

• Nickname:Cottagers
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin Jol

• Ground:Craven Cottage
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Hodgson defends selection

18 Sep 2009 - 07:56:40

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insists his selection policy was correct after the Cottagers opened their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw against CSKA Sofia.

Diomansy Kamara's 66th-minute strike secured a point for the Cottagers in Bulgaria after Hodgson made nine changes to the side that started their last Premier League game against Everton on Sunday.

"The decision to pick the team we did was made with very careful thought and was backed up by the powers that be within the club," explained Hodgson.

"We made our mind up early on that if we're to do anything in this competition, we'll have to use as many players as UEFA allow us to.

"I think that now I can continue with this policy in the future.

"I don't have to worry about playing guys like David Stockdale, Christopher Smalling, Jonathan Greening or Zoltan Gera.

"The team showed they deserved to be selected because we played against a good CSKA side.

"These players had a serious chance to show what they can do and proved why I can trust them.

"It doesn't matter which team we fielded, it would have been tough. They played at pace and have started the season well."