Source: SKY_Sports
Seventh heaven
Roy Hodgson told Soccer Extra Fulham's remarkable season was all down to hard work and discipline.
The Cottagers finished seventh in the Premier League, the club's highest ever Premier League finish, and in the process secured a place in the Europa League next season.
Following last season's battle with relegation, Hodgson said sealing European football at Craven Cottage was a fantastic achievement for the West London club.
"We've got to rejoice in this success," said Hodgson.
"People contemplate failure all the time but we've had a very good season this year and we've got to be very happy about that. We've got to be glad we're there and do the best we can.
"We are far from infallible, but what we have achieved this season owes a lot to hard work, the players' attitude and their determination to show character and discipline.
"Showing the discipline which is required isn't easy. It is easy to switch off, it is easy to take that break when you have got to run again, it is easy not to make that second effort, especially when games are going against you.
"It takes character and desire to show that discipline and work ethic over 38 games and I'm absolutely full of praise for this group of players - not just the 11 but also the ones that have backed us up as well."
Hailing Hangeland
Hodgson also hailed Brede Hangeland, the Norwegian centre-back who enjoyed a superb first full-season in the Premier League after being signed by the Fulham boss in January 2008.
"He has surprised me," said Hodgson.
"It is a difficult league to adjust to especially when you're coming from a Scandinavian league where the intensity is nothing like the Premier League. Even if a player has all the skills and abilities we are looking for you can never be 100 per cent certain he will be able to adjust."
The defender's impressive displays have also fuelled speculation linking Hangeland with a summer move, but Hodgson is confident the player he once worked with at Viking FK will remain at Craven Cottage next season.
"We've offered him a good contract to bring him up to the level of other players at the club and I believe he wants to stay.
"But we do have a strictly controlled budget for our wages and it is no secret there are clubs who are willing to pay their players more than us.
"If our players are coveted by other sides we can't offer them the same money as those clubs can, but what we can do is make them aware they are very important players to us."
