Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has revealed his surprise at Mark Hughes's decision to quit the club after just one season in charge.
Hughes' move to end his spell at Craven Cottage gave way to intense speculation that he will take charge at Aston Villa, although a contractual obligation to Fulham means the Welshman will be unable to begin negotiations over a new job until the end of this month.
Zamora said: "It was a total shock, him resigning. I was surprised. There was no hint of it. It leaves us waiting for another manager."
He added: "It was going well. Everyone had bought into his ideas and were just starting to play the way he wanted.
"He has decided not to stay and we go on and try and find another manager and hope we do well. But Mark has got his reasons. I don't blame him at all. It's one of those things. Managers and players come and go."
Zamora believes it is important Fulham find a replacement quickly as the players report back for pre-season training on June 23 - with the Cottagers' beginning their Europa League qualifying campaign a week later.
Zamora said: "We just want the right person for the club.
"We are back in training on June 23, we've got a game on the 30th in the Europa League.
"It would be nice if the managerial thing is sorted before we come back.
"If it takes time to find the right person, then fair enough. We have to take our time and find the right person."
Source: PA
