Brede hoping Hodgson Hang-s around

13 May 2010 16:49
rede Hangeland has led the chorus of pleas for Roy Hodgson to stay at Craven Cottage by warning Fulham it is imperative they keep him.[LNB] Hodgson's reputation has soared since guiding the club to their highest top-flight finish and the final of the Europa League, while operating on a modest budget.[LNB]The 62-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool and has even been mentioned as Fabio Capello's most likely successor when the England coach steps down.[LNB]While some of Fulham's over-achieving players may also now attract interest from rival clubs, Hangeland insists their newly-crowned Manager of the Year remains the key asset.[LNB]"Roy's the main reason we reached the Europa League final, it's as simple as that," said the Norway defender.[LNB]"We have a good group of players who have worked hard but it's all masterminded by him. He's done really well.[LNB]"I don't know what will happen now but I hope he stays because he's been so important to the success we've had over the last two years.[LNB]"Probably the most important thing for us over the summer is to make sure that he stays."[LNB]Former England left-back Paul Konchesky is one of several players who has seen his career revived by Hodgson's arrival.[LNB]"Roy is a big factor for the players and for the club," said Konchesky. "He's done well for the two and a half years he's been here and hopefully we can keep him and kick on again next year.[LNB]"The work he puts us through on the training ground and the squad he's built make him stand out.[LNB]"Whoever plays, they know exactly what they're doing. We've stuck together and that comes from the manager and the staff."[LNB]Hodgson's first spell in the Premier League ended under a cloud 12 years ago when he was sacked by Blackburn and only now is his nomadic and illustrious career receiving the recognition it deserves at home.[LNB]Under his expert guidance, Bobby Zamora has blossomed into one of the nation's form strikers who was on the verge of England recognition only for an Achilles injury to intervene.[LNB]"Roy has been absolutely magnificent and deserves all the praise he's been getting this season," said Zamora.[LNB]"If you ask any team this season they'll tell you how hard we are to beat.[LNB]"That comes from the gaffer - his organisation and willingness to work."[LNB]Wales midfielder Simon Davies, who fired the equaliser in last night's 2-1 extra-time defeat by Atletico Madrid, is confident Hodgson will stay.[LNB]"I wouldn't be surprised if he has offers on the table but he said he wants to continue with the job," he said. "I know he really likes Fulham and he's been a top manager since he's been here."

Source: Team_Talk