Hodgson sticking with Cottagers

Roy Hodgson dismissed speculation linking him with Liverpool after watching his side beat London rivals West Ham 3-2 at Craven Cottage. Hodgson's achievement in taking Fulham to the final of the Europa League, where they will face Atletico Madrid later this month, has been the catalyst for speculation that he could replace Rafael Benitez on Merseyside.But the Fulham boss insists, that while it is flattering to be linked with such clubs, he is happy at Craven Cottage."I am happy here at Fulham," he declared. "I have got a contract here at Fulham. I am happy with the job I am doing."My name is sufficiently strong at the moment to be linked with other jobs and, of course, that is flattering and it is nice to hear."But as far as I am concerned it is speculation because I am at Fulham."We all prefer praise to criticism and love to hatred. It would be ludicrous to suggest I am not enjoying people saying and writing nice things about me and the team."But I am trying to keep a level head and keep things in perspective."Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead and an own goal from West Ham striker Carlton Cole gave them a two-goal cushion early in the second-half.Cole redeemed himself when he reduced the arrears only for Fulham substitute Stefano Okaka to make it 3-1 in the 79th minute. Guillermo Franco then scored in stoppage-time to make it 3-2.Hodgson managed to rest a number players after their scintillating 2-1 Europa League semi-final win over Hamburg and he was pleased their replacements carried on the good work against the Hammers.Hodgson added: "I wanted to win. I didn't want to have an 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' feeling."I thought our performance was very disciplined and hard-working and that we were good value for our victory."I am delighted we could rest some players and I am pleased with those who came in."

Source: Team_Talk