Fulham Hires Roy Hodgson

Fulham hired well-traveled English manager Roy Hodgson today to what the club described only as a "long-term contract", and the former Inter Milan boss will take over after the Cottagers' match against Birmingham City tomorrow.

Hodgson's last stop as manager was with the Finland national team from January 2006 to November 2007, and the 60-year-old nearly led the Scandinavian team to a place in Euro 2008 next summer. Among others, Hodgson has been in charge at Inter Milan, Udinese, Blackburn, Malmö FF, Grasshoppers, and F.C. Copenhagen on the domestic scene, as well as the UAE and Switzerland internationally. He was considered to be a long shot candidate for the England job as well this winter before Fabio Capello was hired.

Hodgson should command immediate respect with his background and experience as a manager. He's inheriting a team that's had more than their share of tough breaks this season but has the talent, at least in my opinion, to stay in the Premiership. Captain Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard should return to the lineup within the next few weeks and that will really be a majoy boost for the Cottagers.