Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has defined the club’s
qualification for next season’s Europa League as one of the “finest
moments” in his career.
Despite a 2-0 defeat at home to Everton on Sunday, The
Cottagers secured seventh spot in The Premier League and a European
berth with it.
It was testament to the hard work and organisation instigated by
Hodgson, and highlighted the magnificent turnaround he has
orchestrated following their last-day survival last season.
"I said to the players after the game that I've had a long
career and I've been very lucky," said Hodgson.
"Quite a few honours have come my way but as far as I'm
concerned, the work these guys have done for me this year, not just
the players, but all the staff around me, makes me really proud of
it. I will remember it as one of my very best years.
"I don't like ranking achievement but this one will always be
one of the finest moments. When I came to Fulham we looked doomed
and a year-and-a-half later we are in seventh place and in Europe -
and I do think that is an achievement.
"I don't want to take credit for that. I am a cog in the wheel.
I am a person who prepares the players but they deserve the credit.
The fans pay to see the players not me.
"I am really pleased with the players and the work they have put
in. Fortunately the other results went pretty much as we thought.
For Tottenham to beat Liverpool at Anfield was always going to be a
tough ask. But I will take seventh spot and the European place.
"After a couple of days I shall look back on what has been a
fantastic season for us.
"Now the hard work begins to make certain that we try and
bolster our squad and start all over again on August 1.
"We can look back on season 2008/09 like and we can say it was a
great season because we got into Europe."