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But former Inter Milan manager Hodgson has been told by owner Mohamed Al Fayed the team MUST play entertaining football — or he can expect the worst. Hodgson quit as Finland boss in November after narrowly failing to get them into the Euro 2008 finals. And he has been promised a £1million payday if he keeps the struggling west London club, who are currently third-bottom, in the Premier League. The former Blackburn chief, 60, takes command tomorrow after landing a bumper four-year deal worth around £3m. Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will handle the team for today’s relegation crunch game away at Birmingham. Al Fayed insisted: “It is my vision to combine the best of the fantastic traditions of the English Premier League with the flair and innate professionalism of the continental game. “This I hope will return Fulham to its tradition of playing attractive passing football. “I believe Roy has immense experience in all areas of football and can drive Fulham forward for the long term. “My commitment to this club has never dwindled and I am more than ever determined that we have the right man to turn round our current predicament and build for a successful future.” Hodgson said: “After long talks with the chairman and the board, I am convinced we can take Fulham to a new level. “I am determined we will overcome the current position, which I understand will be a challenge but one that I will relish. “I’m very much looking forward to training with the team on Sunday and will of course be at St Andrew’s to watch the clash against Birmingham.” Fulham are caught in the relegation dogfight after previous gaffer Lawrie Sanchez won just two league games in 17 attempts this season. Croatia chief Bilic had topped Fulham’s wishlist — and the Cottagers were prepared to let him take the job on a part-time basis after initially insisting he had to do it full-time. Fulham defender Chris Baird expected ex-Cottagers midfielder John Collins to take over following his departure from Hibernian. Baird said: “I’m very surprised. We thought John Collins was going to be the next manager but we were kept in the dark.” Hodgson has been off the Premier League scene since Blackburn axed him in November 1998. But apart from managing Finland, he led Switzerland to both the 1994 World Cup finals and the Euro ’96 finals |
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