Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has won the Barclays Spirit Award for the 2008/09
season.
The award, which was introduced by Barclays and the
Premier
League at the beginning of the season, highlights the
player
or manager whose actions best encapsulate the spirit
of the
game. It was devised in conjuction with the
Premier
League's 'Get on with the Game' programme.
Hodgson has led Fulham to
the highest league finish in the club's history and
has shown
admirable qualities with his attitude towards match
officials
and opponents alike.
Hodgson, who was presented with the award by Sky
Sports'
Martin Tyler at Fulham's training ground, has led the
club to
top of the Fair-Play League and the conduct of his
players on
the pitch reflects that.
On winning the award Hodgson commented: "It is
something to
be proud of, for the club as well. You embody a lot of
things
as a manager of a club. You hope your message is
getting
across to the players. They are also showing on the
field the
sort of qualities you expect at Fulham as human
beings.
"What we've tried to do is become a good team and
win
football matches. Along the way we've been recognised
as a
team that tries to do it in a correct manner."
In honour of his achievement, Barclays will make a
donation
to a charity of the Fulham manager's choice.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore
said: "Roy
Hodgson has set an example of how the game should be
approached and played - he has been a great ambassador
throughout the Barclays Premier League season.
"His achievements this season, coupled with the
attitude
that he and his players have shown towards match
officials,
the opposition and the fans, make him a worthy winner
of the
2008/09 Barclays Spirit Award."
Hodgson was selected as the winner by
representatives from
Barclays, the Premier League (and with input from the
PGMO)
from a number of nominations.