Hodgson sees only a Fulham future

AFTER a slow start, Fulham’s season is beginning to assume its customary polish under the impressive Roy Hodgson.

Some perky performances in the Europa League have been blended with improving displays at home and now there is positive news off the field, as well, with Hodgson ready to commit his future to the club in the form of a new contract.

“It’s something that has been discussed over a period of time,” he said after Clint Dempsey’s penalty cancelled out Emmerson Boyce’s opener and secured a draw at Wigan yesterday.

“The club have been keen to organise a contract for me to stay longer, and I am not averse to the idea.

“I hope something will be sorted out in the near future, because they are keen to get something done.

“I have been treated magnificently by the Fulham fans and everyone at Fulham. It has been a really good two years – I like the club and the fans and feel it has been reciprocated.”

Hodgson said most teams would be happy to leave the DW stadium with a draw against Roberto Martinez’s side, who took the lead early on when Paul Scharner beat two defenders to meet Erik Edman’s cross and head the ball back to Boyce, who steered in from eight yards out.

“I was very pleased with the point, especially after the excitement and pressure of the Liverpool game and the grave disappointment in Rome in midweek,” he added.

“Wigan are a very good team, and the players showed a lot of character and determination – so I have to be really happy with a point.

“It was more a 3-3 game than a 1-1, and Mark Schwarzer had to bring off some spectacular saves from their long-range shooting.”

Martinez was left frustrated by his side’s inability to beat Fulham’s Australian goalkeeper, whose best moment came when he tipped Charles N’Zogbia’s drive onto the crossbar.

Wigan were punished for their profligacy just before half-time as they passed up two chances to clear the ball and, when Dempsey shaped to shoot, Titus Bramble – who was otherwise excellent – dived in from behind to concede the spot-kick.

Dempsey took the penalty himself, rifling to Kirkland’s left with a minimum of fuss for the American’s third league goal of the season.

Wigan continued to dominate in the second half without a breakthrough but, even so, Martinez had good reason for optimism – particularly the performance of French midfielder Mohamed Diame, whom he bought from Spanish second division side Rayo Vallecano in the summer under the noses of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.

“It’s rare to find someone with power, true quality and composure on the ball – Patrick Vieira had that,” Martinez said.

“Playing in Spain allowed Momo to be a little bit different – and when he fully understands the nature of the British game he will be a special player in the Premier League.

Martinez added: “I’m happy with the performance, but not the point.

“If you look at the amount of chances we created we wanted to get all three. The difference between one point and three was Mark Schwarzer – his display was outstanding.”

REFEREE: Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent) 6: Showed willing not to make bookings – a rare quality these days – but got it wrong with the free-kick that led to Fulham’s equalising penalty.

MATCH RATING: *** Plenty of goalmouth incident in a wide open game made this very watchable even if it wasn’t the most glamorous Premier League fixture of the day.