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Former Wales and Manchester City coach Mark Hughes has been officially appointed as Fulham's new manager – but has only been offered a two year contract.
Hughes, 46, had been out of work since being sacked by Manchester’s Blues in December 2009 and replaces Roy Hodgson who left July 1. His first Premier League game in charge of Fulham will be away to Bolton on 14 August. The Cottagers will then host Manchester United on 22 August.
The ex striker will be in no doubt that he is very much the number two if not three choice to head up the Whites after favourite Martin Jol backed away from the post at the last minute and Sven Goran Eriksson’s wage demands spooked the club’s board. He is also aware that he takes over after two of the sides best ever seasons and will be expected to improve on Hodgson’s record.
Speaking to the Fulham website, the new manager said:
"I am confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this club forward in the right direction."
The Welshman will go in front of the cameras at Craven Cottage next Tuesday and his first match in charge will be a friendly against Werder Bremen four days later.
Despite the short term contract Sparky has been seemingly successful in securing posts for his backroom staff Mark Bowen, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwiecki, who all worked with him at City. First team coach and caretaker manager Ray Lewington may be on the way out
Hughes takes over just two weeks from the start of the Premiership season leaving little time to organise and utilise the transfer market - but a flood of Man City players, bought and developed under Hughes could be on their way to the capital if he can lure the likes of Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy. The Man City theme continues as Hughes served under current Whites Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh at Eastlands.
He said:
"I have discussed my aspirations with both the chairman and Alistair Mackintosh) and believe that we are aligned in our aims for what can realistically be achieved here.
I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season's campaign and we will work hard to achieve that."
I'm looking forward to working with the squad as soon as possible, and in making sure the on-pitch preparations are complete before the first competitive ball is kicked in August."
Cottagers chairman Mohamed Al Fayed described Hughes as "a great guy".
Al Fayed added:
"I know that he understands my vision for the club and believes in what we want to achieve.
We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue."
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