Fulham prepared for relegation but it's not all doom and gloom yet

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Fulham manager is a man who answers questions with great honesty. He knows his side have only 24 points with five games to play and are still six points from safety; he knows they have not won away from home in the Barclays Premier League since September 2006; he knows their seven-year stint in the top flight is under serious threat.

Scroll down to read more:

Fearing the worst: Hodgson is realistic about Fulham's prospects

Asked yesterday if plans had been made for the worst case scenario of relegation, Hodgson said: "The only truthful answer is that we've been doing that for some time but that doesn't mean we've given up hope.

"Not many clubs are so naive as to dismiss the possibility, especially not when they are so far adrift of the teams above. I would be pretty confident that 39 points this year would save you from relegation. But if I say we can win five games, you're going to counter that with: 'You've only won four in the past 33, so how can you win the last five?'"

It rankled, though, when suggestions were made that his words were gloomy and his demeanour a little depressed and unlikely to lift the spirits of his players.

"I find it strange that you draw that conclusion," said Hodgson. "We've just been realistic all along — it hasn't translated into doom and gloom and it won't until such time as we have been relegated.

"We will never admit defeat and say: 'It's over, we are doomed" until we are further adrift than there are points to play for. That's not an earth-shattering statement but I don't see why anyone would expect me to say anything else."

The Fulham boss had trouble stopping himself repeating the word "doomed" as he discussed today's game at Reading.

"The closer we get to the result dooming us to relegation, the greater the importance of the game, but I don't like to quantify this game as being more important than that one," he added. "I don't feel we are doomed... I've used that word a lot today."

Hodgson arrived in January to succeed Lawrie Sanchez, but for many Fulham supporters the club's demise can be traced back to the sacking of Chris Coleman a year ago yesterday.

Reading full back Liam Rosenior was among those forced out last summer when Sanchez shook the place up and will have a heavy heart as he tries to add to their woe.

"It's going to be a shame if Fulham go down," he said. "They bring something unique to the Premier League with their stadium and tradition. They'll be missed, but I think mistakes were made.

"Chris Coleman never had money to spend but the club was in a good place mentally. Then all of a sudden players are coming in and going out and a lot of money is being spent. It upset the rhythm of the club."

Hodgson took over with the club already deep in peril and his flurry of January signings have done little to improve form or results.

The hapless Jari Litmanen perhaps typifies the situation. After proving his fitness in a trial he suffered a heart scare and then pulled a groin muscle seven minutes into his comeback for the reserves this week.

Fulham issued the dreaded vote of confidence this week as speculation swirled about plans to move Hodgson to a technical director's role.

However, he has spoken to chairman Mohamed Al Fayed and was happy with the assurances given.

Hodgson said: "I signed a contract to stay here through next season but it's not up to me. If the club decide they want to get rid of me, they will do so.

"What I'm saying is that I don't turn my back on things. I didn't sign the contract in order to walk out if I didn't get all the sweets I wanted in the first five months."

THE FIGHT TO STAY UP

BIRMINGHAM

Today: Everton (h)

Apr 20: Aston Villa (a)

Apr 26: Liverpool (h)

May 3: Fulham (a)

May 11: Blackburn (h)

BOLTON

Today: West Ham (h)

Apr 19: Boro (a)

Apr 26: Tottenham (a)

May 3: Sunderland (h)