Hodgson's £1m bonus to save Fulham

Chairman Mohamed al Fayed chose Hodgson as the man to haul the club out of the relegation zone ahead of former Fulham midfielder John Collins, who recently resigned at Hibs.

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Hodgson will watch today's clash at Birmingham from the stands and start work tomorrow on a contract believed to be for three years at £25,000 a week.

Hodgson, who left his job as manager of Finland after the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, was about to accept a role as Inter Milan's sporting director until Fayed tempted him to Craven Cottage.

He has a wealth of experience on the Continent but his time in England's top flight amounts to 17 months at Blackburn, where he finished sixth in his first campaign before being sacked in November 1998 after a poor start to a season which ended with Rovers going down.

Hodgson, 60, said: "I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity. After long talks with the chairman and the board I am convinced that we can take the club to a new level. I am determined that 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 tomorrow and will also be at St Andrew's to watch the vital clash against Birmingham."

Caretaker managers Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay remain in charge for the Birmingham game.

Fayed could not resist a swipe at the long-ball style of Lawrie Sanchez, whom he sacked last week.

He said: "It is my vision to combine the best of the fantastic traditions of the Premier League with the flair and innate professionalism of the continental game, which I hope will return Fulham to its tradition of playing attractive, passing football.

"Roy has immense experience in all areas of football and can drive this club 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."

Asked this year to describe his style of management, Hodgson said: "I would like to think my style could be considered as studied, player-orientated and with an emphasis on preparation and tactics.

"Because you take on leadership responsibilities, inevitably you have to be somewhat authoritarian. The game of football doesn't lend itself to true democracy."

Fulham defender Chris Baird said of Hodgson's appointment: "I'm very surprised,we thought John Collins was going to be the next manager but we were kept in the dark."

Meanwhile Lewington has demanded Fulham beat Birmingham to atone for their Boxing Day debacle at Spurs.

He said: "Our next game is now a cup final.

"If we can't bounce back from being humiliated and give a performance, then there is something wrong — and I include myself in that."

ROY HODGSON FACTFILE

1947: Born Croydon, August 9.

1965-75: Player with sides including Crystal Palace and Maidstone.

1976: Starts managerial career with Halmstad in Sweden.

1982: Appointed manager of Bristol City but dismissed within four months. Returns to Sweden, wins five consecutive titles with Malmo.

1992: Becomes coach of Switzerland. Takes them to 1994 World Cup.

1995: Appointed manager of Inter Milan.

1997: Becomes Blackburn manager. Sacked in November 1998.

2000: Appointed coach of Danish side FC Copenhagen. Linked with England job after resignation of Kevin Keegan.

2005: Becomes boss of Finland. Quits in November 2007.

2007: Will start job as Fulham manager tomorrow.