Hodgson almost accepted relegation

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.

Trailing 2-0 at Manchester City with only 20 minutes to go, it is little wonder Hodgson was feeling so pessimistic but, from nowhere, Fulham hauled themselves level before substitute Diomansy Kamara smashed home an injury-time winner.

"The task looked very difficult, if not impossible," said Hodgson. "I am told we were relegated at one point, although I did not know it at the time, but now we have given ourselves a big chance."

He added: "I always felt if we could get one goal the tie was not dead but had the game gone longer, City might just have protected their lead."

With Birmingham leading Liverpool and Bolton ahead at Tottenham, Fulham were indeed down. However, now they are very much in the thick of the fight again, even if Hodgson accepts the task is not exactly an easy one.

"I challenged the players not to lose the second half, but they went far beyond that, even if I would have found it difficult to envisage," said the Cottagers chief.

"We have brought ourselves into some kind of contention when most people had written us off. It is not going to be easy, but at least we have some hope."