Hodgson applauds Zamora display
Posted Monday, October 19, 2009 by PA
Roy Hodgson admitted he was glad Bobby Zamora rejected a summer move to Hull after the Fulham striker inspired Monday night's 2-0 victory over the Tigers.
Zamora struck only his second Barclays Premier League goal of the season before setting up strike partner Diomansy Kamara after the interval as Fulham dominated at Craven Cottage.
Hull held talks with the 28-year-old, who has hit the target only eight times in 51 appearances for Fulham, before opting to stay and fight for his place at the club.
"It was nice to see Bobby score a goal. His all-round play was good as usual and he made yet another goal," said Hodgson.
"We allowed Bobby to talk to Hull but at the same time I made it clear to him that we felt we could still get a lot from him.
"His partnership with Andy Johnson was very important in us finishing seventh last year.
"More goals is what Bobby wants, but I want results. I'd take it if we were to win every game 1-0 without Zamora scoring once.
"But here he scored one, made one and forced three or four good saves. If he carries on like that he'll score goals.
"With him it's not just about scoring, he's also an important target and feature of our attacking play. I'm glad he stayed."
Johnson was omitted from Fulham's line-up after losing his fitness battle against a shoulder injury and is a doubt for Thursday's Europa League clash with Roma.
"Andy came back earlier from the injury that he sustained against Amkar Perm in August than perhaps he should have done," said Hodgson.
"He's probably been carrying something in the shoulder that has caused a slight problem in his groin on the other side.
"We were confident on Wednesday last week he'd be fit to play. He's not far away but he's not 100%."
Former Fulham favourite Jimmy Bullard endured a torrid return to Craven Cottage following his #5million move north in January.
The Tigers' record signing was booed from the moment he appeared as a 58th minute substitute, making only his second appearance for the club.
"It can be a problem for a player who was popular at a club and had been there for a while," said Hodgson.
"If fans think a player moves for money rather than for other reasons like going to a better club you'll always get that.
"It was a small section of the crowd but I'm sure Jimmy is big enough to take it."
Skipper Danny Murphy suffered a knee injury and his fitness will be assessed on Tuesday.
Hull remain mired in the relegation zone following a desperate display and boss Phil Brown admitted they were toothless.
"We didn't create anything in the first half but defended resolutely," he said.
"We played a bit in the second half but that opened up gaps and that's when they scored the second.
"We didn't get any good possession to the strikers. The first goal changed the dynamic."
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