Happy Hodgson eyes new Fulham deal

Posted Sunday, November 08, 2009 by PA

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson declared himself delighted with an away point at Wigan - and revealed he is hoping to agree a contract extension in the near future.

Clint Dempsey's penalty secured a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw after Emmerson Boyce had put Wigan in front, and Fulham held on despite the home side's dominance.

Afterwards, Hodgson confirmed he was in talks over a contract extension.

The Fulham manager said: "It's something that has been discussed over a period of time. The club have been keen to organise a contract for me to stay longer, and I am not averse to the idea.

"I hope something will be sorted out in the near future, because they are keen to get something done.

"I have been treated magnificently by the Fulham fans and everyone at Fulham. It has been a really good two years - I like the club and the fans and feel it has been reciprocated."

Hodgson said most teams would be happy to leave the DW Stadium with a draw against Roberto Martinez's side.

He added: "I was very pleased with the point, especially after the excitement and pressure of the Liverpool game and the grave disappointment in Rome in midweek.

"Wigan are a very good team, and the players showed a lot of character and determination - so I have to be really happy with a point.

"It was more a 3-3 game than a 1-1, and Mark Schwarzer had to bring off some spectacular saves from their long-range shooting."

Martinez was left frustrated by his side's inability to beat Fulham's Australian goalkeeper more than once.

But he has good reason for optimism - particularly the performance of French midfielder Mohamed Diame, whom he bought from Spanish second division side Rayo Vallecano for #3.5million in the summer under the noses of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.

Diame has something of the style of Patrick Vieira, and Martinez said: "It's rare to find someone with power, true quality and composure on the ball - Patrick Vieira had that.

"Playing in Spain allowed Momo to be a little bit different - and when he fully understands the nature of the British game he will be a special player in the Premier League.

"He's only 22 and he's still adapting to the British game. But he's someone who can go as high as he wants to go."

Martinez was disappointed to manage only a point against Fulham.

"I'm happy with the performance, but not the point," he added.

"If you look at the amount of chances we created we wanted to get all three.

"The difference between one point and three was Mark Schwarzer - his display was outstanding."