Sparky to pick Fulham over Bayern Munich
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has distanced himself from speculation suggesting that he is on the shortlist of his former employers Bayern Munich as they look to replace outgoing boss Louis van Gaal this summer by stating that he is enjoying life at Craven Cottage.
There were tabloid murmurings earlier on the campaign that Hughes had wondered if he had been a touch hasty in accepting the Cottagers job half a season after being sacked by Manchester City but he has now revealed that he would like to sign a new deal with the west London club.
He said: "It's very flattering but I'm quite happy doing what I'm doing at the moment. Sometimes, when a job becomes vacant then people look around to see whether there are any connections in terms of past playing careers or whatever. I think there's no more in it than that.
"I have no influence on when talks could start about a new contract. That would have to come from the club, not me. But I'd like those type of conversations if I'm perfectly honest. If the club feel I'm doing a good a job and that's what they want to do then I'm open to it."
Hughes appeared in danger of dismissal in December when a 3-1 home loss to West Ham on Boxing Day left Fulham in the Premier League relegation zone, however they have improved drastically since, with five wins, four draws and two defeats putting them in contention for a top-ten finish at [2.42].
Given Bobby Zamora's long-term injury layoff and the suspicion of many last year that the Fulham post was a poisoned chalice after Roy Hodgson's success and their run to the Europa League Final, Hughes is well on the way to restoring his managerial reputation after a testing time at Eastlands.
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Published: 18 Mar 2011
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