Hughes is ideal for Fulham

On Tuesday afternoon Mark Hughes was presented as the new Fulham boss.

The Welshman has replaced Roy Hodgson who left for Liverpool earlier this summer.

It seems like a good move for both parties, or as Mark Hughes put it a ‘Good fit’.

Good Fit

Hughes told Sky Sports: “I made the decision that this is the right club for me at this time, it feels a good fit.” He obviously missed football continuing: “The attraction obviously, is the opportunity to get back into work.

“I needed to get back to work. The situation with Fulham was maybe the perception I had of Fulham’s ambitions.”

Aiming High

Last season’s European adventure and trip to the final of the Europa League was one of the most exciting in the history of the club but he hopes to achieve a higher position in the league next season. Hughes stated: If we can get into the top 10 this year, that’ll be good progress.”

Progress

The top ten shouldn’t be hard to achieve with the current squad in good shape and possible additions to the squad in the next few weeks. Fulham haven’t sold any of their top players and Hughes is hoping to keep the likes of Brede Hangeland, Mark Schwarzer and Bobby Zamora.

Transfers

With the transfer window shutting in a few weeks the Fulham boss will have to work fast if he wants to make crucial additions to his squad. Reportedly Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has given the Welshman a sizeable transfer kitty to bring in new players.

Hughes already has targets in mind. German keeper Timo Hildebrand is being linked with a move to the Cottagers. He is a free agent after leaving Bundesliga side Hoffenheim earlier this summer.

Hughes is also looking to strengthen his attacking options. Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy could prove an ideal option, as he looks set to leave Eastlands this summer.

Bellamy and Hughes have a strong relationship after Hughes coached the 31 year-old at international level and also at City. Bellamy could be persuaded to join the Cottagers because Hughes presence at Fulham.

Bellamy would certainly prove a good foil for England striker Bobby Zamora. The combination of little and large could prove an ideal option. However Fulham have also been linked with Bellamy’s City teammate Roque Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz has endured a miserable time at City with injuries and Roberto Mancini is hoping to offload the Paraguayan this summer. Reports suggest Fulham could sign the striker on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

Both players would improve Fulham’s squad. They are very different types of players but have their own strengths. Bellamy’s pace and work rate has made him one of the most difficult forwards in the Premier League for defenders to deal with. He is notoriously hard to deal with but Hughes has always got the best out of him.

Santa Cruz is a good target man but needs to regain his full fitness. If he does regain his fitness then he is a real threat and if he joins the Cottagers I’m sure Hughes can also get the best out of him.

Opportunity

Mark Hughes was treated unfairly by Manchester City. Hughes was given a raw deal at City but dealt with it in a dignified manner. He is a good boss but maybe the whole City money circus was too much for him. Fulham seems the ideal opportunity for Hughes to re-establish himself as a Premier League boss. Good luck Mark I hope you’re a success.

Is Fulham the right move for Mark Hughes?