Hughes pledges full support to Fulham

Fulham manager Mark Hughes predicts a bright future at Craven Cottage after reiterating his commitment to the club.

Last week, Hughes was linked with Chelsea, for whom he played, but stresses he is looking to build with Fulham.

They travel to Birmingham City on Sunday looking to bounce back from Monday’s 5-2 home defeat to Liverpool.

“I get asked about other jobs very often and just wanted to clarify my feelings about the position I hold,” Hughes said.

“I really enjoy being here and being manager of Fulham.”

“I would never approach a job thinking that I was only going to stick around for six months. I always have a long sighted view when taking charge of clubs.”

“We have real potential and want to finish in the top 10. We will then be able to look forward to next season because we have potential and can build on that.”

“When you have a significant defeat like our one to Liverpool you have to look at who did well and who did not.”

“That happens after every game and I have some thoughts on things we can look at in preparation.”

“I have a lot of options and not many injuries so if I want to freshen things up I can do that.”

Defender Chris Baird has been charged with making an abusive and/or insulting gesture towards a match official during Monday’s 5-2 defeat at home to Fulham.

Hughes said it would be dealt with internally.

“It is unfortunate from Chris and he realised as soon as he made a gesture that it was inappropriate and on this occasion there is no way we are going to appeal,” Hughes said.

“It was right to be highlighted and we are going to take the punishment.”

“We were not made aware until a day or so after the incident.”

“I did not see the incident but he has held his hand up and said that it was inappropriate.”

“It will be viewed as dissent and the club has a policy on that so there may well be sanctions.”

Midfielder Simon Davies (calf) has not trained since the Liverpool defeat and will be a slight doubt.

Striker Bobby Zamora (groin) was unble to train on Friday and is also a slight doubt.

Midfielder Damien Duff (Achilles’ tendon) and forward Diomansy Kamara (back) are both definitely out.