Hughes to stay, Baird faces FA rap

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has rejected reports he is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Hughes, 47, has been linked with English Premier League rivals Chelsea in recent days but moved to quell the speculation by releasing a statement on Wednesday.

“I am very happy at Craven Cottage and am looking forward enormously to building on what we have achieved this season,” Hughes said on the club’s official website.

“I enjoy a good relationship with the owner, management, players and supporters of Fulham Football Club and look forward to continuing that relationship next season.”

In other Fulham news, defender Chris Baird has been charged by the Football Association for abusive and/or insulting gesture towards a match official.

Baird is alleged to have given referee Lee Mason a V-sign after he was booked for a challenge on Liverpool’s Durk Kuyt during Monday’s 5-2 home defeat.

Baird has until Thursday to respond to the charge.