No Swede dreams for Hodgson

Roy Hodgson has not been approached about becoming Sweden’s new national coach and insists he is fully committed to Fulham.

Lars Lagerback’s nine-year reign as Sweden’s manager ended on Wednesday after he failed to guide his home country to World Cup qualification.

Hodgson had been linked with a return to the country where he began his managerial career with Halmstads in 1976.

The 62-year-old, who also had a five year spell at Malmo and a two-year stint at Orebro, said he was flattered to be linked to the job, but denied he was interested.

“I haven’t been contacted about the Sweden job,” Hodgson said.

“I have a contract until the end of the year here so I’m not free to take a job until June or July.

“Firstly, as far as I know Sweden have always gone for Swedish coaches and I would be very surprised if they don’t go for another Swedish coach.

“And secondly I’m quite happy here so hopefully my time here will continue a bit longer.”

Fulham’s slow start to the season has led to speculation that Hodgson’s contract will not be extended when it is up for renewal at the end of the season.

Hodgson confirmed he has not held any formal discussions with the club’s hierarchy about a new deal but is confident Fulham are going in the right direction under his stewardship.

“I would like to think the job that I have done here, and am doing here, is a good one,” he added.

“We are all working hard and getting the best out of the players and doing the best job we can so long may that continue.

“If a new contract offer comes up then I’ll consider it.

“Every week things change, your position is stronger and weaker week by week dependent on whether you have won a game or lost a game.”

Hodgson will have the luxury of having an almost complete squad to choose from when he welcomes Hull to Craven Cottage on Monday night.

One man who could feature for the visitors against his old club is midfielder Jimmy Bullard.

Bullard has been out of competitive action since January after suffering a knee injury just six days after completing a £5million move to the Tigers.

He made a goalscoring return during Hull’s 2-1 reserve defeat against Bolton in midweek and Hodgson believes the 30-year-old will get a good reception if he plays on Monday night.

“I was very disappointed with him when he picked up the injury,” Hodgson said.

“He deserves a lot of credit for fighting his way back to full fitness and we wish him well for the rest of the season.

“I’m very sure that the fans will be encouraging him. I can’t imagine that he will get anything other than a good reception.”

Hodgson will be hoping his side can improve their form in front of goal against Phil Brown’s team.

The Cottagers have one of the worst goalscoring records in the Barclays Premier League and preferred strike pairing Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora have only managed one league goal between them.

Hodgson says he has faith in his strikers, however, and will not be considering a move for Aston Villa and England forward Emile Heskey, who has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage.

“I have to say quite honestly that he’s a player whose name has never been discussed here so I’m as surprised as anyone to see that we are preparing a bid for him because it’s complete fabrication,” Hodgson said.