Friday, December 31, 2010

Has Mark Hughes Lost His Touch?

Mark Hughes looking weary
As Hodgson departed beloved Fulham earlier this year, Mark Hughes was the man they looked to for success in the Premier League. It was hard to come by for Hughes and co, so I've put the question, has Mark Hughes lost his touch?

Fulham appointed Mark Hughes in the wake of Craven Cottage hero Roy Hodgson leaving, and he was looked to, to repeat Fulham's fine form from previous years. Hodgson had finished a fine 7th with Fulham in 2009 and Hughes had received a massive weight on his shoulders. The weight proved too big, and Hughes has considerably crumbled as Fulham manager since his appointment in late July.

He was seen as the successor of Hodgson and having managed a club with the calibre of Manchester City, things were expected to happen at Craven Cottage this season. A season which had promised so much potentially, failed to deliver as Fulham now sit in 18th position, dangerously waving above Wolves and West Ham.

Early season form was key to Fulham's downward spiral, but there were some notable highlights, like clawing Manchester United back to a 2-2 draw. We are now halfway through the season and pundits everywhere are starting to wonder whether or not Mark Hughes is going to get the boot. There's already been 3 Premier League managerial casualties this season and Mark Hughes may as well become the fourth if he doesn't improve Fulham's form drastically. After all, Fulham are at least expected to finish in the top half following their delightful performances whilst Roy Hodgson was boss. They still have a chance you know, with the Premier League table unbelievably tight this season, with Fulham only 3 points adrift off 11th placed Everton.

It was reported early this week that, like West Ham manager Avram Grant, Hughes has been issued an ultimatum to get the season back on track for the Cottagers. He's been given three games to turn the clubs fortunes around and with matches against Tottenham, West Brom & Wigan, there's definitely a possibility of 3 points up for grabs.

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