It took twelve months but Fulham have finally hired Martin Jol as their manager. Jol signed a two year deal worth a reported £1.5million-a-year plus bonuses.
A year ago Fulham wanted to hire Jol after Roy Hodgson left for Liverpool. but Ajax would not release him. Ajax was no longer an obstacle as Jol quit Ajax in December of last year.
Jol issued a statement through the Fulham web site saying:
“I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club. It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base. I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he’s shown in me.”
After three coaches in three years Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed believes he now has a manager for the long run saying on the Fulham web site:
“I would like to welcome Martin Jol to Fulham. He understands my vision for the club, and believes in what we are striving to achieve here. I know that he will dedicate himself to helping us move forward, and is with us for the long term, to help us build and progress. We have enjoyed three incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue. I know that with his wealth of experience and success, Martin is the right man to help us do this.”
In addition to Jol, Fulham want former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton to join their management staff. Hughton spent three years as Jol’s assistant at Tottenham and is reportedly very interested joining him at Craven Cottage.
