Hughes Expected To Be Named Cottagers Boss

Sportspeak sources can confirm that Fulham expect to have a new manager installed by the end of today. Mark Hughes is believed to have accepted an offer from the cottagers to become the club's new manager. The Welshman, who has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester City, will succeed Roy Hodgson, who left to join Liverpool.

Fulham chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed reportedly went in search for Hughes after the failure to take Martin Jol from his contract at Ajax last week. Another former Manchester City boss, Sven Goran Eriksson is said to be very disappointed after being considered after the Jol deal fell apart.

Hughes is facing a big decision over whether to move from north-west England, where his family are, but his mighty ambition, which he believes can be fulfilled at Craven Cottage is to be a factor. He is expected to bring with him his long-time assistant coaches Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, and the goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock.

By recruiting Hughes, Fulham put an end to the sense of uncertainty around the club, which Fayed was conscious might have become damaging had it endured until the eve of the season, and they can begin pressing ahead with their transfer plans. They have an agreement in place with Aston Villa over the purchase of the midfielder Steve Sidwell, to which Hughes must give his consent, while they also have an interest in the England goalkeeper David James, who has left Portsmouth.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.