Cottagers goalkeeper hails Hodgson

Published Dec. 21, 2009 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has piled praise on manager Roy Hodgson for helping to turn the Cottagers into a fearsome outfit.

Fulham sprung something of a surprise last season when they claimed a seventh place finish in the Premier League and qualified for Europe.

Having been relegation fodder just 12 months previously, the turnaround at Craven Cottage has been nothing short of remarkable.

Much of the credit for their rapid resurgence must go to experienced coach Hodgson, who has steadied the ship and got it moving in the right direction.

Schwarzer believes the former Inter Milan and Blackburn boss is one of the finest tactical minds in the game and believes Fulham, who hammered Manchester United 3-0 on Saturday, will continue to improve with Hodgson at the helm.

"He's exceptional," said the Australia international goalkeeper.

"He's one of the best I've worked under. You should see him out on the training ground day in, day out.

"He doesn't stand around on the touchline just barking instructions. He takes 95 per cent of the training sessions himself.

"That's exceptional - to see a guy of his level and standing doing that. You reap benefits from it.

"He has us playing football and at times we have outplayed the so-called batter footballing teams.

"He's a great guy, a fantastic manager and a lot of credit goes to him."