Fulham boss Roy Hodgson: I deserve to stay on

Roy Hodgson last night claimed he will not deserve the sack this summer even if Fulham are relegated.

The former Finland and Inter Milan boss, 60, took over on January 1 and has won only three out of 14 Premier League games.

And before today's visit of Liverpool, his side are still four points from safety with only four games left.

Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, who visited the club's training ground yesterday, has already sacked six managers in just over a decade in charge. But Hodgson, whose side finally won an away game at Reading last weekend, insisted he does not merit joining the list.

"I don't fear the sack," he said. "I am fully aware of course that if a team fails, the manager is always at risk of losing his job.

"But I wouldn't think I would deserve it and certainly don't fear it. I came here to do a job and I am trying to do it.

"I feel I and my staff have been working well and the players have responded to it. If we run out of time and get relegated, it will up to the club to decide.

"But I am contracted for the next year so it will be a matter for the club. I personally think I am working hard and doing a good job but others perhaps won't.

"I will be here four months by the time the season ends. That is no time at all - I have hardly begun the job but it doesn't stop people as king questions."