League remains focus for Fulham insists Hodgson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Barclays Premier League remains Roy Hodgson's priority this season but the Fulham manager believes his side have a decent opportunity in the FA Cup.
The Cottagers defeated Notts County 4-0 yesterday, with Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka netting at Craven Cottage to set up a quarter-final tie against Bolton or Tottenham.
Hodgson's men will be helped by Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool already being knocked out, and a potential clash between Manchester City and Chelsea would eliminate another remaining heavyweight.
"For the teams left, they won't regret three of the traditional top four in the country not being there," Hodgson said.
"We think we have as good chance as the others. It's nice to have the lottery ticket because you cannot win the lottery without one."
Hodgson, despite his team currently 10th in the Premier League, still feels survival is his chief aim and reaching Europe like they have this year would be a bonus.
However, his team are now two matches from the final and could continue their remarkable turnaround in the two years since Hodgson's arrival.
"It would mean a lot to us," Hodgson said.
"It would be another major step forward with the progression at the club.
"We'll be highly motivated and nervous about the quarter-final because we badly want a good result.
"There have been fewer winners of the FA Cup since the inauguration of the Premier League.
"It's wrong to compare the mythical Fulham teams of the 60s and 70s or even the showbiz teams when Rodney Marsh, George Best and Bobby Moore were playing in the same team.
"We have to be more journeyman-like in our approach because staying in the league is so important.
"It's not a case of Rodney Marsh doing a few tricks or George Best beating a man and having a rest for five minutes. That's not possible.
"Success is probably a continued presence in the Premier League, if we could go one step further that would be fantastic."
Notts County caretaker boss Dave Kevan was pleased with his side's performance following a traumatic week when the club was sold for £1 and Sven-Goran Eriksson resigned from his role as director of football.
Kevan is still positive about earning promotion from League Two.
"We're very sorry to see Sven and Tord (Grip) leave, it was a privilege to work with them," Kevan said.
"But there is a lot of football to be played. The aim is to get out of League Two and we can still do it.
"Sven called me and said we could beat them. Hopefully I'll speak to him on the way home."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments