FIFA Updates

* Hughes on two-year contract

* Has tough act to follow

(adds quotes, details)

LONDON, July 29 (Reuters) – Fulham have appointed Mark
Hughes as manager on a two-year contract, the west London
Premier League club said on Thursday.

Last season’s Europa League finalists have turned to former
Wales and Manchester City boss Hughes to replace Roy Hodgson who
left to join Liverpool at the start of July.

“I am happy to have joined Fulham following much speculation
regarding the appointment of a new manager,” Hughes told the
Fulham website (www.fulhamfc.com).

Hughes has a tough act to follow at Fulham where Hodgson
made the most of the club’s resources and took them to their
first European final which they lost to Atletico Madrid.

“I’m joining on the back of two of the most successful
seasons in the club’s history and that in itself brings with it
the challenges of expectation and ambition,” added Hughes.

“I’m confident that with some additions to the squad, hard
work and commitment, we can move this club forward in the right
direction,” added the former Manchester United striker.

Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed was convinced Hughes could build
on the club’s success after Hodgson took them on an unexpectedly
rewarding European adventure in which they beat Juventus.

“I am confident that with his Premier League and national
team successes, Mark will be a great guy for the job,” he said.
“I know that he understands my vision for the club, and believes
in what we want achieve.”

Hughes will take charge of the team for the first time in
the friendly with Werder Bremen on Aug. 7 after being officially
unveiled at a news conference next Tuesday.

(Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Dave Thompson; To query
or comment on this story email
sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)