Last Updated: Tue, 06 May 2008 10:54
Jimmy Bullard has hailed Roy Hodgson's impact at Fulham since his arrival in late December and described him as a 'top manager'.
The former Switzerland and Finland national team coach took charge of team affairs at Craven Cottage at the turn of the year following Lawrie Sanchez's sacking. And, despite looking doomed to relegation only a few weeks back, the Cottagers have gone on a great run to record three wins from the last four games to drag themselves out of the bottom three places with just one game remaining.
A win at Portsmouth will ensure they remain in the Premier League and midfield ace Bullard insists it is all down to Hodgson's management skills.
He said: "People say Roy is old school, but he is a top manager and his CV is fantastic. He has taken on a side that were heading for relegation so if he gets us out of it then he'll be known as a great manager.
"It's amazing how things turn round. He's great with the players, he doesn't take any crap, and doesn't tell you crap. He just sees it as it is and I can see why Fulham got him here.
"He is spot on. He hasn't missed a training session since he's been here, which tells you everything.
"I said to him the other day, 'sod being a manager, Roy, with all these pressures'.
"But he said he loves it and enjoys it and that's the kind of bloke he is. He wants us to play the ball on the floor and he is a football man."