Last Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:07
Roy Hodgson has revealed that he will need a sizeable transfer kitty this summer if he is to continue his good work with Fulham.
The Cottagers boss guided the Londoners to Europa League football via a seventh-placed finish last term, while they sit in 10th position with 13 games remaining this time around but are 10 points behind Aston Villa in seventh.
Hodgson has had to deal with a myriad of injury problems this season and has seven players missing for Tuesday's clash with struggling Burnley. As a result he would like owner Mohamed Al Fayed to stump up some much-needed transfer funds ahead of next season to keep the side on track.
He told the club's website: "I have barely got 18 players. Until we're back to a normal squad size, it's going to be difficult.
"The chairman has been very supportive throughout. There's no reason to think he won't be again.
"We're fully aware that if we are to stay and do as well as we have done in the last year and a half, then we will need some help in the summer.
"That will probably mean we will be seeking some quality additions to the squad, as we've run the squad right down. We have until now and the summer to identify those people and persuade the chairman that all the support he has given in the past isn't yet finished and he has to keep going."