One of the most heart-warming fairytale stories in recent years surrounds Roy Hodgson arriving at a seemingly doomed Craven Cottage and in the space of two years, transforming Fulham from relegation certainties to Europa League finalists. A player who perhaps typified the shock element of the transformation was one Bobby Zamora. During the previous two seasons to their European adventure, the bumbling centre-forward had mustered a paltry three league goals in 48 league appearances. It was hardly any surprise that Fulham were quick to accept the £5 million offer from Hull City in July 2009 with statistics as shocking as those. Within one year, however, the former West Ham hitman would have plundered an incredible 19 goals in all competitions for the Cottagers, and broken into the England squad ahead of the 2010 World Cup. As far as Hull were concerned however, the transfer looked all set to be finalised with a deal agreed and Zamora having passed a medical, only for the 28 year old striker to have a swift change of heart, much to the glee of his manager.
''We allowed Bobby to talk to Hull, but he wants to stay with us and I'm delighted. He didn't score many goals last season, but he will this time because he is a very good technician.'' - Roy Hodgson, July 2009.
Well, the European defences can't say they weren't warned.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
