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Hangeland to offer Hodgson warm welcome

last updated Tuesday 31st January 2012, 5:45 PM


Fulham defender Brede Hangeland
Fulham defender
Brede Hangeland
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Fulham defender Brede Hangeland knows what to expect when Roy Hodgson's West Brom visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old Norway international moved to west London from Copenhagen in January 2008 to link up with the Cottagers, who were then under the tutorship of Hodgson.

During his time at the helm, he helped transform Fulham from a side battling relegation to one fighting to be in the Premier League top 10 as well as the 2010 Europa League final.

Hodgson eventually left for Liverpool and now West Brom, who Hangeland and his team-mates face on Wednesday evening in the Barclays Premier League.

"We know exactly what to expect from West Brom," he said.

"It will be much the same as we played a couple of years ago and we all know how difficult that will be to break down.

"They will be a strong unit and well organised so we're in for a tough game but obviously we would like to keep our home form going and win the game."

On Hodgson's return to Craven Cottage, he added: "He definitely deserves a warm welcome whenever he returns to Craven Cottage.

"I think all the players who were part of that era and certainly the fans will appreciate that [time he had at the club]."

Texan midfielder Clint Dempsey was recently named the United States' player of the year and netted two hat-tricks this month.

"I think he is such a good player and he works really hard every day in training," Hangeland said of Dempsey.

"He has that mentality to never give up on any ball and to always try to score a goal.

"He is just such an important player for us. He has scored loads of goals for us this season and I am really happy for him.

"He deserves all the credit he has been getting lately."

While quick to praise the United States international's performances of later, Hangeland was keen to highlight the club's team spirit for their recent turn in form.

"One of the best things about [our] football [club] is that we always try and let people understand it is a team effort," he added.

"We have nobody that stands out as star players as such, it is always a team effort.

"Whatever we do well is because we pull in the same direction."

























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