Hodgson reassures Fulham fans on his future

Roy Hodgson shrugged off the shattering disappointment of Fulham's Europa League final defeat to reassure fans he will still be in charge next season. Diego Forlan's late extra-time goal gave Atletico Madrid a 2-1 victory in Hamburg last night. Almost immediately thoughts turned to Hodgson's future because, after an outstanding season, the former Switzerland coach is apparently attracting interest from Liverpool, where Rafael Benitez is on uncertain ground. "I have never given my future a moment's thought. I have been committed all the time I have been with the club," said Hodgson. "I still have a contract and, as far as I know, this is where I shall be." Hodgson can take plenty of credit for Fulham's Europa League run, even though it was ended by Forlan's second goal of the night when he turned home Sergio Aguero's cross. "I couldn't in my wildest dreams imagine we would get here when we started," Hodgson admitted. "But unfortunately that doesn't help. "Having been here and acquitted ourselves so well, you feel we could have taken a further step. "It doesn't matter how much comfort I try to find, it is difficult to find joy or enthusiasm because a great performance has gone unrewarded." Atletico took the lead in the 32nd minute through the Uruguayan Forlan. Simon Davies levelled for the English club five minutes later. The tie looked like it was destined to go to a penalty shoot-out until Forlan's deflected winner with four minutes of extra-time to go. * PA