Roy Hodgson of Fulham is manager of the year

published 11 May 2010

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has been voted manager of the year by the League Manager's Association. While his team has achieved a respectable 12th place in the Premier League, it is his astonishing run in the Europa League, culminating in tomorrow night's final against Atletico Madrid, which has won him the plaudits. When he arrived at Craven Cottage in December 2007, the club was in the doldrums. But, in a hint of what might come, he led Fulham to a miraculous run of four wins out of their last five games, saving them from relegation. That the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp have been clamouring to see him honoured is testament to the magnitude of his success. A Europa League run that has seen his side defeat the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg and last year's champions Shakhtar Donetsk is the stuff of fantasy and, whatever the result in Hamburg tomorrow, this season's European exploits are destined to become Fulham folklore. LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "Since joining Fulham, Roy has transformed the club's fortunes. He initially saved them from the brink of relegation then took them to their highest ever league position last season. This year he has capitalised on that platform, achieving remarkable success in this season's Europa League... He is a great role model for all aspiring managers and coaches and is fully deserving of this recognition."

Another journeyman manager who has achieved unlikely success is Steve McClaren, who was awarded the LMA's special merit award. Taking over FC Twente, just six months after being booted out of the England job, McClaren has led the Dutch team from strength to strength culminating in winning the league this season – for the first time in the club's history.