Jol named new Fulham manager

Experienced Dutchman Martin Jol was named the new manager of Premier League side Fulham on Tuesday, replacing Mark Hughes who resigned last week after one season in charge. The 55-year-old former Tottenham boss has agreed an initial two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Jol, who was sacked by Spurs in 2007, was linked with the Fulham role last year but Dutch club Ajax refused to release him from his post as head coach. He has been out of work since quitting Ajax last December and said he was excited at returning to England. "I am very happy to join Fulham football club, a wonderful traditional club," he told Fulham's website. "It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base. "I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he's shown in me." Fulham are owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, the multi-millionaire former owner of the Harrods department store. Hughes guided Fulham to an eighth-place finish in the just-completed season before quitting. Although the Welshman immediately brushed off speculation linking him with the vacancy at Premier League rivals Aston Villa, it is believed he is now in contention for the job.