Mark Hughes quits Fulham

Last updated : 02 June 2011 By Daily Mail

Hughes took over from Roy Hodgson last summer and guided the London club to eighth in the Barclays Premier League, and to the Europa League via the Fair Play table.

But his contract expired on Wednesday night and Hughes believes he has taken the club as far as he can.

Gone: Mark Hughes feels he has taken Fulham as far as he can

The former Manchester United and Chelsea player insists he has neither been approached or approached any other club.

Hughes said: 'I hope the supporters and all those connected with the club will understand I wish to move on to further my experiences.

'I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that neither myself nor my representative have approached or have been approached by another club.

'This decision to leave Fulham has not been influenced by any outside party.'

If Hughes were to join another club he would not be able to do so until the end of this month due to the terms of his contract at Craven Cottage.

On the up: Fulham had an impressive season, eventually finishing eighth

A brief statement on Fulham's websiteread: 'Fulham Football Club can confirm that Mark Hughes has provided notice, under the terms of his contract, to leave the Club at the end ofJune.

'After discussions with Mark the Club has agreed to accept this notice.'

This season Hughes built on a reputation initially forged at Blackburn and then Manchester City, where many felt he was unlucky to lose his job.

As it was not thought Hughes was under any pressure from Mohamed Al Fayed, it would appear a bold move to leave without having something else lined up.

He had been installed as favourite to replace Gerard Houllier at Villa, although other names have come into the frame.

No return: Gerard Houllier has left Aston Villa following his heart scare

Nevertheless, Hughes' CV would pick him out as a suitable candidate for Villa, and a job would be regarded as a step up from Fulham if that is where Hughes eventually ends up.

The 47-year-old added: 'I would like to thank the chairman, directors, players and fans of Fulham Football Club for their support over the last 12 months and wish them every success in the future.

'I believe my management team and I have done a good job and the club has a strong foundation from which they can go forward.

'I have especially enjoyed our excellent relationship with the chairman and chief executive (Alastair Mackintosh).

'I sincerely wish Fulham a successfulcampaign in the Europa League next season and for their continued progress on and off the field.'

?Hughes' Fulham contract expires as Welshman is linked to Villa hotseatAston Villa in the hunt for Fulham boss Hughes as Houllier chases ?5m pay-offVilla to begin search for new boss as health problems end Houllier's reignAll the latest Fulham news, features and opinion

?Explore more:People: Roy Hodgson, Gerard Houllier, Mark Hughes

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail