Zakuani: Hodgson did me abig favour
Peterborough United's Gaby Zakuani has credited Roy Hodgson with kickstarting his career - by showing him the door at Fulham.
Peterborough United's Gaby Zakuani has credited Roy Hodgson with kickstarting his career - by showing him the door at Fulham.The Congolese centre-half has been a revelation at London Road since joining from Premier League Cottagers at the start of last season and expects to play against his old club tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).
Zakuani's rock-solid partnership with Welsh international Craig Morgan at the heart of the Posh defence was a major factor in Posh's promotion to the Championship where the pair are expected to shine once again.
But according to the 'Zak' had it not been for Hodgson, he would never have got the chance to join Fergie's revolution where his fortunes have rocketed over the past few months.
He said: "I had become frustrated by my lack of chances at Fulham so it was me rather than Roy who instigated the move.
"I don't think he necessarily wanted me to leave the club but he listened to me and agreed with what I was saying about getting first team football.
"He could have made it hard for me and not let me have a move but he was excellent and pretty soon I was on my way to Peterborough and I have not looked back since.
"But I don't regret my time at Fulham, working with Roy and his assistant Ray Lewington, who both helped me a lot with my game and helped me improve as a player."
Zakuani has not featured in any of Posh's pre-season friendlies over the past two weeks due to illness but is raring to go against his old club tomorrow.
"I caught a bug in Spain and it really set me back in terms of my fitness and I have missed out but I hope to be playing against Fulham and see some of the old faces from my time there," he said.
"I know most of the lads well and I hope my good mate Elliot Omozusi is part of the squad as it would be good to see him.
"But my biggest concern is getting involved finally and having a good game to show them what they are missing.
"Like the other Premier League sides we have played, Fulham are packed with quality and it will be another excellent warm-up for us and a good warm-up fitness-wise with the season just a few weeks away.
"Everyone is jostling for position and is keen to be involved and I am certainly not taking anything for granted.
"Me and Craig were first choice last season and I hope that stays the same but with Krystian (Pearce) coming in, I have to be on my toes.
"But that is all part of the game and I am really looking forward to pushing myself to new heights in what I am certain is going to be another exciting season."
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Weather for Peterborough
Monday 15 March 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C - 8 C
Wind Speed: 14 Knots
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C - 10 C
Wind Speed: 18 Knots
Wind direction: North west
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