Martin Jol 'happy' after earning extra year on Fulham contract

The Fulham manager has denied being unpopular with his team (AP)

Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed he is keen to extend his reign at Craven Cottage beyond the end of the season ahead of his side's clash at Arsenal tomorrow.

Jol's current deal runs out at the end of the current season but the Dutchman said he has been approached by the club to activate the clause in his contract that will see him stay at the helm until 2014.

Jol, who led Fulham to their second highest Barclays Premier League points total of 52 in his first year in charge as they finished ninth, confirmed: "I'm happy to stay."

Southampton boss Neil Adkins is also determined to remain in charge at St Mary's for the foreseeable future despite mounting pressure after his side's dismal start to the new campaign.

Saints head into Saturday's home clash with Swansea after eight defeats in their first 10 games and with many convinced it could be Adkins' last game in charge, but the former Scunthorpe man is defiant.

Adkins said: "Every situation we are faced with is a great challenge. I am finding out about myself and I relish this challenge, believe you me. I am looking forward to many, many more years to come."

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup rates defender Chico Flores "very doubtful" after he missed last week's draw against Chelsea with a dead leg.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez knows his side face a stern test if they are to build on last week's superb win at Tottenham by beating West Brom at the DW Stadium.

Martinez, who will give a late fitness test to midfielder James McArthur, said: "West Brom is as tough a game as you are going to get. Steve Clarke has brought a new approach and been really successful."

The Baggies are likely to be without keeper Ben Foster, who faces tests on a persistent groin problem. If Foster is absent, Boaz Myhill will deputise.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis heads into Saturday's Britannia Stadium clash with Queen's Park Rangers determined to tie highly-rated defender Ryan Shawcross to the club for life.

Pulis responded to reports that the club have offered Shawcross a new six-year deal by insisting: "Obviously any new deal has to be right for the club and for Ryan and fingers crossed we can get it done.

"We're hoping and praying Ryan will be a Stoke player for the rest of his life."

Meanwhile Rangers boss Mark Hughes goes into the game under more pressure after last week's Loftus Road draw with fellow strugglers Reading, after which his side were jeered off the pitch.

Like Rangers, Brian McDermott's Royals are still in search of their first win of the season as they prepare to take on Norwich, who are unbeaten in four games in all competitions, and have Michael Turner and Javier Garrido back fit.

Sunderland look to improve their dismal recent record as they head to Everton on the back of just one win in their last 17 league games, while Aston Villa hope to have Darren Bent back available for their home clash with Manchester United.

In Sunday action, Tottenham look to bounce back from last week's shock loss to Wigan as they travel to champions Manchester City, while Newcastle face West Ham at St James' Park.

PA