Bobby Zamora reveals how Roy Hodgson stunned Fulham players with a powerful 1980s pop-rock tribute

(Image credit: PA)

Roy Hodgson doesn’t look like someone who delves deep into popular culture, but Bobby Zamora has recalled a dressing room tale which disproves that statement completely. 

Fulham were preparing for the biggest game in their recent history - a Europa League last-16 first-leg tie at Juventus - but Hodgson managed to bring some pre-match humour to the Cottagers’ dressing room.

Speaking in the June edition of FourFourTwo, which you can order with free delivery here, Zamora said: “We always used to have the music blaring in the dressing room. Before that first leg against Juventus in Turin, a huge game, 'Down Under' by Men at Work came on. 

(Image credit: PA)

“Roy jumped up and belted it out with passion! He was giving it his best moves and even tensed his arms for the ‘muscles from Brussels’ line, absolutely loving it. 

“It must have brought back some memories from somewhere. It was hilarious.”

It didn't have the desired effect: Juventus won the first leg 3-1 – though Fulham responded with an historic 4-1 victory in the reverse leg, helping them on their way to the 2010 Europa League final, where they were beaten by Atletico Madrid.

And Zamora would even go so far to say that Hodgson is the best manager he has ever worked under.

The former striker has worked with countless top-class managers at both club and international level, but ranks the former Fulham boss as his number one.

When asked to pick his favourite gaffer, he said: “I think I must have played for every manager! 

“Glenn Hoddle signed me for Spurs, and I also played under Steve Coppell, Ian Holloway, Alan Pardew, Harry Redknapp, Roy Hodgson, Fabio Capello and many more. 

“I’d say Hodgson was the best – he had us so regimented that I could have played left-back for Fulham!”

(Image credit: Future)

Read the full interview with Bobby Zamora in the June 2020 issue of FourFourTwo magazine, available in shops and online from now. Our new magazine looks at the 100 greatest managers in the history of football, exploring the tacticians and tinkermen who have influenced the game more than anyone else, investigates the fall of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, presents eight pages of quiz questions and football posers to keep you busy during lockdown and discovers the trophy you've never heard of, that Liverpool are proud owners of. We also chat to Jorginho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Kemar Roofe, Robbie Fowler and more.

FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.

Latest in Interviews
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record
Stuart Pearce Non-League Day
'It’s absolutely essential that funding drips down from the top end of the game' Stuart Pearce takes the Premier League trophy back to his non-league roots
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks on from the dugout during the Champions League last 16 first leg match against Club Brugge at Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium on 4 March, 2025
'Aston Villa have been fantastic in the Champions League and had some big victories against big sides. They can compete against PSG' Former Villain on why Unai Emery's side could spring a European shock
RB Leipzig star Benjamin Henrichs in action against Bayern Munich
'When you’re in the stadium, there are 70,000 people and they’re screaming - to hear your own leg pop was a real shock' RB Leipzig star Benjamin Henrichs on the Achilles rupture that changed his life - and how rehab abroad helped
Thomas Tuchel smiles after being announced as England head coach, October 2024
‘The fact he’s on a short deal doesn’t sit well. Gareth laid the foundations for players coming through. All Tuchel’s got to worry about is the here and now’: England hero lays out his issues with Thomas Tuchel appointment
Latest in Features
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Orlando Pride players raise the trophy during the NWSL Championship game between Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
How to watch NWSL: Live streams, TV information for National Women's Soccer League 2025
Premier League ball
Quiz! Can you name the players to have scored Premier League hat-tricks?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2024 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28, 2024.
Who are the contenders for the Ballon d'Or Féminin?
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen