Fulham defensive utility Chris Baird admits manager Roy Hodgson has completely transformed the club.

Baird says there's a chasm between the way they're playing now and under previous manager Lawrie Sanchez.

Baird told the Sunday Times: "The style Lawrie had was more from the time he was international manager - a lot of long-ball stuff - and that is what killed him, whereas Roy Hodgson has got us playing some really nice football. On the floor and pass and move."

Drafted in on a caretaker basis in April 2007 while still managing the national team, Sanchez did enough to keep Fulham in the Premier League that season but with the team back in the relegation zone the next season, and being booed off by their own fans, Sanchez was sacked at Christmas.

"Lawrie was a very quiet man," says Baird. "He would just deal with things with his staff and not come to players and speak to them one to one, as much as what Roy Hodgson does. Roy Hodgson would do it every day. He comes out, he shakes your hand, says good morning and all the little things like that.

"It makes a big difference. If you have any problems as well you can speak to him and if you are not doing well he will speak to you.

"His man management skills are a lot better. Still, you've got to give respect to Lawrie and not slag him off."