• Premier League

Hodgson surprised at swift return

ESPN staff
February 11, 2011
Roy Hodgson admits he did not expect to be back in football management so quickly © PA Photos
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New West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that the club hierarchy's vision for the side persuaded him to return to football sooner than he expected.

Hodgson left Liverpool just five weeks ago after a dismal spell as manager, while the Baggies removed former boss Roberto di Matteo last Sunday following a poor run of recent results.

Hodgson, who has signed an 18-month contract with the club, acknowledged he had no real intention of taking the vacant position at The Hawthorns until he was persuaded of the club's prospects by its senior management.

"It was not my intention to return to Premier League football this quickly," Hodgson said. "But I was so impressed by the way the chairman [Jeremy Peace] and the sporting and technical director [Dan Ashworth] sold the project to me that I was very happy to accept the offer.

"I am delighted that a club of West Bromwich Albion's stature has given me the opportunity to help them in their quest to retain their Premier League status and to build for the future."

Club chairman Jeremy Peace happily revealed Hodgson was always the club's first choice to succeed Di Matteo, believing him to be perfectly equipped to help the club avoid relegation.

"At such a vital stage of the season, we felt it was important we identified and appointed the right man as quickly as possible," Peace said. "Roy emerged as the outstanding and unanimous choice of the football club board and we are delighted to have appointed our No. 1 target.

"We believe his vast experience and knowledge of the game is exactly what we need for the challenge we face, both in the short and long term."

Michael Appleton had taken charge of the first-team squad this week - and will oversee the weekend's game with West Ham, with Hodgson watching from the stands - and Peace made sure to thank him for his efforts.

"We're very grateful for the way Michael has taken over the reins this week," he said. "He has fully justified our faith in him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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