Roy Hodgeson

In what has been termed as a magnificent deal, West Bromwich Albion has appointed Roy Hodgeson as their new manager following the departure of the stylish Roberto Di Matteo. And positive reactions have poured in from all quarters suggesting the support of all football fans.  A vastly experienced gaffer, Roy can infuse the necessary qualities and traits which are essential for the Baggies in their bid for survival.

Roy Hodge son has coached a vast number of teams in his long managerial career from the likes of Switzerland to Inter Milan but it is Fulham where he gained a huge round of applause for guiding a financially strained team to the UEFA Cup Final and led the Cottagers play some of the best football played last season. However he will also be remembered as the unfancied and unwanted coach at Liverpool and his short “half a season” stays at Anfield where nothing went right for the 63 year old Englishman.

The speed with which Roy’s career has taken shape this time has not only surprised the world but the man in question too. With Roy determined to carry out his contract at Liverpool , he was shunted out by the Board of Directors to replace him with crowd favourite Kenny Dalglish. And then , West Brom board acted swiftly to ensure his services and beat the other clubs in signing him as there are definitely a lot of takers for this talented coach.

West Brom started brightly under Di Matteo but a string of poor results left the club with no choice but to relieve him off his duties. With Albion hovering around the relegation zone , it was imperative that the Baggies get a manager with loads of experience. First-team coach Michael Appleton was handed the reins on a caretaker basis while a replacement was sought, and he could not avoid the team from earning a draw even though they were 3-0 up at half time.

Although it has been reported that Roy was the first choice, many other high profile names were also being linked to the post with the likes of ex Newcastle boss Chris Hughton to former West Brom player Martin Jol. However Roy Hodgeson was always the top priority.

Roy said: ”It was not my intention to return to Premier League football this quickly. 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.”

The poor tenure at Anfield nonetheless Roy boasts of an impressive CV which would be ideal for a club like West Brom. And we should not forget that Fulham werein a similar position when Roy took charge over there. Only time will tell whether Hawthorns can entertain European football in the coming seasons or face the drop , but Roy Hodgeson will be desperate to prove a point in April when Liverpool visits West Brom and do what he does best.

Quotes : Coutesy ESPN soccernet

Tags: Fulham, Inter Milan, Roy Hodgeson, Switzerland, West Bromwich Albion