Hodgson delighted at West Brom chance

New West Brom boss Roy Hodgson says although he did not intend on returning to the Premier League so soon, he simply could not refuse the offer.

Just over a month after the 63-year-old was sacked from English giants Liverpool, the former Inter Milan and Fulham manager has arrived at The Hawthorns with one aim only: to steer West Brom clear of the relegation zone.

Hodgson admitted he was blown away by the presentation given to him by club chairman Jeremy Peace and sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth and said it played a big part in his decision.

“It was not my intention to return to Barclays Premier League football this quickly,” Hodgson said.

“But I was so impressed by the way the chairman and 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.”

Despite his new side featuring in a relegation six-pointer at home to West Ham on Saturday, Hodgson will not take control of first-team affairs, preferring to leave first-team coach and caretaker manager Michael Appleton in charge.

“I hear that Michael has done a terrific job looking after the players this week and preparing them for tomorrow’s game,” said Hodgson, who has signed a contract until June 2012.

“I know from my previous visits to The Hawthorns the kind of atmosphere the fans can generate and I am sure they will get right behind Michael and the team.”

Peace was delighted to have appointed Hodgson and was pleased the matter was sorted so quickly, with so much at stake.

“I am delighted to welcome Roy as our new head coach,” Peace said.

“At such a vital stage of the season, we felt it was important we identified and appointed the right man as quickly as possible. Roy emerged as the outstanding and unanimous choice of the football club board and we are delighted to have appointed our number one 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.”

Peace also praised Appleton for his involvement in the lead-up to Saturday’s big match, which could send West Brom as high as 14th or as low as the bottom of the table.

“However, as Roy has stated, the club’s immediate focus is offering Michael, Keith Downing, Dean Kiely and the players all the support they need as they prepare to face West Ham,” he said.

“We are very grateful for the way Michael has taken over the reins this week. He has fully justified our faith in him.”