Hodgson focused on survival

West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson has warned that his team faces its ‘most dangerous year’ in their bid to stay in the top flight.

Hodgson, who took over at the club in February, lost just two of 12 games in charge to lead West Brom to 11th last campaign.

But he said on Friday that the biggest challenge was to remain in the English Premier League for a third-straight season.

“I can’t stop preaching that it’s now our second year in the Premier League and it is notoriously difficult and most dangerous year after being promoted,” Hodgson said.

“Staying up (in) the first year and then going down the second – we have to be careful of that.”

“We will work hard to stay in this league and we will continue to become a solid, reliable team and club and then we can hope to build on a platform of success.”

“I don’t really mind where we finish at this moment in time, as high as possible of course, but if it’s in the Premier League, I will be happy.”

On a personal level, Hodgson said he has not seriously considered taking over as England boss.

“No, I’m not keeping my options open for any job. When it comes to England my name’s been mentioned on many occasions,” Hodgson said.

“I’m happy it’s been mentioned, but I haven’t given it more thought than that.”

“If the day ever came and it was mentioned seriously then I’ll confront that situation when that day comes, but I don’t have any agendas and I’m not keeping an option open to England or for anything else.”

West Brom meet Manchester United at The Hawthorns in their Premier League opener on Sunday.