Hodgson Appointment: A Tale of Two Sides

In keeping with the philosophy that 'one man's waste is another man's treasure', West Bromwich Albion this week employed Roy Hodgson as Roberto Di Matteo's replacement.  Barely a month out of employment himself, Uncle Roy accepted the position at the Hawthorns on an 18 month contract that could suit all parties very well indeed.

The appointment of Hodgson overall seems to be one which has gone down well with Baggies fans - and why not?  Liverpool mess aside, Hodgson seems every inch a good appointment for the Midlands club, he has what they're looking for in terms of experience and most of all he knows what it takes to survive in the Premiership - a factor which has no doubt caused anxiousness between others in and around the bottom three.

It won't be an easy ride for the new gaffer though.  17th placed West Brom - who currently avoid the bottom three on goal difference only, face a West Ham side this afternoon who are scrapping for their lives.  Luckily, Hodgson gets to watch this one from the sidelines.  His baptism of fire will take place next Sunday, against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers who like West Ham today, will travel to the Hawthorns also fighting to scramble out of the bottom three.  McCarthy's Wolves are unlikely to be massively fazed by Hodgson's first appearance as West Brom boss.  Their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield in December last year was one of the final nails to be hammered into Roy's job coffin.

All that being said, Hodgson inherits a side capable of producing some incredible football.  If he can inject the faith and enthusiasm which had slid away during the final weeks of Di Matteo's reign, then there is every chance that Albion will be playing top flight football again next season.  And Roy will certainly be looking to 'get over' the Liverpool disaster as quickly and stylishly as possible; The England job becomes available in the summer of 2012.