Passion still there for Roy Hodgson
Friday 18th February 2011, 1:00PM GMT.
Albion boss Roy Hodgson has promised fans his passion is as strong as ever as he geared up for his first game in charge against Wolves.
The new boss will manage his first match in the cauldron of Sunday’s Black Country derby at the Hawthorns after taking over on Monday.
And, despite a management career spanning 18 clubs, 36 years and more than 800 matches, the 63-year-old believes his appetite for winning remains as strong as ever.
He said: “It’s something you have within you. The energy, enthusiasm and passion are things you have with you from the start. And if you really care about the job and care about your profession then you don’t lose it.
“There are lots of managers at the moment who are close to me in terms of age and experience.
“I see in them the same kind of energy, passion and enthusiasm that I believe I still have.”
Hodgson was unveiled on Monday as the Baggies first choice to succeed Roberto Di Matteo.
Captain Chris Brunt revealed the new man in charge was also the players’ preferred candidate.
He said: “It’s a good appointment. Of all the people who were available he would have probably have been everybody’s choice.
“If he can bring organisation to us then it’s a no-brainer. We will have a great chance of staying up if he can do that.
“He’s known for getting clubs organised. If he can do that, we know we have players who can punish teams.
“We want Premier League football next season and so will he. He wouldn’t have come here if he didn’t think it would happen so we have to reward that faith he’s shown.
“It will be tough but he gives us a better chance.”
UK Sport
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