Chris Hughton speaks on Albion job

Chris Hughton has hailed Roy Hodgson for sparking Albion's revival - despite the Baggies boss beating him to the top job.

The former Newcastle manager was pipped to the hotseat by Hodgson after the club sacked Roberto Di Matteo in February.

Hughton was installed as the early favourite - and held talks with Albion chiefs - before Hodgson was appointed and he has since guided them to brink of Premier League survival.

But, speaking about Albion for the first time since he missed out, Hughton saluted Hodgson's impact.

Hughton said: "In Roy Hodgson they have got a very good, experienced, manager - he's done a wonderful job since he's been there.

"At a time when their league position wasn't the most comfortable he managed to get vital and important points to take them away from the relegation zone. I don't see them having any more problems.

"I'm delighted to see them doing well."

Reports in February suggested Hughton, who was axed by Newcastle after a 3-1 defeat at Albion in December, was all set to be appointed at the Hawthorns.

But Hughton dismissed the idea he was going to take over.

He said: "It didn't get that far. I had initial talks and they did everything properly. They spoke very well but it was very much just initial talks.

"The conversations were very good, they were very good people, but once Roy came into the frame that's the way they decided to go.

"They are a fabulous club and certainly did things the right way."

Hodgson's Albion are 11th in the top flight and six points above the drop zone but - with Wolves bottom - Hughton reckons the scrap will go to the wire.

He said: "It's a massive season and it seems to be bigger than any other campaign.

"Any of the bottom teams are capable of winning games but unfortunately for three of them they won't get the points others will.

"I can see it going down to the last game of the season."