Hodgson backs his right-hand men
Saturday 30th April 2011, 12:29PM BST.
Michael Appleton and Keith Downing look set to stay as Roy Hodgson’s chief Albion lieutenants next season.
Hodgson today handed the pair a major vote of confidence and revealed he sees no need to change the make-up of his backroom team.
Former Baggies midfielder Appleton and ex-Wolves favourite Downing stepped up to take caretaker charge of the team following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo in February.
They became assistant head coach and first-team coach respectively following Hodgson’s appointment and those roles were extended last month until the end of the season.
Now, while the Baggies still plan to review the coaching set-up formally in the summer, Hodgson has played down strongly any prospect of a shake-up.
“I haven’t thought about changes,” said the head coach. “I haven’t talked to Michael and Keith about it, we just get on with the job.
“A lot will depend on what they want to do but I don’t have any plans to make any changes at the club.
“I came here to add to the staff and to the footballing expertise that is around here.
“I didn’t come here to change it. They’re doing a good job and I’m happy if they’re happy.”
Appleton was previously first-team coach under Di Matteo, having progressed through the club’s coaching ranks after injury brought an early end to his playing career.
Former Cheltenham manager Downing was managing the Baggies’ youth team until Di Matteo’s sacking.
Meanwhile, one of the on-field stars of Hodgson’s team was today backed to get even better by one of his closest friends.
Youssouf Mulumbu looks to be a clear favourite to be crowned the Baggies’ player of the season but centre-back Abdoulaye Meite, who is close to the DR Congo international, believes the midfielder can still improve.
Meite said: “Youssouf has shown a big improvement. Now he is a proper Premier League player because he has learned quickly, he has looked and he has listened.
“But I think he can improve more.
“We have a new manager and he can take players to a new level.”
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Let’s hope Roy stays with us till his retirement or decides he wants to move upstairs, in the meantime Appy is soaking it all up and that can only be good for the club.
Hopefully we can get something from today, 3pts would finish it off, then the future’s looking bright.
Team for today
Carson,Shorey,Jara,Meite,Olsson,Mulumbu,
Sharner,Morrison,Vela,Cox,Odemwingie.
I’m sure you’ll all do your bit to make it a wall of noise from start to finish.
I’ll be there in spirit {if not Vino} in the Bronze Bar in Magaluf.
Adéu
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Kev, i dont think anyone is around this morning as they have all gone to the game. You may get jack along in a short while to have a natter with, as he never go……. sorry, ive been told i need to watch my future behaviour.
Ill have natter with you kev,
still a big game today, even as your pemier league status is all but sucure, a local derby is always important.
With Gerrard houllier being off ill for todays game it may prove to be tougher without him, as the grape vine says some of the Villa players dont like playing for him, and may wish to prove a point in his absence.
Think i may watch the game on-line later myself. And all though i wont be cheering for either of you, i hope Albion win. And thats a big statement from me, cus from where im from talk like that could get me hung.
It was a great feeling when we beat Villa. For too long they have lawded it as top midland club, and for that reason hope you win.
Anyroad, it the real biggie next week, and i think its our turn.
Ive tried to be nice with this post kev, just to show sometimes i can.
Adeu
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Just off to watch the game, a blow to be hit with so many injuries in one go (Wolves fans take note!) is Tchoyi available? chance for him to shine?
According to mirror image league we should lose this one (and still be on target for 47 points) so a draw or more is just a bonus! It has predicted 5 out of the last 7 results correctly, and the two it got wrong was the 3 points picked up against Liverpool and the 1 point against Stoke, so finger crossed it can be wrong in the same vein today!
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Moniker, 2 pm and still sat in your bedroom on the laptop ? Aint you got mates to meet in the youth club or pub to have a chin wag with before the match ??? Or have they all made there excusess of late when they have realised what they say in January may be brought up in November as a week excuse in argument. CUT and PASTE; The weapon of the weak !
Im only prodding wonoh, cus we aint been locking horns of late. your move.
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All Alone
I missed you earlier and I’ve been to the pub,we’ve beat the Villa after 26 yrs and gained another 3 pts,which comes in very handy, I could really take the piss but as a proper football fan all I can say is all the best tomorrow I hope you loose ,not because I want the Wolves to go down, but I just want to shut those absolute Idiotic My dad,My club, Our Players,Our crowds,Your’re luckier fans up.
Adéu
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Hiya Lone, ah CUT and PASTE!, the kryptonite of the vacuous and vacant posters who wish to be oratorical without consequences!
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All Alone.
2 out of 4, what’s the matter mate nobody about over the dark side too have a moan with? Look son why not just bite the bullet? go and get that secret Baggie shirt you’ve got hidden in the garden shed, put it on, go out and walk down the street with your head held high, believe me the feeling of pride will overwhelm you and you’ll be asking yourself,WHY,WHY,WHY if only I’d done this years ago life would’ve been so much more enjoyable,go on DO IT!
Adéu
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