Hodgson to lead West Brom to Premier League survival
Published:West Brom’s chances of surviving in the Premier League have been given a boost by the news that Roy Hodgson has agreed a deal to take charge of the club until June 2012.
Premier League betting odds have West Brom at 13/8 to be relegated this season and they are currently hovering just about the bottom three on goal difference after losing 11 of their last 16 top-flight games.
Numerous names had been linked with post vacated by Roberto Di Matteo, with Ladbrokes having to shut its betting market on who would be the next manager because of the heavy money staked on Chris Hughton being appointed.
Hodgson was still a 5/1 contender to take over when this market was last open, but the club have decided that he is the right man to secure their Premier League future.
The 63-year-old was sacked by Liverpool earlier this season after a disappointing start to the campaign, but has a wealth of managerial experience that could prove pivotal in the coming months.
Perhaps the big date that Hodgson will immediately want to make a note of in his calendar is April 2nd, which is when Liverpool are the visitors to the Hawthorns.
However, Hodgson will not start immediately in his role as head coach and temporary boss Michael Appleton will remain in charge for the crucial home clash with West Ham, who currently sit bottom of the Premier League standings.
West Brom are 1/1 in the Premier League betting to beat West Ham, with the visitors 11/4 to secure the three points and the draw priced at 12/5.
The meeting between the pair at Upton Park earlier in the season finished 2-2 and it is 14/1 that this scoreline is repeated again.
A £25 stake on West Brom beating West Ham 2-1 would return £175. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
