Hodgson coy over survival chances

Roy Hodgson has admitted he is not yet sure whether West Brom have the players to keep them in the Barclays Premier League.

Hodgson has been introduced as the head coach of the Baggies, replacing Roberto Di Matteo with the club only above the relegation zone on goal difference.

The former Liverpool boss revealed he is still to be convinced of the quality of the club, saying: "I'm afraid after 90 minutes working with them on Monday and 90 minutes watching them on Saturday, I can't answer that question."

He added: "I would like to say so, but it would be foolish of me to make rash statements.

"I wasn't actually planning to come back to the Premier League and keep working so soon after leaving my last job at Liverpool, but Dan (Ashworth, technical director) and (chairman) Jeremy Peace were very persuasive in the picture they painted of the football club."

"We don't have much time, like a lot of other clubs, we're in a desperately difficult situation at the bottom of the league, trying to retain our status," he said.

"That is the major goal and ambition, and if we achieve that we want to build a strong platform for next season."

"The Premier League these days is a tough league, a very interesting league for any club that's in it, whether you're punting for a place in the top four or a club that would be very happy just to still be in it.

"Jobs in this league are precious."

The former Liverpool boss was in the stands at the weekend as West Brom threw away a 3-0 lead over West Ham to draw 3-3.