West Brom boss Roy Hodgson: I don’t need assurances from chairman over future of key players

Roy Hodgson, West Bromwich Albion (Getty Images)

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West Brom manager Roy Hodgson is unfazed by transfer rumours surrounding the club’s top players, and does not believe he needs assurances from his chairman Jeremy Peace regarding their futures.

Hodgson has revitalized the Baggies since taking over in February, leading a club many predicted would be fighting a relegation battle to a respectable mid-table finish in the Premier League.

However, there has been a suggestion that the newly-promoted club could be a victim of its own success in the summer transfer window, with numerous clubs alerted by the consistently impressive performances of top scorer Peter Odemwingie, captain Chris Brunt and Youssuf Mulumbu.

But judging by the experience of his own failed pursuit of Jonathan Greening while at Fulham, Hodgson remains confident he has the backing of his chairman when it comes to keeping the best players at the club, regardless of the level of interest in them.

“I don’t need assurances,” the 63-year-old told reporters. “I don’t need them. They’re under contract.

“I know from past experience of trying to get Jonathan Greening out of West Brom that the chairman is very keen on keeping the players that he wants to keep and who are under contract.

“I don’t need assurances. I’ve never even broached the subject with him.

“The battle for Greening made me realise that West Brom don’t release players they don’t want to let go.”