Source: Daily_Mail
Dignified Roy Hodgson has the last laugh on former employers Liverpool
Roy Hodgson was holding court after guiding West Bromwich Albion on another step towards safety when he was asked to explain the significance of a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool. [LNB]'I made a lot of friends at Liverpool and I have a lot of time and respect for the players and the coaching staff worked very loyally for me,' he said. [LNB] Respect: Dalglish (left) greets Hodgson[LNB]'The great pleasure I take is in beating Liverpool Football Club, as I know it is something we don't do very often.' [LNB]Having been Liverpool's manager for 192 days earlier this season, he could have seized the opportunity to revel in getting one over on his successor Kenny Dalglish, a man who cast a huge shadow over Hodgson's Anfield reign. [LNB]But, instead, he handled himself with dignity during his post-match debrief, saying the right things at the right times. [LNB]There was clearly no ill-feeling, either, as the warm handshakes and smiles Hodgson and Dalglish exchanged in front of a battery of photographers before kick-off proved.[LNB] In many ways, Hodgson was totally at ease in his new surroundings, his words getting nods of approval from regular followers of West Bromwich, and his work received noisy acclaim at the final whistle as The Hawthorns witnessed a first win over Liverpool since February 1981. [LNB]On the rise: Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie celebrate the winner[LNB]There is a striking contrast between Hodgson now and the way he was for much of his time at Anfield.[LNB] Press conferences were invariably tetchy, he enjoyed no support on the terraces and most weeks he made comments which left Liverpool supporters shaking their heads in bewilderment. [LNB]Whereas West Bromwich fans would agree beating Liverpool is not something which happens 'very often', Kop regulars were aghast to hear him call a victory over Turkish side Trabzonspor 'famous' and Northampton Town described as 'formidable opponents'. [LNB]Hodgson, quite simply, was never suited to Liverpool. [LNB]He is, however, the right match for West Bromwich and this latest win, achieved via two thumping Chris Brunt penalties after they had fallen behind to a Martin Skrtel header, offered further proof his methods are working in the Black Country. [LNB]'I drew a line under events at Liverpool on January 8 having signed a compromise agreement,' said Hodgson, who received a ?3million severance deal.[LNB] 'I packed my bags and went home to London the following day. This was an important victory and the only extra satisfaction it gives me is that it was against a top team.' [LNB]That is not necessarily true. [LNB]Liverpool have some top players and are capable of excellent performances but it will take more than the permanent appointment of Dalglish to transform their fortunes and Hodgson knew they could be got at.[LNB] 'You could say Roy's team talk was inspirational,' said Peter Odemwingie, who won both penalties as well as a private bet struck with Victor Anichebe on international duty with Nigeria - the Everton striker had tipped an away win. [LNB]'The manager said if we kept our concentration and belief we would do well.' [LNB]West Bromwich's plan to nullify Liverpool's ?35m striker Andy Carroll worked perfectly and he needed to be told to calm down by team-mates Dirk Kuyt, Jamie Carragher and Lucas after he was booked in the first half. [LNB]More worrying for Dalglish is Liverpool's mounting injury list. [LNB]Steven Gerrard's season could be over after he pulled up in training with a recurrence of a groin problem, and the same fate is likely to befall Daniel Agger, after he damaged a knee tendon, and the hamstrung Glen Johnson. [LNB]'To lose three players in April would be a blow for anybody,' said Dalglish.[LNB] 'It's disappointing for Steven as he has missed a few games and was training really well and looking forward to being back in among the lads. We will know more by the end of the week.' [LNB] Hodgson paid whopping ?7.3m for just six months work as Liverpool bossWest Brom 2 Liverpool 1: Revenge is sweet for jubilant HodgsonHodgson: I had no chance - it's tough to compete with icons like Kenny All the latest Liverpool FC news, features and opinionAll the latest West Bromwich Albion FC News, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Andy Carroll, Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson, Dirk Kuyt, Victor Anichebe, Steven Gerrard Places: Liverpool, London, Nigeria Organisations: Liverpool Football Club
