Source: Team_Talk
RH: Bruce will ride out storm
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson believes the Sunderland board will stay calm and continue to back Steve Bruce despite the Black Cats' poor start.[LNB] Hodgson's own side are currently second bottom of the Premier League after collecting four points from their opening six games.[LNB]The pressure will inevitably increase on Bruce should they lose to the Baggies in Saturday's clash at the Stadium of Light after his summer spending spree.[LNB]But Hodgson said: "Steve is a good manager and has done a remarkable job wherever he has been.[LNB]"I think he and the club are more than strong enough to withstand whispers and rumours.[LNB]"I think it would surprise me if a club like Sunderland had any knee-jerk reaction.[LNB]"It is still early days in the season and Steve is in the throes of putting together a new team because, in the transfer market, he was very active this year.[LNB]"We all know it takes time to gel together."[LNB]Hodgson added: "I think the itchy-finger syndrome is with us all the time in football.[LNB]"We are used to that but only hope the people in football who make decisions make good ones."[LNB]Hodgson is backing striker Peter Odemwingie to recapture last season's goalscoring form sooner rather than later.[LNB]Odemwingie netted 15 times in his debut season for Albion but has been on target only once in an injury-hit start to this campaign and squandered a golden chance during the goalless draw with Fulham.[LNB]Hodgson said: "It is early days. He is playing very well in training.[LNB]"Like everything else, if a forward scores a goal from a goal chance, then he is said to be playing fantastically well.[LNB]"If he misses the goal chance, he is said to be having a bad time.[LNB]"That is what forwards have to live with. But we are quite happy with Peter.[LNB]"He looks very lively, very fit and we hope we can keep him fit for the next 30-odd games."[LNB]
