Defeat fails to take shine off Roy's farewell

13 May 2012 20:59
Downing pleased with performance despite result

Albion No.2 Keith Downing insists Marton Fulop’s errors failed to take the shine off Roy Hodgson’s departure as Baggies boss.

Stand-in keeper Fulop could’ve done better with all three Arsenal goals after strikes from Shane Long and Graham Dorrans went in vein.

The defeat soured Roy Hodgson’s final game in charge of the Baggies but didn’t stop the Throstles from finishing in the top half of the table – and as top dogs in the Midlands.

"To finish in the top half is a fantastic achievement for the club,” said Albion’s assistant.

"We've had some happy moments, some big scalps at home and we've gone to Newcastle and won.

"We've had some good performances and over the season we're delighted how it has gone.

"We've become an established Premier League team and that's no mean achievement with the resources we have - and that's a lot down to Roy.

"Roy has given the club a stability and structure on a daily basis, making players better as individuals and as a team.

"He has improved the standard by working with professionalism every day.

"I know every manager does that but he is making players, whether they're 30 years of age or 20, better.

"There are a lot of players in the dressing room pleased with his achievement but very disappointed he's gone.

"But we have the foundation there now to move on next season.

"He's left a legacy and you saw the appreciation from the supporters.

"We're all very hopeful he can do the same for England."

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Source: FOOTYMAD