Hodgson has big plans for West Bromwich Albion

01 May 2011 10:00

Roy Hodgson has set his sights on West Brom establishing themselves as a Barclays Premier League club after victory over Aston Villa virtually guaranteed top flight football for another season.

Goals from Peter Odemwingie and Youssouf Mulumbu enabled the Baggies to overcome trailing to an own goal from Abdoulaye Meite and the 62nd-minute sending off of midfielder Paul Scharner. Albion's first win over Villa in 26 years leaves them eight points clear of the bottom three with just three games remaining.

Hodgson said: "From a selfish viewpoint, I'm going to have a wonderful weekend. It's a fantastic feeling with three games to go to have achieved our major goal of keeping West Brom in the Premier League. It means we get successive seasons at least and I'm rather hoping we will be able to build on the foundations we've laid this year."

He added: "Hopefully we can find a team that can stay there year after year and not consistently have to bounce back from relegation."

Hodgson was again full of praise for his players, who have gained 26 points after being in losing positions this season - more than any other Premier League team.

Hodgson said: "Once again we showed a lot of character and resilience and determination against a good team after going a goal down and then playing with 10 men.

"We've got to say they deserved it and we broke a 26-year hoodoo."

Odemwingie scored his 14th goal of the campaign and netted for the fourth successive game.

Hodgson said: "His goals have been vital. He has done extremely well and scored some spectacular goals.

"It is his first year in the Premier League and next year he will get even better."

Source: PA