Roy gears up for Wolves test

14 October 2011 14:23
Boss understands Black Country rivalry

Roy Hodgson says he is in no doubt about how much the Black Country derby means to Albion fans.

The experienced head coach’s first game in charge was against the Molineux men at The Hawthorns back in February when Carlos Vela rescued Albion with a last minute equaliser.

Hodgson’s only other taste of derby day action was in July when the Baggies were beaten 3-1 after securing Premier League safety the week before.

But in the build up to this season’s first Black Country derby, Hodgson says he’s been unable to escape the tension before Sunday’s kick off.

"I've got a feel for the rivalry now," said the Albion head coach.

"The rivalry is fierce and for both teams it's a big game because we're both at the wrong end of the table.

"They started like a house on fire but have since had some major setbacks.

"We started with three straight defeats but have since taken five points from four games.

"So to some extent it's two teams who need a result and two teams that will be going hell-for-leather to get that result, with two sets of fans who will be desperately wishing their team to win.

"I don't think either team will let the fans down."

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Source: FOOTYMAD