Source: Team_Talk
Roy hopes Odemwingie stays put
Roy Hodgson is optimistic West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie will sign a new contract after the club rejected a bid from Wigan for the striker.[LNB] Hodgson would be "disappointed" if Odemwingie chooses to leave after being given his Premier League chance by the Baggies.[LNB]He has been the subject of constant speculation about his future this summer but Albion have made it clear they want Odemwingie to stay.[LNB]Head coach Hodgson said: "There is a lot of hope. Peter has been made an extremely good offer, there's no question of that.[LNB]"In the discussions, from what I understand, I don't think there's a major difference between what we're offering and what Peter would like.[LNB]"We believe Peter is very much a part of our set-up and I think he's happy here. We certainly appreciate him and it's important to be somewhere you're appreciated.[LNB]"I'll be very disappointed if he left us. We owe him a debt but to some extent he owes the club a debt because we were the club that gave him a chance."[LNB]Albion sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth insists the Baggies have no plans to sell Odemwingie, who has two years remaining of his current deal.[LNB]He said: "This summer we have made it our number one priority to keep our core players - like Peter - and strengthen the squad around them as we endeavour to firmly establish this club in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]"Peter enjoyed a fantastic first season with us and is a firm favourite with the supporters, with whom he enjoys a great relationship.[LNB]"We have no intention of selling Peter and we are a little bit disappointed that Wigan have tabled this offer.[LNB]"We spoke to Wigan beforehand and made it clear Peter was not for sale, but they still proceeded to lodge a bid - which has been flatly rejected."[LNB]Hodgson recently celebrated his 64th birthday and can see himself emulating Sir Alex Ferguson in remaining in management for many more years ahead of Sunday's home clash with Manchester United.[LNB]He said: "Will I go on as long as Sir Alex? Yes, I can see that. I admire what he's done and I like the fact he has done what he wants to do.[LNB]"He's only carrying on because he enjoys doing it. He's good at it, of course, but he is carrying on because he enjoys it and he still wants to do it.[LNB]"All the time you're enjoying something you want to do and something you're good at, why not continue?"[LNB]
