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. Hodgson would be "disappointed" if Odemwingie chooses to leave after being given his Premier League chance by the Baggies.He has been the subject of constant speculation about his future this summer but Albion have made it clear they want Odemwingie to stay.Head coach Hodgson said: "There is a lot of hope. Peter has been made an extremely good offer, there's no question of that."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."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."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."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.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."Peter enjoyed a fantastic first season with us and is a firm favourite with the supporters, with whom he enjoys a great relationship."We have no intention of selling Peter and we are a little bit disappointed that Wigan have tabled this offer."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."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.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."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."All the time you're enjoying something you want to do and something you're good at, why not continue?"