Hodgson blots out bad cup memories for visit to Bournemouth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roy Hodgson has had so many nights to forget in the Carling Cup that he admits he cannot even remember the competition's name.
Indeed, Hodgson is also under the mistaken impression he has failed to win a single tie since returning to England almost four years ago. In fact, the West Bromwich manager's record is nearly that bad, with three defeats from four ties at Fulham and Liverpool. It is something he is looking to put right in his first League Cup match since taking over at The Hawthorns when Albion travel to Bournemouth tonight.
"I've yet to win a Carlsberg Cup tie, or whatever you call it," said Hodgson, who spent most of his managerial career on the Continent, yesterday. "I don't even know what it's called and I've yet to win one. So I've got a 100 per cent record since coming back to England. I've played four, lost four, I think."
Hodgson will be expected to improve his record tonight, with a cup shock the last thing the Baggies need after their losing start to the Premier League season. The League Cup is also a route into Europe, an arena in which Hodgson has proved something of a specialist, leading Fulham all the way to the Europa League final just over a year ago.
But, asked if he was hungry for more European football, he said: "I don't know about hungry. It was a hard time there and my goal at West Bromwich Albion is a very, very simple one, and a very clear one. It's a long while – I might go as far to say it'll actually be the first time – that if we come up, stay in the league a year, and stay in the league yet again, that would be the first time in the Premier League. So that's my goal."
That echoes the views of many Premier League managers and explains why Hodgson may make changes tonight.
"It's not always a case of resting players," he said. "I've also got one or two players I actually want to have a look at. "There are people like Graham Dorrans and people like Marek Cech, who are bone fide first-team players who have not had much chance at the moment to show what they can do." PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments