If there ever was a ‘manager turnaround of the season’, Roy Hodgson would win it without a doubt this season. Hodgson is one of the rare English managers to have coached in 8 different countries (or even abroad for that matter). Following a brilliant two seasons with Fulham, which ended with defeat in the Europa League final, Hodgson was one of the hottest managers around, winning the LMA Manager of the Year. He was often thought of as the man who will succeed Fabio Capello in the England job whenever the Italian leaves. He then joined Liverpool in what proved to be a nightmare of a job, before being sacked in January. But he returned to management with West Bromwich Albion the following month, and has since seen his stock rise as fast as it fell.
After months of rumors, Roy Hodgson finally succeeded Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. Despite confessing to being humbled and honored by the chance given to him at Anfield, his tenure proved to bring back bad memories from when he was at Blackburn Rovers more than a decade ago. With owners George Gillette and Tom Hicks looking to sell the club, money was tight at the Merseyside. However with whatever little he had, Hodgson managed to make some signings that made Robbie Keane look like a hit at Anfield. Defenders Danny Wilson and Paul Konchesky showed that they were not close to being Liverpool standard and neither did midfielders Christian Poulsen and Joe Cole. With the exception of Raul Mireles, none of the new faces really showed their worth.
On the other hand Hogsdon lost Argentine captain Javier Mascherano and playmaker Yossi Benayoun as well as loaning out Alberto Aquilani, with Poulsen and Cole being the only underperforming replacements. And not to mention how he had to deal with an unhappy Fernando Torres.
The season started as a hurricane style disaster. Points were being dropped everywhere with Liverpool being in the last 5 of the Premier League table. Even league two strugglers Northampton Town beat them at Anfield in the league cup. The only thing common between the Hodgson of that day and the one 6 months ago was his face. Speculation on his future was rife, however 3 straight wins, including a 2-0 over champions Chelsea gave new owner John Henry some reason to keep faith in the Englishman.
However that proved to be a false down and following a home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanders and a 3-1 away loss to Blackburn Rovers sealed his faith. Roy Hodgson was sacked on 8th January, and he didn’t look to be half the genius he was just half a year ago. His signings were poor, tactics were all over the place, and results atrocious. Having managed them for just 31 games, Hodgson was the club’s shortest lasting manager.
Things suddenly turned for a man who’s reputation was good as destroyed. Just 5 weeks later, Roy Hodgson was appointed manager at West Bromwich Albion replacing the popular Roberto di Matteo. With the signing made just after the close of a dramatic January, Hodgson could not sign any players for his new team (and judging by his previous experience it was probably a good thing).
He took over when the side had lost 13 of their last 18 games, and led them to a wonder 6 game unbeaten streak, helping them out of the relegation zone. The team looked to have a similar style and discipline that his former Fulham team did and he didn’t lose until Chelsea finally ended their run. Despite that he didn’t let the side get into free fall and even managed to beat former side Liverpool 2-1 (who themselves were climbing the table as if they were wearing anti gravity boots) in April.
With 5 wins, 5 draws and just 2 defeats in his 12 games in charge, Hodgson has ensured a mid table finish for the Baggies, and with one game remaining they are above both Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League. They are also set for their highest finish in the Premiership this decade.
One of the biggest turnarounds of the season, it’s funny how a manager who was so poor in the first half of the season was so brilliant in the second. Whatever be the reason, it is clear that Hodgson is keen to rebuild his reputation just as fast it as fell!
After months of rumors, Roy Hodgson finally succeeded Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. Despite confessing to being humbled and honored by the chance given to him at Anfield, his tenure proved to bring back bad memories from when he was at Blackburn Rovers more than a decade ago. With owners George Gillette and Tom Hicks looking to sell the club, money was tight at the Merseyside. However with whatever little he had, Hodgson managed to make some signings that made Robbie Keane look like a hit at Anfield. Defenders Danny Wilson and Paul Konchesky showed that they were not close to being Liverpool standard and neither did midfielders Christian Poulsen and Joe Cole. With the exception of Raul Mireles, none of the new faces really showed their worth.
On the other hand Hogsdon lost Argentine captain Javier Mascherano and playmaker Yossi Benayoun as well as loaning out Alberto Aquilani, with Poulsen and Cole being the only underperforming replacements. And not to mention how he had to deal with an unhappy Fernando Torres.
The season started as a hurricane style disaster. Points were being dropped everywhere with Liverpool being in the last 5 of the Premier League table. Even league two strugglers Northampton Town beat them at Anfield in the league cup. The only thing common between the Hodgson of that day and the one 6 months ago was his face. Speculation on his future was rife, however 3 straight wins, including a 2-0 over champions Chelsea gave new owner John Henry some reason to keep faith in the Englishman.
However that proved to be a false down and following a home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanders and a 3-1 away loss to Blackburn Rovers sealed his faith. Roy Hodgson was sacked on 8th January, and he didn’t look to be half the genius he was just half a year ago. His signings were poor, tactics were all over the place, and results atrocious. Having managed them for just 31 games, Hodgson was the club’s shortest lasting manager.
Things suddenly turned for a man who’s reputation was good as destroyed. Just 5 weeks later, Roy Hodgson was appointed manager at West Bromwich Albion replacing the popular Roberto di Matteo. With the signing made just after the close of a dramatic January, Hodgson could not sign any players for his new team (and judging by his previous experience it was probably a good thing).
He took over when the side had lost 13 of their last 18 games, and led them to a wonder 6 game unbeaten streak, helping them out of the relegation zone. The team looked to have a similar style and discipline that his former Fulham team did and he didn’t lose until Chelsea finally ended their run. Despite that he didn’t let the side get into free fall and even managed to beat former side Liverpool 2-1 (who themselves were climbing the table as if they were wearing anti gravity boots) in April.
With 5 wins, 5 draws and just 2 defeats in his 12 games in charge, Hodgson has ensured a mid table finish for the Baggies, and with one game remaining they are above both Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League. They are also set for their highest finish in the Premiership this decade.
One of the biggest turnarounds of the season, it’s funny how a manager who was so poor in the first half of the season was so brilliant in the second. Whatever be the reason, it is clear that Hodgson is keen to rebuild his reputation just as fast it as fell!
No comments:
Post a Comment