Roy Hodgson insists he was 'quite popular' at West Brom

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West Brom host Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League
The league match will be Alan Pardew's first game in charge of West Brom
Roy Hodgson claims he was 'quite popular' during his time as Baggies boss

Published: 18:24 EDT, 30 November 2017 | Updated: 18:28 EDT, 30 November 2017

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Roy Hodgson insists Crystal Palace’s trip to the Hawthorns on Saturday should be as much about him as it is new West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Pardew.

The 70-year-old says he was ‘quite popular’ at West Brom and that the good job he did in the Midlands before leaving to become England boss should not go overlooked.

While it will be Pardew’s first game in charge of the Baggies, it is also a homecoming for Hodgson.

Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace outfit take on his former West Brom side on Saturday afternoon

‘I had 18 months there and was quite popular,’ Hodgson said on Thursday. ‘It is not just Pardew playing his former club.

‘I am playing against the team I managed before being England manager and I would have stayed there as well. I have very fond memories so I am looking forward to going back there myself.’

Hodgson was spiky when asked whether he had spoken to Pardew as he told his Sky Sports interviewer: ‘You obviously know more about the managerial contact in the world than I do.

‘It has got nothing to do with me (Pardew’s sacking by Palace). He can feel however he wants to feel. I don't quite understand what you want me to say.

Saturday's clash at the Hawthorns will be Alan Pardew's first match in charge of the Baggies

‘I had nothing to do with his time here at Crystal Palace. Whatever happened to him and Crystal Palace has nothing to do with me.

‘He is a good manager, and experience manager and they obviously believe he is capable of taking them up to the position in the table where I feel the club deserves.’

Meanwhile, ahead of Friday's World Cup draw, the former Three Lions manager added: ‘I don't think it matters what draw England get. What matters is they will go there with a good team that I believe is capable of doing extremely well.

‘They don't need to fear any of those scenarios or ideal groups.’