Roy (or Woy) Hodgson will soon be appointed to the most prominent position in football, and maybe the world England Manager.  Some say the position of England manager is the second most important in all of England, rated just behind the bloke that lives at 10 Downing street.  So how does a man who couldn’t perform one of the biggest clubs on the planet, Liverpool gain such notoriety in a so little time.

The answer my friends is along the Baggie brick road that leads to The Hawthorns.  Yes you heard me correctly, some of you won’t have paid much attention to the West Bromwich Albion football club over the last few years, but those who have see a well run, organised club that has secured their position in the Barclays Premier League, ditched the ‘yo-yo’ tag that is had earned over the last decade whilst staying financially viable, unlike so many other clubs.

Hodgson has performed miracles at the fan friendly club, ensuring premier league survival, and taking 10 points out of a possible 12 against bitter rivals Aston Villa, and Wolverhampton.  To the adoring fans in the Smethwick end Hodgson is on par with Pep Guardiola and Roberto Mancini, but without the hype or recognition.  Personally for Hodgson his defining moment was performed last month when West Brom took away all three points the Anfield for the first time since 1967, not only was is it pure delight for the travelling Baggies fans, but personally satisfying for Hodgson to get one over his former employer.

The English FA would have experienced many sleepless nights on their decision, ask most people in football and this is the hardest job in football.  Expectations of English fans are some of the most unrealistic in football, if you couldn’t win a World Cup with the golden generation during the late 90’s you are going to struggle with the current crop of players, but some fans don’t see logic when it comes to England playing tournament football.  Hodgson will have to win the fans over quickly, while stamping his authority before EURO 2012 kicks off.

With Hodgson leaving the midlands the question has to be asked, who is Roy’s successor.  Any manager with ambition and fire in the belly should be sticking their hand up for this dream appointment.  Let’s break it down, Albion fans don’t expect much but survival is always key, and with black country rivals Wolverhampton in the Championship survival is paramount.  A win over Aston Villa is always a bonus, but may become an expectation after their horrendous season.  Finally a win over a big 6 club (Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, or Tottenham) would be some icing on the cake, it probably won’t happen but you get 12 attempts at it.

Need further convincing, check out the last three gaffers.

Tony Mowbray – Head hunted by Scottish giant Celtic, and straight into European football, currently managing Middlesboro.

Robert Di Matteo – Currently getting his Chelsea squad ready for the Champions League final

Roy Hodgson – Soon to be appointed England manager

I’m pretty sure no candidates would be reading this blog, but it’s a convincing argument if they are.

No matter what happens next at The Hawthorns, Hodgson has layed a great foundation for the next manager, and will do a great job with England.  Public perception would have given the job to Spurs to man Harry Redknapp, but International management is too restrictive for the “wheeler dealer ‘Arry”.

West Bromwich will be a poorer club for the loss of Roy, but a lucky one for his service over the last 15 months.