Hodgson pleads for patience amid skepticism :: Mmegi Online

Roy Hodgson began his tenure as England manager with an appeal for time from a sceptical public and an admission he would have to have been living "on another planet" not to realise many would have preferred Harry Redknapp to take the reins of the national side.

The West Bromwich Albion head coach has signed a four-year deal with the Football Association to succeed Fabio Capello and will now start preparing for Euro 2012, which begins next month. He acknowledged the task he has taken on is "unbelievably hard" given the time constraints but, after the appointment was greeted with scepticism in some quarters, Hodgson will attempt to win over public opinion, benefiting from unanimous backing at the FA as the only candidate approached by Club England.

At Liverpool, where Hodgson endured an unhappy 191 days in charge, the 64-year-old perceived he had suffered because he was not Kenny Dalglish, a situation he potentially faces again, with Redknapp the populist choice for the England post.

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Hodgson pleads for patience amid skepticism

Roy Hodgson began his tenure as England manager with an appeal for time from a sceptical public and an admission he would have to have been living "on another planet" not to realise many would have preferred Harry Redknapp to take the reins of the national side.

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