Football Season Guide

Roy Hodgson needed all his experience to get West Brom out of a difficult position when he took over in January. After guiding the Baggies to a remarkable 11th place finish, he returns at the helm this season looking to secure their Premiership status. After all, Albion have been relegated from the top flight three times in the past nine seasons. With both keepers Boaz Myhill and Scott Carson gone, he has brought in Ben Foster on loan from Birmingham as well as Marlon Fulop from Ipswich. Otherwise, his priority has been to keep key players such as top scorer Peter Odemwingie, playmaker Chris Brunt, ball winner Yussuf Mulumbu and centre back Jonas Olsonn. He will need to find a partner for the Swede, having only brought in youngsters Billy Jones from Preston and Gary Mcauley from Ipswich at the back. The midfield should remain the strength of the side with Jerome Thomas, Graham Dorrans, Paul Scharner, James Morrison and Somen Tchoyi all expected to return to support Brunt. Meanwhile, with Gonzalo Jara, Nicky Shorey, Marek Cech and Stephen Reid all fit, the full backs slots look well staffed. In the attack, Hodgson has brought in his former Fulham player Zoltan Gera but he will probably be on the lookout for one more target man-type striker to supplement Peter Odemwengie.