Gary Thompson is backing Chris Hughton for the West Bromwich Albion manager's job.
''Thommo' admits that Hughton's style of football may not suit all and sundry down at The Hawthorns but he points to Roy Hodgson's success as a barometer of how a defensive system can work.
"The players didn't have the legs to play how Pepe Mel wanted them to play," Thompson told the Birmingham Mail.
"People have talked about Malky Mackay but I do know that the way Chris goes about his coaching it will probably suit them.
"It is a monstrous season for Albion. Like anyone they can't afford to go down. They can't afford to take a gamble.
"Whoever they bring in has got to guarantee a decent start. If they are chasing their tails they have a problem from the off.
"They have got to hit the ground running. It is a massive year for Albion."
