The battle to survive in the Premier League this season is a “dogfight”, says new Watford manager Roy Hodgson.
Veteran boss Hodgson, 74, was appointed on a deal until the end of the season as successor to Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked after just 14 games.
The ex-England manager takes over a side that lie 19th in the Premier League but only two points from safety.
Hodgson said being contacted about the job was a “siren call from the mermaid as the sailor passes by on his ship”.
Asked at his first news conference if the club can survive in the top-flight, Hodgson replied:
“It’s more than possible. I wouldn’t have accepted the challenge had I not believed we could help the club stay in the Premier League.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating and it’s important the players react well and they can produce the level of performances that are going to be necessary.
“This league, in terms of relegation, is a dogfight.”
