West Brom's Ben Foster: Players must share the blame
Goalkeeper Ben Foster today conceded Albion's players must share the blame for their dismal season and admitted they were 'lucky' to avoid relegation.
The World Cup-bound gloveman said Pepe Mel's departure was no surprise but admitted the players must reflect on their own performances.
"As players we also need to have a long, hard, look at ourselves because we haven't performed this year," said Foster, who was named yesterday in England's World Cup squad.
"In the last two or three years in the Premier League we've set our stall out on what we're about.
"We're a hard-working team who are hard to break down and we have been good at grinding teams down and not letting in sloppy goals.
"I think everyone would agree it's been quite a lucky one and we're all quite relieved that we've retained our status.
"It's always a bit of a shock when a manager leaves and I'd like to pass on my regards and best wishes.
"It was a tough ask for him in the first place but, whoever we'd got in, everybody would have been really happy if they'd guaranteed us Premier League safety. It was always difficult because of the language barrier."
Meanwhile, Foster welcomed Hodgson's decision to turn to youth after the Baggies No.1 was named as Joe Hart's understudy.
"Some of the emerging talent we've had coming through in the last four months has been really promising and it's been a bit of a blessing," said Foster.
"It's a good time for it to come to fruition."
"The likes of Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling have been absolutely top class at a very good time for the country."
