Roy Hodgson has admitted that he will be sad to leave West Bromwich Albion after his final game in charge this afternoon.
West Brom host Arsenal in the final game of the season, after which Hodgson will take over as the new England manager.
However, the former Liverpool boss was keen to express his sadness at leaving the club, saying that the Three Lions job was too good to turn down.
"I must confess to a feeling of sadness at leaving West Brom. I have been very happy here and it is no secret that I was in advanced talks with the club over a new contract," said Hodgson.
"I was not looking to leave the club but as a proud Englishman, when I was offered the opportunity to manage the national team, it was something I could not turn down.
"I would like to say thank you to everyone who has worked with me at the Hawthorns in terms of the football staff and those elsewhere at the club who have all worked so hard to help take the club forward."
Should West Bromwich Albion match or better Sunderland's score today, they will secure the first Premier League top-half finish in the club's history.
Barney Corkhill
