New England boss Roy Hodgson has hailed Stale Solbakken as an impressive and exciting appointment by Wolves.
Wolves have hired a superb coach, says England manager
New England boss Roy Hodgson has hailed Stale Solbakken as an impressive and exciting appointment by Wolves.
Solbakken was announced as the new Wolves manager on Friday and Hodgson is better placed than most to know what the Norwegian can bring to the role.
The 44-year-old played under Hodgson and was his captain when in charge of FC Copenhagen more than a decade ago.
And Solbakken's former boss, who will take charge of West Brom for the final time on Sunday, is backing him to be a success at Molineux.
"I'm delighted because Stale is a good friend but also because I think it is an excellent appointment," Hodgson told the Wolverhampton
Express and Star.
"I think it is a good, exciting move by Wolves. It's not an appointment many would have expected from a part of Europe from which English clubs do not usually recruit.
"But I can tell Wolves fans they have hired a superb coach. Stale is a bright, young and impressive coach with good ideas and I am confident he will do well."
Bond
While Hodgson was Copenhagen manager in 2001, Solbakken suffered a cardiac arrest on the training ground which ended his career.
And the experience only strengthened the bond between the two men.
Hodgson added: "When something like that happens, it naturally brings you closer together and since then Stale and I have been good friends.
"But he was a terrific captain for me, a fine footballer, and my assistant in that season at Copenhagen.
"I left after that and Stale took over and went on to have the most amazing success. Five championships in six years - that was a wonderful effort.
"He is a fine coach in my view with good ideas. I congratulate Wolves on an impressive appointment."
