Rovers get Inter Milan boss Hodgson

He will take up a three-year contract in July - or sooner if possible - after the club moved swiftly to fill the void left by Sven Goran Eriksson's about-turn.

And, if Rovers fans fear a repeat performance, Ewood chairman Robert Coar revealed a special safeguard.

"We wanted a penalty clause putting into the agreement he has signed and Roy was more than willing to accept it," said Mr Coar.

"It means that if he doesn't take up the appointment, he will personally have to pay a considerable financial penalty."

I understand the figure involved is a few hundred thousand pounds, but, in any case, Hodgson is full of enthusiasm for his new role.

Speaking from Italy, where he has been preparing Inter for a cup tie, he said: "After a long absence, I am very happy to be returning to work in England again and especially with Blackburn Rovers.

"The Premier League is one of the finest leagues in the world." Hodgson, along with Terry Venables and Eriksson, was one of the club's top three targets when Ray Harford resigned in October.

All three had outstanding qualifications for the job and Rovers are delighted to have been able to put the disappointment of the Eriksson saga to one side so quickly.

"The fact that it has all been sorted out in such a short time underlines how much Roy wants to come here," said Mr Coar.

"He is very enthusiastic about the club, the set-up and the players and we believe we have captured a man of the right calibre to put Blackburn Rovers back into a position where we can challenge for the top honours in this country and compete regularly in the European competitions."

Hodgson himself is in a similar position to Eriksson, as regards talking about his future employers.

But he didn't disguise his relish for the challenge which lies ahead.

"I am full of admiration for Mr Walker and what he has done for the town of Blackburn and Blackburn Rovers, and the facilities at Ewood Park and Brockhall are as good as anywhere in the world," he said. "The players too have already shown what they can do and there is the basis of a very good squad."

When Rovers first moved for Hodgson, who was actually above Eriksson on their hit-list, Inter Milan moved to offer him a new improved and extended contract.

But I can reveal that a new deal remained unsigned, so his agreement with the Italian giants does, in fact, expire this summer.

That frees him from the end of June at the latest.

With rumblings at the San Siro recently, and given the nature of Italian football, there could be developments before then.

But, as Mr Coar pointed out: "When we first made our agreement with Sven Goran Eriksson, there were six months to wait before he could come.

"Now it is only about 10 weeks to the end of the season and the team have responded well to Tony's (Parkes) leadership.

"So I suppose you could say we were more vulnerable before.

"But we have no reason at all to believe that Roy will break the agreement." Hodgson has a sound pedigree and stressed how much he is looking forward to coming to Lancashire.

I suspect he was concerned he might have missed out, following Rovers' first approach last year.

"When I was asked about my position in October, I was unsure and the opportunity had passed before anything could be decided," he said.

"I am more than satisfied with my time at Inter Milan and the president has always supported me.

"I could be said to be joining the Italian exodus. But my experience in Italy has been invaluable and I hope to put it to good use with Blackburn Rovers."

Rovers Reserves visit Bolton tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Colin Hendry topped the Lancashire Evening Telegraph telephone poll which asked you to name your choice for the Ewood hot seat.

Colin picked up 89 votes from the 209 calls. The results were: Colin Hendry 43%; Tony Parkes 14%; Roy Hodgson 14%; John Toshack 11%; Bobby Robson 7%; Howard Kendall 2%; Kevin Keegan 3%; Others 6%.

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