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The latest UK & World sports news from the Press Association
Hodgson hails McCarthy
10:45, Feb 9 2012
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson believes Wolves counterpart Mick McCarthy has been a victim of his own success ahead of Sunday's Black Country derby at Molineux.
McCarthy steered Wolves to promotion and has kept them in the Barclays Premier League for a third successive season. But some fans have called for him to be sacked in recent weeks and certain bookmakers make him favourite to be the next top-flight manager to lose his job.
Hodgson said: "Mick has done a magnificent job at Wolves - and so has the club owner (Steve Morgan). Mick took them up and then stayed in the Premier League but then people want to see you move on even further and the expectations go up."
He added: "Unfortunately when you bring teams up, the barrier gets raised and, if you don't bring the players in to match that, then it can be very difficult.
"The world of football is full of people who do good jobs taking their teams up and then losing their job because they can't do as well in the league above.
"But Wolves are a very competitive team and will battle right to the end of the season."
Hodgson is hoping striker Shane Long will be available after back and digestive problems to face Wolves. Long has not started a game since early December.
Real is 'perfect challenge' for Mourinho 20:45, May 22 2012
Jose Mourinho believes the task of leading Real Madrid for the next four years represents "the perfect challenge" for the next stage of his coaching career after he signed a new deal with the club. more
Care bares his soul 18:45, May 22 2012
Danny Care is determined to repay the faith of those who stuck by him during a troubled season and inspire Harlequins to their first Aviva Premiership title. more
Hargreaves released by City 16:45, May 22 2012
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been released by Manchester City after his short-term deal expired. more
I won't stop tweeting - KP 15:45, May 22 2012
Kevin Pietersen has brushed off concerns his latest Twitter outburst could land him in trouble with the England and Wales Cricket Board and has no plans to tone down his comments on the micro-blogging site. more
Drogba to leave Chelsea 15:45, May 22 2012
Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea when his contract runs out at the end of June, the club have announced on their website. more
Haye rejects jibes from Klitschko camp 14:45, May 22 2012
David Haye has rubbished claims from Vitali Klitschko's manager that he is "afraid" of facing the Ukrainian heavyweight. more
Broad up to third in rankings 14:45, May 22 2012
Stuart Broad has achieved a career-best position in the latest ICC Player Rankings following his maiden 10-wicket haul in England's first Test victory over the West Indies, which concluded at Lord's on Monday. more
Mourinho extends Bernabeu stay 13:45, May 22 2012
Jose Mourinho has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which ties him to the club until 2016, the Primera Division champions have announced. more
Injury forces Leamy to hang up boots 12:45, May 22 2012
Denis Leamy has become the third Munster player this season to announce an early retirement due to injury. more
Fans' group challenge Liverpool owners 11:45, May 22 2012
Liverpool owners have been challenged to publicly explain their strategy for the club by a leading fans' group. more
Williams 'proud' of torch role 11:45, May 22 2012
Winter Olympics gold medallist Amy Williams said carrying the Olympic torch was an "amazing feeling". more
ECB announce India tour itinerary 11:45, May 22 2012
The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced England's winter tour to India will comprise of four Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20s. more
