Jonas Olsson says it is vital for West Brom to retain the services of Roy Hodgson if they are to become a potent Premier League force.
Hodgson is out of contract with the Baggies in the summer and is in no rush to make a decision on his future.
Olsson can understand why Hodgson is being viewed as a possible candidate to replace Fabio Capello as England coach but knows how crucial he is to Albion's future.
The central defender said: "I think it is important for the club's development that Roy Hodgson stays. I am not surprised he is in the frame as one of the England candidates.
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He is a top manager and has done really well in the Premier League with Fulham and now us.
"I'm not surprised he has been mentioned but I hope he stays here. Everyone at the club is very happy with him."