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Roy Hodgson: New Watford boss says relegation battle a 'dogfight'

The battle to survive in the Premier League this season is a "dogfight", says new Watford manager Roy Hodgson.

Veteran boss Hodgson, 74, was appointed on a deal until the end of the season as successor to Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked after just 14 games.

The ex-England manager takes over a side that lie 19th in the Premier League but only two points from safety.

Hodgson said being contacted about the job was a "siren call from the mermaid as the sailor passes by on his ship".

Asked at his first news conference if the club can survive in the top-flight, Hodgson replied: "It's more than possible.