Hodgson, speaking in his pre-match press conference live on Palace TV, revealed: "I noticed that Dean [Smith], when he was first appointed, he took on a group of players that he’d inherited and had been there for a period of time. However, as his reign continued towards the latter part of last season, we saw already his thoughts on how he wanted the team to play and in particular the type of players he wanted at the club.
"A lot of the players he brought in [on loan] he has now signed, the likes of Tyrone Mings were there with him and have now signed for the club; the club have invested heavily and well to back his [Dean Smith's] judgements and the way he wants to play.
"The way they’ve started the season, looking like a very dangerous opponent, doesn’t surprise me one bit A) because I know Dean and the work he does and B) I think the club has gone about its business in a very intelligent way."
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