Twitter went into overdrive on Tuesday. And that was just the West Bromwich Albion players passing on their best regards to Roy Hodgson.

For Steven Reid this week’s developments were particularly hard to take.

The right-back went from being a back-bencher within Roberto Di Matteo’s first-team to a front-line member of Hodgson’s side.

He was particularly disappointed to see the Baggies boss depart.

“I’m gutted,” said Reid who, only on Monday, signed a new two-year deal with the club.

“There’s no two ways about it, Roy will leave a massive gap.

“I’m going to miss him and, selfishly, I’m gutted that he’s gone.

“I’m 31 now and I’ve improved so much since he’s been at the club – defensively and tactically – and my knowledge of the game.

“He’s up there with the best I’ve worked with.

“I’m biased because he played me almost every time I was fit so I’m a big fan.

“As a club we developed, as a team we developed and as players too.

“I know I became a better player with him in charge. I’m very sad to see him go.”

Hodgson’s spell at Albion restored his reputation, which had been damaged (somewhat unfairly) by his time at Liverpool.

Reid has played for the likes of Mick McCarthy, Mark Hughes, Sam Allardyce in the past.

Asked for his views on Hodgson, he continued: “He’s well up there.

“I’m biased because he backed me by selecting me.

“As a club we got better, while the team and players improved.

“I’m unhappy to see him go but also extremely delighted he’s been given the opportunity after the Liverpool job where he got plenty of unnecessary stick.

“It’s great to see him get the job after the career he’s had.”

His impact at Albion was immediate, claims Reid.

“It was the moment he arrived,” continued the ex-Ireland international.

“He came in, he made his mind up within a couple of weeks who he wanted in his team and squad and he pretty much stuck to that.

“Fair play to him the ones he left out, he’s not one of the managers that leaves you out and blanks you, he’s respectful and polite to every member of the squad and staff.

“Pretty much instantly he gets the players he wants in, trusts them fully and gets the job done as we have seen over the last 18 months.”