"I wanted Marlon but the final examination was carried out by Mohammed Al-Fayed's personal physician," said Hodgson, "And he could not guarantee that the injury would not re-occur. No-one said that Marlon was incapable of playing but doubts were raised on the future."
Instead he moved for United reject Erik Nevland and 36 year old Scouse reject Jari Litmanen. No wonder it took a former Latic to score their winner yesterday against Villa.
Welcome back to the game Jimmy Bullard, you have been sorely missed.
Meanwhile, the Latics are said to be close to agreeing a deal with Motherwell's 20 year old striker Ross McCormack. The former Rangers player has been in talks with both the Latics and Middlesbrough.
McCormack is available on a free transfer at the end of the season as he is out of contract and would be moving abroad. Speaking of the transfer speculation he said: "I've spoken to Boro, Wigan and Hearts. Motherwell are also offering me a deal so I have a big decision to make.
"My agent travelled down to both Premiership clubs and came back with glowing reports. Steve Bruce and Gareth Southgate seem really good guys and the feedback is they don't just see me as a squad man, they want to give me a chance and play me. "It all sounds great but I've not decided what option is best yet."