Hodgson took over the reins at The Hawthorns 11 days ago following the dismissal of Di Matteo, a sacking that surprised Kemp. Hodgson's one game in charge so far saw the Baggies salvage a point in a Black Country derby with Wolves courtesy of a late equaliser. With Stoke up next for Albion on Monday at the Britannia Stadium, Kemp is wary of the new manager factor as City look for a revival in the league after back-to-back away defeats. "There have been some strange managerial changes this season, and this looks like one of those," said Kemp. "Certainly from the outside it seems a strange decision, but it's not my call. We're outside the club. "Roy's in charge now and we know he'll have an impact. It makes it a harder game for us. "That's because players always raise their game for a short period of time when a new manager comes in. "We have to make sure we're ready for that on Monday and we don't let it affect us." Hodgson's previous visit to the Potteries this season resulted in a 2-0 defeat in mid-November at a time when he was in charge of Liverpool. Kemp is hoping that will be in the back of Hodgson's mind, adding: "As he's been here this season with Liverpool he might be a bit more concerned than he otherwise would be. "He knows what's coming." Stoke's record against Albion is an enviable one as they have lost just one of the last 26 league meetings stretching back to 1988, and since 1983 are unbeaten in the last 17 home games. Winger Matthew Etherington is a major doubt with a back-related issue that is affecting his hamstring, an injury that forced him to miss Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal. "He's had a stiff neck because of it, so it's a case of working on his back and getting that right," said Kemp. "I've seen him today and he seems bright, much more happy about things, but we'll have to wait and see. "We're taking a look at him on a day-to-day basis, so I couldn't say if he is going to make it or not."
