HODGSON: SPENDING WON’T GET US CLEAR

ROY HODGSON has claimed “chequebooks aren’t always the answer” and insisted Palace will not spend their way out of trouble in January.

The former England boss (above) takes his goal-shy Eagles to big-spending Wolves tonight after scoring 17 goals in 20 matches – and only five at home.

The Selhurst Park club are trying to sign Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke on loan to add some muchneeded firepower.

But last January’s transfer window was a disaster and Palace spent only £9.5million on Cheikhou Kouyate – and made two free signings – in the summer. Only Tottenham invested less.

Championship winners Wolves spent £59m while play-off winners Fulham lavished £105m and sit in 19th place.

Hodgson said: “Every club has its budget. This year Fulham and Wolves splashed out enormous sums of money, while Cardiff, Newcastle and we didn’t.

“You accept the situation that’s prevailing at your club and take the job knowing that is the situation, and you try and make the most of it.

“Chequebooks aren’t always the answer.

“Sometimes you splash the cash and get great success, but Fulham have spent more than us and are well below us.

“Wolves can congratulate themselves on the players they’ve bought. Fulham, on the other hand, might not.”

The South Londoners have spent big in recent seasons on Christian Benteke and Mamadou Sakho and are planning to redevelop their stadium. New signings are handled by chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman.

“I have no complaints with the chairman, sporting director and the American owners,” Hodgson added.

“We work as best we can within the parameters the club needs to set.

“We’ve not spent a lot, but a lot has been spent over the years and that residue is still there.

“You’re lucky if you can go a new club and say you don’t like what you’ve got and sign more players.”