Veteran English football coach Roy Hodgson has officially returned to coaching duties at the age of 78 after being appointed to lead Bristol City on a short-term deal until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The announcement was confirmed by the Championship club following the dismissal of former head coach Gerhard Struber due to a poor run of results in recent matches.
Bristol City currently sit 16th in the league standings, a situation that influenced the club’s decision to bring back Hodgson, who boasts over five decades of experience in both international and club football.
Hodgson, who previously managed the England national team as well as several top European clubs, will be tasked with leading Bristol City through the remaining seven matches of the season while the club continues its search for a permanent manager.
In a statement, Bristol City’s management explained that Hodgson’s appointment is intended not only to improve immediate results but also to bring stability and experience to the squad during this challenging period.
This is not Hodgson’s first association with Bristol City, as he began his coaching journey at the club in the 1980s, making his return feel like a “homecoming.”
His comeback has sparked widespread debate among football stakeholders, with some praising his vast experience while others express concerns about the challenges of age in modern football.
Nevertheless, Hodgson returns to the touchline carrying a unique legacy and hopes of lifting Bristol City in the closing stages of the season.
