Roy Hodgson isn't done yet!: Struggling Bristol City appoints the 78-year-old as the new manager

Roy Hodgson has been appointed as the manager by Bristol City as he makes a remarkable comeback from retirement. (Image credits – Wikipedia, licence details)

Roy Hodgson has made a remarkable return to management at the age of 78, as Bristol City appointed the veteran, replacing previous manager Gerhard Struber after a poor run of results in the Championship. Bristol are sitting 16th in the second division, struggling to get going midway through the season.

Over a span of fifty years Hodgson has managed multiple clubs across Europe, including Inter Milan, FC Copenhagen, Udinese, Fulham, Liverpool and Crystal Palace. He has also managed the national teams of the UAE, Finland and England. The Englishman has built a resume very few managers in football can match.

His last job was at Crystal Palace back in 2024 when he had reportedly retired, putting an end to an incredible career. However, Bristol City have appointed one of the most dedicated servants of football back into the game, which is one of the most remarkable stories this season. Interestingly, this is not his first stint at the club. He had begun his journey in English football at this club back in 1982, which makes this story even more special.

The 78-year-old will be in charge of the remaining few games of the season this year in a short-term role. Hodgson’s role would be much more important, as the club has made it clear that it's to implement a culture inside the dressing room and set discipline and long-term standards for the players. Their poor campaign in the second division and exit from the FA Cup have exposed the loopholes within the squad.

Following Struber’s era, the club has opted for a steady manager who's experienced enough to restore professionalism amongst the players. Hodgson's expertise in demanding discipline from his players, organisation of the squad, and man management makes him the perfect fit for the job for a club going through a crisis period. The veteran could serve as the perfect mentor for the young players for a short term, as the club has appointed a new sporting director and will appoint a long-term manager in the summer.

Age is just a number in football and Roy Hodgson proves the statement

Roy Hodgson’s return to management in football at Bristol City has raised questions about age in football management. At 78, he has become one of the oldest managers in English football, as it's not conventional for managers to continue such a stressful job till this age.

Football isn't just a game for young lads; it requires tactical awareness, strategies, leadership skills and the ability to manage a dressing room. These qualities are honed over years and require experience. The Englishman brings all of that to the table, and his calm and disciplined approach would be extremely crucial for a team in transition.

For Hodgson, his job won't be about recording wins or losses. As the club is well above the relegation zone and well below the promotion zone, they have nothing left to fight for. Therefore, his job will be to stabilise the team, improve the morale of the players heading into the new season and instil an identity inside the dressing room for the future that has been lacking. His last job at Selhurst Park also required steadying a sinking ship as Patrick Viera had left Palace in a dire situation.

Following his appointment, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sent a message to the veteran and wished him well in his next chapter. 

"Is it true that Roy Hodgson is the new manager of Bristol City? And he turns 79 in August? Roy. I asked you last time if your flat is wet or whatever, but it’s really crazy. Good luck," Klopp said. (sic)

He added, "But they are 12 points ahead of the relegation zone, right? Then it’s not the most difficult job at least, Roy! Enjoy, in Bristol, the good times. For some it’s forever; let me say it like that.” (sic)