Roy Hodgson, 78, will remain manager of Championship side Bristol City until the end of the season, with the former England manager scoring a win in his first game back in the dugout.
Roy Hodgson gets off to a winning start (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Humble Roy Hodgson didn’t want to be showered with praise after leading Bristol City to victory in his first game as manager. Hodgson, 78, was appointed by the Robins last week, more than 40 years after his first spell at the club.
The former England manager’s first job, in charge until the end of this season, was a trip to The Valley to take on Charlton Athletic. City got off to a dream start, with Scott Twine giving them an early lead after just 11 minutes.
Charlton equalized in the 30th minute through Lyndon Dykes, but thanks to a horrifying mistake by goalkeeper Will Mannion, Noah Ayle’s goal restored the lead for the visitors. Hodgson’s brave side were able to hold on to all three points and move up to 13th in the Championship table, ending a six-game winless run under former manager Gerhard Struber.
After the game, Hodgson praised his players. “I was happy for the team. I was happy with the way they were trying to win the game,” he said, via the Bristol Post.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page
read more: Joachim Loew breaks record on Ghana employment application ahead of England World Cup matchread more: Harry Kane announced he will be absent as Bayern Munich suffers injury ahead of match against Real Madrid
“In the first half and second half, before the onslaught started, I thought we had a lot of value for the win. I also have to take my hat off to our back line, goalkeeper and midfield players for surviving the onslaught.”
“I think there’s a tendency to look down on the adoration of the manager and the adoration of the coach. And it’s the footballers who win. If you want to win, you need quality in your team.”
Mr Hodgson has managed 22 different clubs and countries throughout his itinerant coaching career spanning 50 years. After leaving Crystal Palace in February 2024, he fell ill in the days leading up to his departure and it was thought that he would never be able to return.
Does Roy Hodgson’s career deserve more recognition? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Roy Hodgson was delighted with his players (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Hodgson has ruled out a long-term stay at Ashton Gate, but looked fit to compete on the touchline. “I learned a lot,” he added. “Don’t forget, it was the first time I saw them play live and seriously, so I learned a lot.
“I think they should be proud of the fact that they got the three points and I personally thought we certainly deserved it for a long period of the game.”
City’s next match is at home to Sheffield United on Monday. They will then return to London to face Queens Park Rangers next Saturday.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
