Hodgson says surprise return to management is only for short-term

Hodgson was hired as City’s interim manager last week following the sacking of Gerhard Struber.

The 78-year-old had been out of football since leaving Crystal Palace in February 2024.

Hodgson’s return to Ashton Gate, 44 years after a brief stint in charge of City, has taken him into half a century of football management.

After his first job at Swedish club Halmstad in 1976, his much-travelled career has included spells in charge at Liverpool, Inter Milan, Fulham and Udinese among other clubs.

Hodgson also had four turbulent years in charge of England, which ended in the disappointment of a shock Euro 2016 exit against Iceland.

Asked if he could be convinced to extend his return to management beyond this season, Hodgson told reporters on Monday: “I think it was the fact that it was a short-term project, a short-term appointment.

“After the club made their decision to change, I think they were looking for someone who could step in and was prepared to do a job for seven games.

“Of course that appealed to me, because I have retired from the real maelstrom of working as a professional coach again, but I thought that I could manage five weeks – and I might even look forward to the five weeks, which has been the case so far.”

Hodgson insisted he had no interest in a sporting director role at City, saying: “No, I am too old.

“I hope to get some enjoyment from being here, to re-energise myself a little bit by being back on the grass and being back with players, something which has always been what I have wanted to do.”

Hodgson takes over with City 16th in the Championship after six league games without a win.

His first match in charge of the Robins will be at Charlton on Friday.

“For me, it is going to be what happens on the pitch. I am here to coach the team and try and help the team to get results,” Hodgson said.

“I will only be satisfied if the people watching the team can see that is going on.”