Former Liverpool manager makes shock return to management at 78

Roy Hodgson has been announced as the new head coach of Bristol City for the remainder of the season in a shock move after the Championship club decided to axe Gerhard Struber.

Struber leaves his post after a run of just three wins from the Robins’ last 13 league games saw them plummet out of the play-off picture. The Austrian had been hamstrung by the sale of key players in the January transfer window, though, such as club captain, Zak Vyner, and talisman midfielder Anis Mehmeti.

Hodgson is now set to oversee the club’s final seven games of the season. It’s the former former England and Liverpool manager first role since leaving Crystal Palace in February 2024.

Roy Hodgson during his last spell as Crystal Palace manager. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Bristol City’s chief executive officer, Charlie Boss, said in a statement: “I would like to thank Gerhard and Bernd for their hard work over the past nine months and we wish them all the best.

“Roy’s appointment is about more than the results of the next seven games. Over the remainder of the season, he will help us set the standards and values at the club that we will need to be successful going forwards.

“Roy is a vastly experienced coach who has achieved and won at the highest level. He will support me, our players and our football staff as we build towards achieving our potential.

“We are in the process of appointing a Sporting Director who will have a direct input into the recruitment of a new permanent Head Coach.”

Hodgson, who previously had a spell in charge of the club in 1982, added: “I have had great conversations with the Board and I am really excited by the opportunity to help until the end of the season. We will get straight to work and look for a positive performance on Good Friday.”

The club have confirmed that Hodgson will meet players and staff for the first time on Monday before leading preparations for their next Championship fixture against Charlton Athletic next week.

Bristol City are currently 16th in the Championship standings with 51 points.