Bristol City approach Premier League coach to replace Roy Hodgson
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.
Image Credits: Imago ImagesFormer Liverpool coach Roy Hodgson returned to Bristol City in March, 44 years after his brief 21-game spell in charge in 1982.Appointed on an interim basis following the sacking of Gerhard Struber, the 78-year-old collected 11 points from seven matches.Hodgson won three and drew two games to guide the Robins to a 12th-place finish in their 11th consecutive season in the Championship.However, he has remained adamant that he does not want the role on a full-time basis, reiterating that stance after Bristol City’s 2-0 win over Stoke City on the final day of the season.Hodgson said: “I don’t know what the future holds, but I didn’t actively seek this position and, much as I have enjoyed being back at Bristol City, it seems unlikely that a similar situation will arise again.“If someone says, ‘We need you to do a job,’ and I think I can, then maybe, but it’s a long shot. It’s nice to go out on a win and, while I didn’t think it was one of our better performances, I couldn’t fault any of the players for effort.“Next week I have a meeting planned with the club’s chief executive and then another with the owner, who was not able to be here today.“I have left it in their hands to talk about the next manager and recruitment for next season, but of course if I am asked for an opinion, I will be happy to give it.”According to talkSPORT, Bristol City have requested permission to speak to Bournemouth assistant coach Tommy Elphick about their vacant managerial position, though talks are not expected until after Sunday’s final Premier League game.Bournemouth have already secured European football for the first time in their history, with Elphick potentially playing a key role in their push for Champions League qualification.As things stand, they sit sixth, three points behind Liverpool in fifth, although the Reds hold a superior goal difference.
The 38-year-old, a former Bournemouth defender with 142 appearances for the club, is also admired by Iraola, who could look to take him on to his next job.If Elphick does move to the Robins, he would replace Roy Hodgson in the dugout. Liverpool appointed Hodgson in the summer of 2010 following the departure of Rafael Benítez.
However, his spell at Anfield lasted just over six months.Hodgson arrived with a strong reputation after guiding Fulham to one of the most successful periods in their history, culminating in a remarkable run to the Europa League final, where they narrowly lost to Atlético Madrid in Hamburg.His Liverpool tenure quickly unravelled, and he was sacked in January 2011 after winning just 13 of his 31 matches in all competitions.The Reds also spent time in the Premier League relegation zone, with early league defeats including losses to Manchester United, Everton and Blackpool.While Liverpool did enjoy some Europa League progress under Roy Hodgson, where six of his 13 wins came, they also suffered a shock League Cup exit to Northampton Town. Bournemouth Bristol City Roy Hodgson