Roy Hodgson: Everything Bristol City fans need to know about ex-Crystal Palace manager
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(Credit: Imago) Roy Hodgson: Everything Bristol City fans need to know about ex-Crystal Palace manager Fri 27 March 2026 12:39, UK Roy Hodgson looks set for a shock return to management with Championship side Bristol City after they decided to part ways with Gerhard Struber.The 78-year-old left Crystal Palace in February 2024 due to ill health and was replaced by Oliver Glasner, who built on the foundations and led his side to win the FA Cup the following year.Hodgson remains highly regarded at Selhurst Park for his work helping establish Palace as a stable and consistent Premier League club over two separate spells.While he never formally announced his retirement, it was expected that he would take a step away from management amid concerns about his health at his age.However, he will lead the final seven games of the season at Bristol City, with the club currently 16th in the Championship table and 12 points shy of the playoff places.Below, Football Insider takes a look at what Bristol City fans can expect from their new boss. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Hodgson, of course, boasts years of experience in the game most notably with the likes of England, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, West Brom and Fulham.During his first spell at Palace, his longest at one club in recent years, he alternated between a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 system, with the former his preferred choice during his second spell.Roy HodgsonCrystal Palace RecordGames200Wins66Draws46Losses88Goals For230Goals Against284Roy Hodgson’s record across two spells with Crystal Palace.
The boss also liked to use a focal point to lead the line, the likes of Christian Benteke at Palace, with attack-minded wingers such as Wilfried Zaha running off him.For Bristol City, this would see a transition from Struber’s usual back five, but could benefit the likes of Sinclair Armstrong and Delano Burgzorg in more natural roles.Hodgson’s sides have also been known for their more pragmatic style, often with the mantra of ‘respecting the point’, but with a good record at stopping the rot.When he first took over at Selhurst Park, Palace had gone four league games without a win or a goal under Frank de Boer, and he lost just six of his first 17 games in charge. How do former players speak about Hodgson?Hodgson is not only thought of highly in managerial circles, with the likes of Pep Guardiola having spoken glowingly of the boss, but also among his former players.Andros Townsend previously credited him with making him into “a better player and a better man” after working with the manager both with England and Palace.
Credit: Getty ImagesDanny Murphy has also spoken highly of Hodgson, labelling him “a wonderful coach, a very wise, football intelligent man” and “a lovely man with great integrity”. [via The Standard]The manager’s man-management skills have been highlighted throughout his long career, and with seven games to play at Bristol City, he will get the players on his side.City have failed to win any of their last six games, and while they remain clear of any relegation threat, Hodgson will provide a safe pair of hands to see them through. 🏆 Championship Insider Access Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.