Roy Hodgson says Bristol City’s final-day could spell end of coaching career ‘maybe’

Bristol City manager Roy Hodgson ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton (PA)

Roy Hodgson has suggested his illustrious managerial career has likely concluded following a hard-earned 2-0 Championship victory over Stoke at Ashton Gate.

The veteran manager, having just completed a seven-match interim spell as the Robins’ head coach, stated he would not actively pursue another role, though he did not entirely dismiss a return to the game if the circumstances were right.

Delano Burgzorg fired Hodgson’s side ahead inside a minute, capitalising on a nightmare blunder by Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who lost control of the ball in his own box.

Substitute Sam Bell finally killed off battling Stoke after 88 minutes, side-footing home from eight yards after Rob Dickie headed down a Mark Sykes corner. This left Hodgson to celebrate with City fans, 44 years after his first short period as Ashton Gate boss ended.

After clinching a top-half finish, he 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. I am certainly not going to be putting my name out there because there are lots of managers and coaches needing jobs.

“The game had been very kind to me and I don’t need the work anymore. 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.”