West Brom Head Coach Admits Shock at Roy Hodgson's Return to Football
West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison has openly admitted his surprise at the news that his former manager, Roy Hodgson, has returned to football management at the age of 78. Hodgson, who previously managed Albion and the England national team, made headlines by taking over at Bristol City during the international break, marking his comeback after more than two years away from the game.
Hodgson's Illustrious Career and Recent Move
Roy Hodgson's management career began in 1976 with Halmstad in Sweden, and his new role at Bristol City brings his journey full circle, as this was the first British club he managed back in 1982. His tenure at West Brom spanned 54 games from 2011 to 2012, where he led the club to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League, their highest in three decades at that time. Following this success, he was appointed as England manager, a position he held for four years until after Euro 2016.
Morrison's Personal Reflections and Admiration
James Morrison, who played in 30 of the 38 top-flight games under Hodgson during the 2011/12 season, described the return as "surprising" but expressed happiness to see his former boss back in the game. "It's nice to have him back, nice to see him, that he's still healthy enough to do it," Morrison said. He added that he has "a lot of time for Roy" and would have enjoyed bumping into him again, highlighting the strong bond formed during their time together at Albion.
The Challenges and Allure of Management
When asked about Hodgson's decision to return at such an advanced age, Morrison likened management to a drug, noting its addictive nature. "Yeah - it's a drug isn't it really? I do feel I can see why, but also I can see how draining it can be. As soon as your head hits the pillow, you can't switch off and stuff like that, especially if you've got big decisions to make," he explained. Morrison also humorously remarked about working in his late 70s, saying, "I'd be happy if I'm still here (alive)! I hope I'm settled somewhere."
Hodgson's Perspective and Immediate Impact
Roy Hodgson made a successful return to management with a 2-1 win at Charlton on Good Friday, demonstrating his enduring capabilities. However, he has clarified that he is "too old" to continue beyond the summer with Bristol City, who are currently mid-table in the Championship. Reflecting on his comeback, Hodgson stated, "You don't work at top-level football at my age really very often. I'd come to terms with that quite well then something like this happens and you realise that there's a lot I do miss. Having this opportunity to get a feel for that again." He acknowledged that while he was "perfectly happy in my retirement period - a little bit bored from time to time - but a challenge like this was hard to turn down."
Historical Context and Personal Moments
The relationship between Hodgson and Morrison was further highlighted when Hodgson returned to The Hawthorns after leaving West Brom to present Morrison with a signed shirt commemorating his 300th appearance for the Baggies. This gesture underscores the mutual respect and lasting impact Hodgson has had on his former players, adding a personal touch to the professional narrative of his return to football management.
