roy hodgson has been appointed head coach of Bristol City until the end of the season after Gerhard Struber was dismissed; the 78-year-old returns for a second spell at the club as they seek to arrest a six-game winless run. The club say Struber and assistant Bernd Eibler left because “recent performances have not met expectations, ” with City 16th in the Championship and nine points adrift of the play-off places with seven games to play. Published 27 March 2026, 09: 00 ET.
Roy Hodgson: Immediate reactions
Roy Hodgson said: “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. ” Charlie Boss, chief executive of Bristol City, thanked the outgoing coaches: “I would like to thank Gerhard and Bernd for their hard work over the past nine months and we wish them all the best. “
Key facts and club situation
The appointment brings a highly experienced manager back to Ashton Gate. roy hodgson, whose most recent managerial role ended when he left Crystal Palace earlier in 2024, takes temporary charge with immediate effect and will meet the squad on Monday. The club emphasised the move is not solely about short-term results: “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, ” Boss said.
Bristol City sit 16th in the Championship after a run that has left them winless in their last six matches. The club are searching for a sporting director who will have direct input into recruiting a permanent head coach; roy hodgson’s role is framed as stabilising the squad and setting standards ahead of that longer-term appointment.
Background and what’s next
roy hodgson returns to Bristol City after an earlier spell at the club in 1982. The club will hope the short-term appointment delivers an immediate performance uplift: Hodgson will take charge for the next fixture against Charlton on Easter Friday and will be expected to work on standards and values while the board completes its sporting director search. Expect further announcements about recruitment and the permanent head coach process as the season concludes.
