Roy Hodgson CBE (born 9 August 1947) is an English former football player and manager. He holds English nationality and has worked at club and international level across several countries. In recent years he served as head coach of Watford and was the manager of Crystal Palace from September 2017 until May 2021.
Early life and playing days
Hodgson was born on 9 August 1947. He played football at a semi‑professional level before choosing to concentrate on coaching and management. His playing career was modest compared with his lengthy and varied managerial trajectory.
Coaching and managerial career
Over several decades Hodgson built a reputation as a well‑travelled coach, taking charge of both clubs and national teams in Europe and beyond. His appointments have included spells in Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and England, as well as roles with international sides. He is known for organizing teams defensively and for applying pragmatic tactical approaches.
Later appointments
After leaving Crystal Palace in May 2021, Hodgson returned to club management with a short spell as head coach of Watford. His late‑career roles continued a pattern of experienced managers returning to stabilise clubs in challenging situations.
Records and recognition
- Hodgson is among the oldest managers to lead teams at the highest levels of professional football in modern times.
- On 23 February 2019 he became the oldest person to manage a Premier League match, aged 71 years and 198 days.
- He has been recognised for his services to the game, including the honour indicated by his CBE.
Hodgson's long career is marked by its geographic breadth and longevity; he remains one of the better known English managers of his generation, noted for steadying teams and for his experience across different footballing cultures.