Roy Hodgson confirms Watford exit this summer, John Eustace favourite for post
- Joe Hewlett
- 4 May 2022
Former England boss Hodgson, 74, became Watford’s third manager of the season in January after Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri.
Roy Hodgson has revealed he will leave Watford at the end of the season and hinted he'll retire from management.
The ex-Liverpool boss is the third coach to have managed Watford this season following the sackings of Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri.
However, Hodgson has not had the impact many expected and Watford are set for a return to the Championship.
The 74-year-old has ruled out the possibility of attempting to guide the Hornets back into the Premier League and hinted it would be the final club of his 46-year managerial career.
He told Sky Sports: "It was quite simply a discussion between myself, (Watford owner) Gino Pozzo (chief executive and chairman) and Scott Duxbury and they said to me, 'we have this job that we think needs doing'.
"I made it clear it needed to be a short term one between (then) and the end of the season - and I came out of retirement to do that particular job.
"Now that job unfortunately is ending and I've enjoyed my time doing that job.
"But I don't think I shall be putting my name forward anymore for further sorties, if you like, into the world of Premier League football because it's a very demanding world.
"And I think perhaps now I've earned the right to step back, enjoy a bit of free time and spend some time with my wife and son."
Hodgson, who was made a CBE on Wednesday, did hint at staying in football in some capacity.
Mr. Roy Hodgson is made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) - For services to Football -by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace. 📸@YuiMok pic.twitter.com/K27RcwQ4vA
— Derek Momodu (@DelMody) May 4, 2022
"I think you could speak to any of the managers that have decided to step aside and announce their retirement, but they still do something within the game.
"I would like to think that I'm always going to be passionate enough about the game and involved enough in the game that some particular aspects of work might come my way which I think I can happily do.
"But as I say, it's not something I'm punting for and certainly I don't think I'll be in charge of a Premiership team. I think that's my swansong on that one.
"My friend (his assistant Ray Lewington) and I took a job on a short-term basis in the hope that we could turn their fortunes around and that hadn't happened.
"And now of course we find ourselves basically relegated and that's a very bad feeling, a very sad moment in any coach or player's life.
"I'm disappointed that we couldn't help the club out of the situation they were in when we came and they've paid the price now of being relegated."
Hodgson - who was at Buckingham Palace to receive his CBE from the Duke of Cambridge for services to football - added: "I think you've got to say that it is (significant).
"When you are recognised by your country for services to the sport that you've loved and served, I think you've got to regard that as the ultimate accolade."
Eustace in line for Watford post
John Eustace and Kieran McKenna are the two front-runners to replace Hodgson for next season.
Eustace previously managed Kidderminster Harriers from 2016 to 2018 but has since taken up assistant coach roles at QPR and the Republic of Ireland.
He is known for his time at Watford as a player, racking up 168 appearances from 2007 to 2013.
McKenna is the current Ipswich Town coach and was an assistant manager under Jose Mourinho during time at Manchester United.
