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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Roy Hodgson confirms retirement plan once Watford contract expires in the summer

Roy Hodgson has announced his intention to retire from football management once and for all when his Watford contract expires.

On Wednesday, the 74-year-old former England boss collected his CBE for services to football and confirmed his next move having taken over at Vicarage Road in January.

Hodgson was charged with guiding Watford clear of the relegation places, but they now look set to return to the Championship.

Watford could be relegated when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday with a 12-point gap to 17th-placed Leeds and only four games remaining.

And the former England boss has revealed that he is set to move on too, with his contract due to expire in the summer.

“Obviously, it's a short-term [deal],” Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

“Certainly, I made it clear [to the Watford board] it would need to be a short-term one between now and the end of the season. I took that job on and came out of retirement to do that particular job.

“Now that job has unfortunately ended. I've enjoyed my time doing the job. I don't think I shall be putting my name forward anymore for further sorties in the world of Premier League football.

“It's a very demanding world and I think I've earned the right to step back and enjoy some free time and spend some time with my wife and son.”

Hodgson had originally retired after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season, but he was lured back into management by Watford.

“I don’t think we’ll ever lose that [itchy feet],” Hodgson added.

“I think you can speak to any other managers that have actually decided to step aside and announce their retirement, but they still do something within the game.

“I’d like to think that I’m always going to be passionate enough about the game and involved enough in the game that some particular aspect of work might come way which I think I can happily do but as I say, it’s not something I’m punting for.”

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