Roy Hodgson has hinted that his storied managerial career may have reached its final chapter after guiding Bristol City to a hard-fought 2-0 Championship victory over Stoke City at Ashton Gate. The veteran boss, who took the reins for a seven-match interim spell, admitted he won't actively seek another role—though he left the door slightly ajar for a potential return if the perfect opportunity comes calling.

The match kicked off in dramatic fashion, with Delano Burgzorg firing the Robins ahead inside the first minute following a catastrophic error from Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who lost possession inside his own box. The early strike set the tone for a tense afternoon, with City holding firm against a resilient Stoke side. Substitute Sam Bell finally sealed the win in the 88th minute, calmly side-footing home from eight yards after Rob Dickie headed down a Mark Sykes corner. The goal sparked celebrations with the City faithful, marking a poignant moment for Hodgson—44 years after his first stint at Ashton Gate came to an end.

Reflecting on the victory, which secured a top-half finish for the Robins, Hodgson was candid about his future. "I don't know what the future holds, but I didn't actively seek this position," he said. "Much as I have enjoyed being back at Bristol City, it seems unlikely that a similar situation will arise again. If someone says 'we need you to do a job' and I think I can, then maybe—but it's a long shot. I'm certainly not going to be putting my name out there because there are lots of managers and coaches needing jobs."

The 76-year-old emphasized that the game has already given him more than enough. "The game has been very kind to me, and I don't need the work anymore. It's nice to go out on a win. While I didn't think it was one of our better performances, I couldn't fault any of the players for effort." Hodgson also revealed plans to meet with the club's chief executive and owner in the coming weeks, offering his insights on the next manager and recruitment strategy if asked.

Across the pitch, Stoke manager Mark Robins praised his team's resilience after the early setback. "The supporters were brilliant from the moment they met us off the bus," he said, noting the positive reaction from traveling fans despite finishing the season in 17th place. "It is so important that they see the positive."