Hodgson and on and on

ROY HAS DEFIED AGE & CRITICISM TO REMAIN TOP-FLIGHT BOSS BUT COULD IT BE THE END OF AN ERA?

- JOHN CROSS

ROY HODGSON is a proud man who still believes in old-fashioned values.

That is why the last few weeks have been particularly difficult for football's elder statesman and why it is becoming increasingly clear the 76-year-old's time in management is coming to an end.

Hodgson has found the last couple of months particularly stressful as he has lived with constant talk about being replaced as Crystal Palace manager.

It feels a sorry way for him to bow out after a remarkable 48-year managerial career which has seen him take charge of England, Switzerland, Inter Milan, Blackburn, West Brom, Fulham and enjoy two spells at Crystal Palace.

Hodgson has lived and worked in different countries, took years to gain respect and still loves the game enough to carry on well into his 70s.

When someone suggested recently why he did not just put his feet up and enjoy retirement, he just laughed and said he knew nothing else.