'It's a drug' - West Brom head coach admits surprise at former boss Roy Hodgson's return
Albion boss James Morrison admitted he was caught off guard by the news his 78-year-old former manager was back in the game.
James Morrison admitted he was surprised by the return to management of his old Albion boss Roy Hodgson.
Hodgson caused national headlines during the international break when he returned to the hotseat at Bristol City aged 78.
The former Baggies and England boss had been out of the game for more than two years after the end of his previous role at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Hodgson managed Albion for 54 games for almost 18 months between 2011 and 2012 and in his sole full season in charge led the club to a 10th-placed top flight finish, the highest in three decades at the time. He was then appointed by the Football Association as England chief.
“Surprising!” Morrison smiled when asked about Hodgson’s return.
“I think he alluded to his age in his press conference, and stuff like that, but it's nice to have him back, nice to see him, that he's still healthy enough to do it.
“It would have been nice for me to bump into him again, because I've got a lot of time for Roy.”
Hodgson was victorious on his return to management with a 2-1 win at Charlton on Good Friday.
Morrison played in 30 of the 38 top flight games in the 2011/12 campaign under Hodgson, who went on to spend four years as national boss until the end of a disappointing Euro 2016 tournament.
The veteran boss’ management career began in 1976 in Sweden with Halmstad and his move to Ashton Gate on a deal until the end of the season completes a full circle as Bristol City were the first British club Hodgson managed in 1982.
Albion boss Morrison saw off Hodgson’s predecessor Gerhard Struber as City boss with a 1-0 victory at Ashton Gate to sign off for the recent international break. Austrian Struber left a few days later.
Hodgson has made it clear he is “too old” to have the job at the Championship mid-table Robins beyond the summer.
Morrison added: “Yeah - it's a drug isn't it really?
“I do feel I can see why, but also I can see how draining it can be. As soon as your head hits the pillow, you can't switch off and stuff like that, especially if you've got big decisions to make.”
“I’d be happy if I’m still here (alive)!” Morrison quipped when asked about working in his late 70s. “I hope I’m settled somewhere.”
Hodgson returned to The Hawthorns after leaving the club to present Morrison with a signed shirt after the former midfielder’s 300th Baggies appearance.
"You don't work at top-level football at my age really very often," Hodgson said.
"I'd come to terms with that quite well then something like this happens and you realise that there's a lot I do miss.
"Having this opportunity to get a feel for that again.
"I've been perfectly happy in my retirement period - a little bit bored from time to time - but a challenge like this was hard to turn down.”