Roy Hodgson marked his return to management with a winning start as Bristol City claimed a hard-fought victory at Charlton Athletic.
The 78-year-old, back in charge for the final seven games of the season, guided the Robins to their first win in seven matches. Scott Twine opened the scoring early before Charlton’s Lyndon Dykes equalised. Swedish defender Noah Eile then scrambled home the winner early in the second half following a mistake by goalkeeper Will Mannion.
The three points moved Bristol City up to 13th, while Charlton remained 18th, eight points above the relegation zone with six games remaining. Hodgson’s return was remarkable, coming 781 days after his last game with Crystal Palace and 44 years after his first spell with Bristol City in 1982.
City had been in the play-offs at Boxing Day but struggled after key January departures. Hodgson’s side looked confident in London, taking the lead through Twine after Emil Riis hit the post early on. Dykes equalised for Charlton, but Eile’s first goal since joining from New York Red Bulls proved decisive. Both sides had further chances in the final 30 minutes, but the scoreline held, giving Hodgson a memorable first win back in management.
