Hodgson admits he ‘wouldn’t recognise’ incoming Watford boss Edwards – ‘I haven’t see him’

Roy Hodgson has admitted that he “wouldn’t recognise” new Watford manager Rob Edwards following the appointment of the ex-Forest Green boss.

Hodgson is retiring at the end of this season and it has already been announced that Edwards is his replacement. He has just guided Forest Green to the League Two title.

The 74-year-old thinks the appointment makes sense and he would offer advice to the new manager.

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Asked if he had already spoken to Edwards, Hodgson said: “No. Quite frankly I wouldn’t recognise him, I haven’t seen him.

“He doesn’t need to speak to me, his talking is going to be speaking with Gino Pozzo, that is who he needs to be speaking to.

“If he wants to speak to me I will be more than happy to speak to him but I am not going to impose a conversation on him, but if he wants to speak to me and hear anything I am thinking I am more than happy to speak to him but it would have to be an initiative that comes from him.

“I know who he is and what he has done but I haven’t seen him or be able to recognise him.”

When Edwards take the reins in the summer preparing for life in the Championship, Hodgson will be beginning a second attempt at a life of retirement.

The former England, Liverpool and Fulham boss is adamant that there will be no coming back from this decision.

“There is no doubt this feels worse, partly because the team is relegated but also knowing that this retirement will definitely be the serious retirement and I won’t get tempted back again after this stint,” he said.

“I have to come to terms with that and it is only right that I come to terms with it. It has been a fantastic innings that I have had, an incredibly long career