‘I’ve earned the right to step back’: Roy Hodgson confirms Watford exit

Roy Hodgson will not stay with Watford after the end of the season or put himself forward for any more Premier League jobs, the 74-year-old said on Wednesday after collecting an award at Buckingham Palace.

Hodgson, who was honoured with a CBE for his services to football, said he would not extend his stay at Vicarage Road after joining on a short-term deal in January.

The former England manager came out of retirement to take charge of Watford, who are second-bottom in the Premier League on 22 points, 12 points away from the safety zone with four games left. They must win at Hodgson’s previous club, Crystal Palace, on Saturday to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.

“Obviously, it’s a short-term [deal],” Hodgson said. “Certainly, I made it clear it would need to be a short-term one between now and the end of the season. I took that job on and came out of retirement to do that particular job.

“Now that job has unfortunately ended. I’ve enjoyed my time doing the job. I don’t think I shall be putting my name forward any more for further sorties in the world of Premier League football.

“It’s a very demanding world and I think I’ve earned the right to step back and enjoy some free time and spend some time with my wife and son.”

Hodgson indicated that he could have some future role in football, saying: “I think you could speak to any of the managers that have decided to step aside and announce their retirement, but they still do something within the game.

“I would like to think that I’m always going to be passionate enough about the game and involved enough in the game that some particular aspects of work might come my way which I think I can happily do.

“But as I say, it’s not something I’m punting for and certainly I