EFL preview: Promotion, play-offs and shock return

Roy Hodgson has come out of retirement to take over at Bristol City, while Lincoln will be promoted this weekend if they beat AFC Wimbledon [Getty Images] Promotion beckons for Lincoln City, but the play-offs are far from being decided. The English Football League offers so many thrills that it would be enough to entice you out of retirement to join the fun. At least, that's the case for Roy Hodgson, who heads back to the club where he started his long, illustrious career 44 years ago.

He takes the wheel at Bristol City, while Middlesbrough and Millwall chase automatic promotion, Newport County aim to extend their stay in League Two, and League One's play-off race heats up. Here are five things to look out for in the EFL on Good Friday. Roy returns but will it be triumphant?

Roy Hodgson retired from football management in 2024 after a spell with Premier League side Crystal Palace [Getty Images] Aged 78, Roy Hodgson has returned to the managerial hotseat in the hopes his experience will add "value and advantage" at his former club Bristol City. Having started his managerial career in English football with the Robins way back in 1982, Hodgson's first spell was hit by financial turmoil. The former England boss arrives back in the West Country without any of those concerns, nor the threat of relegation, though equally without much chance of earning promotion either.

Instead, Hodgson's task will be to restore some pride to a deflated Ashton Gate after a difficult transfer window and an injury crisis led to one win in eight games under former boss Gerhard Struber. "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," Hodgson said. "Plus the fact it is Bristol, which is a lovely city, and I do have fond memories of my time here, despite the fact I shouldn't have fond memories - I should be having nightmares.