Roy Hodgson has stepped down as Crystal Palace manager after he was taken ill. Chairman Steve Parish was preparing to sack Hodgson anyway with Oliver Glasner set to takeover.
Hodgson retires
Hodgson was taken to hospital on Thursday after falling ill. This news came out around the same time as Parish was about to sack the 76-year-old for Austrian manager Glasner.
Hodgson released a statement in regard to him taking stepping down as Crystal Palace manager.
Hodgson said: “This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life. I have fully enjoyed my time here across six seasons, as it has given me the chance to work with top class players and staff doing what I love every day.
“However, I understand, given recent circumstances, it may be prudent at this time for the club to plan ahead, and therefore I have taken the decision to step aside so that the club can bring forward their plans for a new manager, as intended for this summer.
“I would like to thank Steve Parish and his American partners for their support, along with my coaching staff and backroom team who have helped me so much along the way. In particular, a huge thank you to my long-term friend and assistant, Ray Lewington; coaches Dean Kiely and Paddy McCarthy; plus the excellent sports science, video analysis and medical departments.
“My thanks and respect also to the current squad of players who have been a pleasure to work with – they are a credit to the club and themselves. I am certain that our fans will continue to give their full support to the team for the remainder of this season and beyond.
“I am confident that the season will finish well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come.”
Glasner ready for Palace
Glasner led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022 and has also been in charge of Wolfsburg and LASK. He’s the man to take Crystal Palace to the next level.
However, he must try and get Crystal Palace out of a sticky situation. The Eagles sit five points ahead of the relegation zone with 14 games to go. Glasner will need to start producing some wins from the off.
Glasner has been out-of-work since last year when he was sacked as Eintracht Frankfurt boss. He does show passion and dedication in his work and he’ll likely be a great fit for Palace.
Who will manage Crystal Palace’s match against Everton?
It’s understood that Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington are set to take charge of Palace’s trip to Goodison Park. The pair oversaw Palace’s 3-1 away defeat to Aston Villa in September when a previous illness landed Hodgson in hospital.
Former Palace defender McCarthy’s only other game in charge of the club came in a 4-1 loss away to Arsenal following Patrick Vieira’s sacking.
Lewington has been Hodgson’s right-hand man for quite a long time. They’ve worked together at Fulham, England and both Palace spells.
It’s a huge match on the Monday night football as Everton take on Crystal Palace. It’s being described as a real six-pointer and it’s clear to see why. If Crystal Palace win, they’ll be eight points clear of the danger zone. If Everton were to win they’d draw Palace closer to the relegation places; they’d just be two points between the clubs.
Crystal Palace’s farewell to Roy
Chairman Parish said: “Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten.
“After four years in which he led the club to maintaining Premier League status season after season, he once again joined us nearly a year ago to steady the ship, and worked wonders. That he then agreed to continue in the summer speaks volumes about his commitment to our club. Quite simply, we owe our continued Premier League status to Roy.
“I would like to thank Roy enormously for his service and wish him the very best for the future; it’s fair to say Roy has the keys to Selhurst Park and will always be welcomed back.
“On a personal note I would also like to thank Roy for his support, his professionalism and his friendship. He’s been the manager for half of the time we’ve been in the Premier League, I’ve enjoyed working with him and learning from him immensely.”
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