Roy Hodgson has stepped down as Crystal Palace manager, ending his second spell in charge of his boyhood club.
The 76-year-old’s job has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, with the Eagles on a run of three wins in 19 matches across all competitions. Palace sit just five points outside the relegation zone.
Hodgson was hospitalised after being taken ill during a training session last week, though has since been released and is recovering well.
Oliver Glasner has been lined up as Hodgson’s replacement and is expected to officially take over in the coming days, with Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington leading Palace tonight for a crucial clash against Everton at Goodison Park.
A 3-1 defeat to Chelsea proved to be Hodgson’s 200th and final match in charge of Palace.
“This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life,” Hodgson said in a statement on the official Palace website.
“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.”
Hodgson spent four seasons in the Selhurst Park dugout before his departure in 2021, making the decision to “step away from football for a while”.
He returned to management the following year, with a brief spell at Watford, before taking the Palace job for a second time in March 2023 after Patrick Vieira was sacked.
The Eagles’ form significantly improved under Hodgson, with 18 points from his 10 games in charge, and he agreed a one-year deal to remain at the helm this season.
However, it has proven to be a tough campaign, with fan protests during a heavy 5-0 defeat away to Arsenal last month, and Hodgson’s departure appeared almost inevitable after Palace were beaten 4-1 by rivals Brighton a fortnight later.
“Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten,” chairman Steve Parish said.
“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.”
