Roy Hodgson has resigned as the boss of Crystal Palace, allowing the club to expedite their plans to appoint a new manager.
Hodgson returned to manage Palace on an interim basis nearly a year ago, stepping in for the dismissed Patrick Vieira, and later receiving a 12-month extension.
However, a string of only three wins in 19 games has left the Eagles just five points above the relegation zone,
prompting demands for significant changes within the club, both on the sidelines and within the boardroom.
Palace officially announced Hodgson’s departure on Monday, mere hours before their Premier League match against Everton.
Oliver Glasner is anticipated to take over from Hodgson on a permanent basis, and he is set to be present tonight, with Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington leading the Eagles out on Merseyside.
Hodgson:
‘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.
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‘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.’
Last Thursday, the former England boss was taken ill during training and was later admitted to hospital, with his pre-match conference for Monday night’s trip to Everton cancelled.
In Monday’s statement, Palace also confirmed Hodgson is ‘out of hospital and doing well.’
The clash at Goodison Park can only be described as a relegation six-pointer, and defeat for the Eagles would leave them just two points above the drop zone.
There will be much hype surrounding Glasner when he arrives at Selhurst Park given his impressive spell at Frankfurt where he won the Europa League two years ago, while the Austrian was also of interest to Chelsea and Tottenham last summer.
