Roy Hodgson steps down as Crystal Palace boss so club can 'bring forward' plans

Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has now stepped down as manager of Crystal Palace in order for the club to "bring forward their plans to appoint a new manager." Amid reports that he was soon to be relieved of his duties, the 76-year-old was taken ill during a training session on Thursday but is now said to be out of hospital and 'doing well'.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner is reportedly 'close' to being announced as the replacement and was recently spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. It is likely the announcement will come after Palace's upcoming game against Everton.

The Eagles have lost ten of their 16 most recent Premier League games which has left them 16th in the league only five points above the relegation zone. The club is set to visit Goodison Park later today as they battle a side currently sitting in 18th position. Hodgson's assistants Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington will take charge of the team.

Speaking about the decision, Hodgson said: "The club is very special and means so much to me. 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 am confident that the season will finish well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come."

The former left-back began his youth career with Palace back in 1963 and returned in 2017 to manage the side. The Eagles lost their opening seven games of the season but went on to finish eleventh and no team had previously survived relegation from the top flight after losing their first seven games. He announced he would be leaving the club in May 2021 to 'step away from football' but returned in March 2023 following the sacking of Patrick Vieira.

The former England boss has managed 200 Crystal Palace and the club chairman Steve Parish has said of the former gaffer: "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. 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."