Roy Hodgson has announced that he will step down as Crystal Palace manager at the end of 2020-21 season.
This move will see Hodgson depart his childhood club after four-and-a-half years in charge, having replaced Frank de Boer in September 2017 following a disastrous start for the Eagles that season and has guided the club to safety in all four seasons.
Speaking on his decision to step down, Hodgson said; “After more than 45 years of coaching I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top-flight Premier League football, so our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace.”
Reflecting on his managerial stint at Palace, Hodgson admitted that he felt that this period of his life has been “particularly rewarding”, although the 73 year-old is confident that “the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager.”
Paying tribute to his family for showing their support throughout his career, Hodgson acknowledged that the time has come to consider spending more time with his family and decide upon his future plans.
Hodgson also complimented Palace by describing the chance to manage his boyhood team as something that he feel “privileged” to have achieved with a squad who have been “… an outstanding group of professional and dedicated players,”
Several players like Wayne Hennessey, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke has been amongst those who has been consistent regulars through Hodgson’s tenure and he has thanked them for their efforts in helping the team secure survival across all four campaigns.
Offering a small piece of wise advice which he feels reflects his time at the club, Hodgson said; “A manager is only as good as the players who perform on the pitch.”
Hodgson also spoke candidly of Palace Chairman, Steve Paris and the off-pitch team for their support throughout his time at the club.
Speaking of their effort for him and the team throughout the last few seasons, Hodgson commented; “They gave me an opportunity to return to my hometown club and I have always felt we were singing from the same hymn sheet in trying to achieve our joint goals.”
Hodgson concluded by wishing the club “all the very best of luck for a successful future and I am convinced that the club will go from strength to strength.”
Hodgson’s final home game will see Palace take on Arsenal tomorrow evening (19 May) in front of 6,500 home fans.
Palace’s last match under Hodgson will see them visit Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (23 May), where the 73 year-old spent six months as manager during 2010-11 season.
“absolute privilege and pleasure”
Palace Chairman, Parish has paid his own tribute to Hodgson, saying; It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work alongside Roy, who is both a magnificent human and an outstanding football manager.
“I know how much it has meant to Roy managing the club he supported as a child, adding to his distinguished and unparalleled career in football management. ”
Parish in particular singled out the club’s progress under Hodgson for praise in which Palace secured survival in four consecutive Premier League seasons for the first time under a single manager, whilst providing stability throughout the pandemic.
6,500 fans will be present for Hodgson’s final home game and Paris has spoken of feeling “delighted” that both club staff and supporters together will be able to “show our appreciation at Selhurst Park after the Arsenal match…”
Paris concluded by wishing Hodgson well for the future and confirmed that Assistant Manager, Ray Lewington will also depart at end of season.
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