Crystal Palace have re-appointed Roy Hodgson as manager on an one-year contract.
Hodgson initially signed a short-term contract in March until the end of last season following Palace’s decision to sack Patrick Vieira, owing to a brutal slump in form since the turn of 2023 which saw the Eagles fail to win any of their 12 matches in all competitions prior to his axing.
Palace went on to claim 18 points in their last ten matches of the season under Hodgson with just two defeats – which came away at Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Speaking aboout his decision to sign a new one-year contract, Hodgson commented: “I am immensely pleased and proud to be extending my time at Crystal Palace, and I would like to thank the Chairman and Sporting Director for their continued faith in me.”
Hodgson also acknowledged Vieira’s development of the squad in the last two seasons, as he added: “I know what a fantastic squad we have here. It’s a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.”
The 75 year-old consequently iterated that there are little excuses for another bottom-half finish next season, as he explained: “I have spoken with the Chairman at length and we agreed that we must be ambitious in getting the most out of such talent.
“As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out.”
Chairman, Steve Parish added that Hodgson’s managerial record “speaks for itself” as evidenced by a positive up-turn in form at the end of last season, with “stylish performances,” which saw Palace finish 11th and finish as London’s fifth-best top-flight club ahead of Chelsea and West Ham.
Parish also iterated that retaining Hodgson allows both him and the playing squad to “continue the magnificent momentum that has built up since his return.”
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