Roy Hodgson has resigned as Crystal Palace manager after 11 months back in charge of the club.
Hodgson returned to Palace after Patrick Vieira was sacked in March 2023 and kept the club up at the end of last season, with a 11th-placed finish in the Premier League.
This season however has proved difficult with injuries to key players including Michael Olise and Cheick Doucoure, which has left the club sat 16th and five points above the drop after taking three wins in their last 17 league games.
Hodgson also was taken ill during training last Thursday (15 February) amidst rumours of his impending sacking, and the 76 year-old has since decided to step down voluntarily as he explained in a public statement.
“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.”
Hodgson paid tribute to the club owners and players for their support, as he added: “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.”
Chairman, Steve Parish meanwhile paid tribute for Hodgson who has enjoyed two separate spells at Selhurst Park.
“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.
“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.
“On a personal note I would also like to thank Roy for his support, his professionalism and his friendship. He’s been the manager for half of the time we’ve been in the Premier League, I’ve enjoyed working with him and learning from him immensely.”
Palace confirmed that Hodgson’s assistant, Ray Lewington will lead the men’s first-team at Everton in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park tonight (19 February), live on Sky Sports in the UK.
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