Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson steps down in order for club to 'bring forward' plans for new manager

Roy Hodgson has stepped down as manager of Crystal Palace just hours before their Premier League game against Everton on Monday.

Hodgson, who was taken ill last Thursday at the club's training ground, said he has "taken the decision to step aside so that the club can bring forward their plans for a new manager, as intended for this summer".

In a statement, he said: "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."

Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “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.”

The 76-year-old leaves the South London club for the second time in his career following three defeats in their last four Premier League matches, which has seen Palace slip to 16th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone.

He led the team to a vital win over Brentford at the end of December, but heavy defeats to Arsenal and rivals Brighton & Hove Albion followed, before a late loss to Chelsea at Selhurst Park last week.

Sandwiched in between was a crucial 3-2 victory over Sheffield United, but with the club in danger of losing their top-flight status for the first time in more than a decade, the former England manager has stepped down.

Hodgson spent six seasons at Palace across two spells, initially taking over from Frank de Boer in 2017 and managing 162 games until 2021, when he was replaced by Patrick Vieira.

After a difficult spell under the Frenchman, Hodgson retook the reigns following Vieira’s departure during the 2022/23 campaign to help keep Palace afloat and then extended his stay into the current season.

However, after just six wins in 24 matches this season, his time at the club has come to an end after overseeing 200 games in the Palace hotseat.

According to reports, Palace are set to announce former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner as their new manager.

Glasner led the German club to UEFA Europa League success in 2022 before departing the club a year later.

Palace are involved in a crucial match at the bottom of the table with 18th-placed Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.

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