Roy Hodgson, 76, has resigned as the manager of Crystal Palace to expedite the club’s plans for a new appointment. The decision follows reports of Hodgson being unwell during training, with speculation of an imminent sacking. Crystal Palace, currently 16th in the Premier League and facing relegation concerns, have lost 10 of their last 16 games.
Hodgson expressed his attachment to the club, stating, “This club is very special and means so much to me.” Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington, Hodgson’s assistants, will oversee the team for the upcoming match against Everton on Monday.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, 49, emerges as the leading candidate for the permanent managerial position. Hodgson, who completed two stints with the club, emphasized his enjoyment over six seasons but acknowledged the need for the club to plan ahead.
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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish thanked Hodgson for maintaining Premier League status and expressed gratitude for his service. Hodgson, who recently faced criticism for tactical decisions and handling of injuries, returned for the final 10 games of last season and continued for the 2023-24 campaign.
Despite a protest by fans against the club’s management during recent games, Hodgson had voiced confidence in his ability to reverse the team’s poor form. Glasner, who won the Europa League with Frankfurt in 2022, is expected to take over, having left the club last season after a 10-match winless run in the Bundesliga following Champions League knockout stage qualification.