SAMI MOKBEL: Roy Hodgson will be missed when his managerial career ends… as Crystal Palace prepare to face Brentford today, chairman Steve Parish is under increased pressure to make a decision on the manager’s future

When Roy Hodgson finally says goodbye, we will miss him. We will miss his dignity, his honesty and humility; one of the true gentlemen of football.

Courteous, approachable and funny; the antonym of what the game has become.

But don't be fooled: Hodgson has a tough side. Forty-seven years of management can do that to a nice guy.

Those who have been on the receiving end of his sharp tongue will testify to the other side of Hodgson's character.

The steel side. The team driven by a relentless drive for success, to prove that guys like him don't finish last.

So when Hodgson emerges from the Selhurst Park tunnel to take on Brentford on Saturday afternoon, don't think for a second that he doesn't realize what's at stake.

Eight games without a win has put Hodgson's position in jeopardy.

It must be emphasized that since a 2-0 home loss to Bournemouth that sparked such toxicity from the supporters, there are signs of improvement.

They were on course for victory against Liverpool before a controversial red card from Jordan Ayew paved the way for a 2-1 win for the Merseysiders.

They have drawn against Manchester City and Brighton in recent days and only suffered a defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday evening after an 89th-minute penalty awarded by VAR.

But it's been almost two months without a win. There is no escaping the facts.

At 76, the job is very likely to be Hodgson's last, although he would actually have retired when he first left Palace in 2021, before returning to work at Watford a few months later.

But there certainly won't be a third coming from Hodgson and his loyal No.2 Ray Lewington once their second spell at Palace ends.

Chairman Steve Parish will lead that decision. The co-owner's close relationship with Hodgson is likely to be a key factor when considering the likelihood of the former England manager being shown the door in the event of defeat on Saturday.

Parish is rich in respect and admiration for Hodgson, who cemented Palace's top-flight status for four years from 2017.

He did that again earlier this year when he was parachuted in following the dismissal of Patrick Vieira. The connection goes deep.

In an ideal world, Hodgson would see out the season before strolling off into the sunset with Lewington and retiring for good.

But pressure is growing on Parish to speed up that process. Internally, prominent members of the club's hierarchy believe a decision should have already been made to replace Hodgson.

There is a belief that Hodgson should get more from what is seen as one of the most talented sides outside the top eight.

Externally the fan base is changing; Many want Hodgson replaced by a younger coach who can implement a vision for the future.

Among those the club will seriously consider if Hodgson is sacked are Steve Cooper, Julen Lopetgui and Kieran McKenna.

Palace held talks with Olivier Glasner before handing Hodgson a new 12-month contract in pre-season and he could still emerge as an option, while Paddy McCarthy – part of Hodgson's backroom team – could also become a short-term option.

Yet, despite all the reasons and temptations to sack Hodgson, there is a reluctance to do so.

Even until Friday afternoon, there was some doubt over whether Parish would be willing to part with Hodgson even if Palace lost to Brentford.

But that said, the one scenario that will inevitably push Palace into action is the threat of relegation.

In a season that would see Palace become upwardly mobile, they have worryingly slipped into another fight to stay in the division.

With Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Sam Johnstone in the ranks, it is difficult to argue with claims that Palace are underperforming.

In mitigation, Hodgson has been dealt an unfortunate hand with injuries, but the fact that Palace could find themselves in the relegation zone this weekend does not reflect well.

And ultimately, when the ax falls, the prospect of playing Championship football – and the financial uncertainty it brings – will be enough for Hodgson.

“We are still in a situation at the club where avoiding relegation must be the main concern,” Hodgson said.

'I think we can do better than that. But it's a different level, if you like, and I think if we go out there like we have in the last four games and give such a good account of ourselves against top opponents, that should give me courage,” said Hodgson.

Hodgson has never lacked heart. But victories are something he is currently lacking.