Crystal Palace reappoint Roy Hodgson as manager on a deal until the end of the season
Roy Hodgson has been reappointed as Crystal Palace boss until the end of the season.
The 75-year-old replaces Patrick Vieira, who was sacked on Friday, returning to Selhurst Park just under two years after he initially left the club.
Hodgson spent almost four years at Palace, which is his childhood club, between September 2017 and May 2021.
During his time in charge, he guided the Eagles to the 11th, 12th, 14th and 14th spots, before leaving at the end of his contract to be replaced by Vieira.
The former Arsenal midfielder led Palace to 12th place last year and to the FA Cup semi-finals, but was sacked last week after a 12-game winless run that has seen them struggle to relegate.
Roy Hodgson has been reappointed as Crystal Palace boss until the end of the season
The 75-year-old returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after leaving the club in May 2021.
Hodgson will join his old assistant Ray Lewington, who returns as first-team manager, while caretaker boss Paddy McCarthy will take on the role of assistant manager.
Meanwhile, veteran Dean Kiely will retain his position as the club’s goalkeeping coach.
Upon his re-election, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “I would like to welcome Roy and Ray to the club.”
“Obviously we are in a very challenging period but we believe that Roy and Ray’s experience, knowledge of the club and the players, along with Paddy, can help meet the immediate requirement of staying in the league.”
Hodgson added: “It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be entrusted with the important task of turning the fortunes of the team around.”
“Our only goal now is to start winning games and get the points needed to secure our Premier League status.
“Crystal Palace are known for their fighting spirit and I have no doubt that all our fans will fight with us, starting with Leicester City’s visit on a weekday Saturday.”
Following his last role, Hogdson’s management career now spans 47 years after his first role with Swedish team Halmstads BK in 1976.
Hodgson replaces Patrick Vieira, who was fired Friday after a 12-game winless streak.
The former England manager won 54 of his 162 caps in charge of the Eagles between 2017-2021
During his early spell at Selhurst Park, the veteran won 54 of his 162 games in charge of the club, averaging 1.22 points per game and a 33.3 winning percentage.
His managerial career has also spanned spells in charge of Inter Milan, Switzerland, Blackburn, Udinese, Fulham, Liverpool, West Brom and England.
After leaving Palace in May 2021, Hodgson was thought to retire from the bench, but he took over at Watford last January.
However, he was unable to help the Hornets avoid relegation, winning just two of his 18 games in charge and losing 13.
Palace are currently 12th in the Premier League, but are just three points behind 18th-place West Ham having played two more games.
Under interim boss McCarthy, the Eagles were beaten 4-1 by tops Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
With 10 league games to go, Hodgson will be tasked with making an immediate impact, although with the international break his first game back in charge won’t be until April 1 when they host Leicester.
Palace’s tough fixture list has been highly publicized in recent months, but Hodgson will be greeted with a series of crucial games now that he has returned.
In April alone, they face the Foxes, Leeds, Southampton, Everton, Wolves and West Ham.
Leaving his role at Watford at the end of last season, Hodgson announced that he would not seek another managerial role in the Premier League.
But, the chance with his beloved Palace was too good to turn down and the 75-year-old will now concentrate on helping them secure their 11th successive Premier League season.
Hodgson will reunite with several familiar faces in the first team squad upon his return
Palace are 12th in the league, but are only three points clear of 18th-placed West Ham