Roy Hodgson has resigned from his position as manager of Crystal Palace to expedite the club’s process of appointing a new manager.
Hodgson, aged 76, fell “ill” during Thursday’s training session amidst speculation of his imminent dismissal.
Crystal Palace has suffered defeats in 10 of their last 16 Premier League matches and currently sits in 16th place in the table, with a five-point buffer from the relegation zone.
“This club is very special and means so much to me,” said Hodgson.
Palace will travel to face Everton, currently sitting in 18th place in the Premier League, on Monday night. Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington, Hodgson’s assistants, will be leading the team.
Oliver Glasner, the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager aged 49, is the leading candidate to succeed Hodgson permanently.
“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,” added Hodgson.
“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.
“I am confident that the season will finish well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come.”
The club said Hodgson was now out of hospital and “doing well”.
“Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten,” said chairman Steve Parish.
“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. 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.”
Hodgson embarked on his second tenure at Palace, returning for the final 10 matches of the previous season under a short-term agreement after replacing Patrick Vieira. He steered the team to an 11th-place finish before committing to lead them for the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign, a decision praised by Parish for its testament to his dedication.
However, Hodgson’s choices during recent matches have come under scrutiny, particularly his decision to substitute midfielder Eberechi Eze during Palace’s FA Cup replay loss to Everton, and his management of the injured winger Michael Olise in the match against Brighton. Olise, who was brought on as a substitute at halftime, had to leave the pitch just 11 minutes later due to injury.
Fans have expressed their discontent through banners protesting the club’s management during recent games against Arsenal and Brighton. Despite the team’s struggles, Hodgson remains determined, expressing confidence in his ability to reverse their fortunes after a 4-1 defeat to Roberto de Zerbi’s side.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner, aged 49, achieved success with Frankfurt by winning the Europa League in 2022 in his debut season, defeating Rangers in the final on penalties. Despite leading Frankfurt to the Champions League knockout stages the following year, Glasner departed the club with a year left on his contract due to a streak of 10 winless Bundesliga matches.
From Halmstad to England – Hodgson’s managerial career
Hodgson embarked on his managerial journey in 1976 with Swedish club Halmstad, marking the beginning of a career that spanned 48 years and saw him lead 18 club teams and four international squads.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hodgson amassed an impressive collection of 15 major honors, including two Swedish titles with Malmo during his tenure from 1985 to 1989.
Additionally, he achieved runner-up finishes in the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan in 1997 and with Fulham in the Europa League in 2010.
His international managerial debut came in 1992 with Switzerland, followed by stints with the United Arab Emirates and Finland. Hodgson assumed the helm of the England national team in May 2012, overseeing 33 victories in 56 matches.
Despite leading England in three major tournaments, including Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, he was unable to secure a championship, with notable disappointments including a quarter-final exit at Euro 2012, elimination in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, and a shocking round-of-16 defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.
After departing from Crystal Palace in 2021, Hodgson declined to declare his retirement, eventually joining Watford in January 2022.
However, his tenure with the Hornets was brief and unsuccessful as he couldn’t prevent their relegation from the Premier League.
He said he did not expect to take another job in the Premier League when he left Vicarage Road.
In May, Hodgson said he would not use the word “retire” when discussing his next steps in football.