LONDON : Crystal Palace coach Roy Hodgson resigned on Monday (19 January) less than a year after serving his second spell at the Premier League club.
Hodgson was replaced by former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner who signed a contract until the end of the 2025/2026 season.
The former Liverpool and England coach managed to save Palace from relegation last season, but this season’s results have not lived up to expectations. The South London club is currently slumped in 16th place in the league standings.
Hodgson’s decision follows back-to-back defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea.
The 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Selhurst Park marked the 76-year-old’s 200th game with Palace.
“This club is very special and means a lot to me and has played a big part in my football life,” Hodgson said in a statement on Palace’s website, quoted by Reuters news agency.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here over six seasons, where I have had the opportunity to work with top-class players and staff to do what I love every day.
“However, I understand that, given the current circumstances, it may be prudent for the club to plan ahead, therefore I have decided to step down so that the club can implement plans to bring in a new coach, as planned for this summer.”
Hodgson became a target for Palace fans during last month’s 5-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Inflamed supporters vented their anger by unfurling banners reading, “Wasted potential. Weak decisions on and off the pitch are taking us backwards.”
Fans were further angered by Hodgson when he brought on Michael Olise as a substitute in their 3-0 defeat to Brighton, but Olise then suffered another hamstring injury.
Hodgson’s first spell as Palace coach, from 2017 to 2021, ended after the club finished 14th in the league.
“Roy’s has a special place in Crystal Palace’s history and it will never be forgotten,” said chairman Steve Parish.
“After four years where he led the club to maintain Premier League status season after season, he once again joined us almost a year ago to stabilize the club and work wonders.
“The fact he then agreed to return to coaching this season is clear evidence of his commitment to our club. Simply put, we owe Roy our Premier League status.”
Hodgson, who has coached 17 clubs and four national teams in Europe and Asia over 48 years, suddenly fell ill during a training session last week. He then underwent tests at the hospital. The club said he had been released from hospital and was doing well.
Palace travel to Everton on Monday when assistant coaches Hodgson, Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington, will take over.
