Due to current events, Roy Hodgson has resigned as the manager of Crystal Palace in order to give the club time to prepare for the future. Oliver Glasner has been officially announced as his successor two hours before the start of Monday night’s match against Everton.
Hodgson, who is understood to have been on the brink of being sacked following a poor run of results that culminated in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea in his 200th game as Palace manager, required medical treatment after feeling unwell during a training session on Thursday and underwent tests in hospital for two days before being discharged. Palace had been forced to cancel a press conference after the former England manager fell ill, with the club confirming on Monday that the 76-year-old is “out of hospital and doing well”.
Hodgson has announced his departure from Palace in a statement on the team’s website, expressing the significance of the club in his football career.
During my six seasons here, I have thoroughly savored my time. It has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional players and staff, while doing what I am passionate about every single day. However, I am aware that considering recent events, it may be wise for the club to prepare for the future. Therefore, I have made the decision to step down, allowing the club to move forward with their plans for a new manager, as intended for this upcoming summer.
Shortly after Hodgson’s departure was officially announced, the club introduced Glasner, who previously served as the head coach for Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg, as their new manager.
On Saturday, he was seen at the Tottenham vs. Wolves game before Palace’s match against Spurs on March 2nd. He recently signed a contract until 2026 with the possibility of extending for another year. The 49-year-old Austrian is thought to have met with chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman at a London hotel on Friday to finalize the details of his agreement.
Parish stated that he is pleased to have Oliver join the club. With an impressive track record, he is the ideal manager to lead the club during this crucial time. Oliver has a history of achieving success in his managerial career and we are confident that his drive and dynamic playing style align perfectly with our young, talented team. We look forward to seeing him guide us to success in the ongoing Premier League season and beyond.
I am delighted to announce that I have joined Crystal Palace as the manager. I am eager to collaborate with the skilled team, meet the fans of the club, and witness the renowned Selhurst Park ambiance. It was a pleasure to meet with Steve and Dougie, and I am excited to work with them towards achieving our objectives.
The Palace team has confirmed that Ray Lewington and Paddy McCarthy will lead the team for their upcoming match at Goodison Park. However, they may also leave with Hodgson. Glasner, who has been without a job since leaving Eintracht last season, will be in charge for Palace’s game against Burnley this weekend. Emanuel Pogatetz, a former Middlesbrough defender, is expected to join his coaching staff.
McCarthy stated after Monday’s match against Everton that the past few days have been hectic and there has been no discussion about his upcoming plans. He also mentioned that everyone has been focused on getting the team ready for this significant game.
McCarthy mentioned that he had not yet had the opportunity to meet the new leader. He stated that the announcement was made as they were preparing for their pre-match dinner. The new manager has an impressive background, having won in Europe, and he will have a talented group of players to work with. This change is a positive step for the football club and I believe it will generate excitement among the supporters.
Hodgson’s exit will likely mark the end of his extensive career, which has spanned 22 managerial positions in eight countries. He expressed gratitude to Steve Parish and his American colleagues for their backing, as well as his coaching and support staff who have been instrumental throughout his journey.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my dear friend and assistant, Ray Lewington, for his long-standing support. I am also grateful to coaches Dean Kiely and Paddy McCarthy, as well as the outstanding sports science, video analysis, and medical teams. I would also like to extend my appreciation and admiration to the current group of players who have been a joy to work with – they are a true asset to the club and themselves.
I am sure that our supporters will continue to show their complete backing for the team throughout this season and beyond. I have faith that we will end the season strongly and I extend my best wishes to the team for all the upcoming weeks, months, and seasons.
During an interview with Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football prior to the game on Monday night, Joel Ward, a defender for Palace, expressed his appreciation for the departing manager. Ward stated, “Our hearts are with the gaffer. He has played a crucial role in this club for many years.”
“We have a great appreciation for him and he has contributed a lot to us throughout the years, therefore we extend our best wishes for his well-being and good health.”
Parish, who reappointed Hodgson on an interim basis to replace Patrick Vieira last March before handing him a one-year contract, added: “Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten. 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. That he then agreed to continue in the summer speaks volumes about his commitment to our club.
In short, Roy is the reason we are still in the Premier League. I am grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. It is safe to say that Roy will always have a special place at Selhurst Park and will be warmly welcomed back.
Source: theguardian.com