Roy Hodgson has stepped down as Crystal Palace boss to allow the Eagles to “bring forward their plans for a new manager”.
The announcement comes after the 76-year-old was taken ill during a training session last week, though the club have confirmed he is now out of hospital after undergoing tests.
Hodgson established Palace as regular mid-table finishers in the Premier League during his first spell at Selhurst Park between 2017 and 2021, then stepped in for a second stint with the club engulfed in a relegation battle last season.
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While Hodgson kept the Eagles up in comfortable fashion, he has come under pressure after failing to oversee an improvement this campaign.
Palace currently sit just five points clear of the relegation zone ahead of Monday’s six-pointer against Everton, having only won two of their last 15 games across all competitions.
Hodgson’s position came under renewed scrutiny after last week’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea last week, and former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has been widely touted to replace him.
Roy Hodgson has stepped down from his post as first-team manager.
We thank Roy for his outstanding service, in which he managed 200 games across six seasons.
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 19, 2024
Amid that speculation, Hodgson was taken ill on Thursday, with the club announcing he was in a stable condition and undergoing tests in hospital later that day.
On Monday, Palace confirmed the former England boss had stepped aside to allow the club to bring forward their succession plans.
In a statement released on the club’s website, Hodgson said: “This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life.
“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.
“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.”
Roy Hodgson, he’s one of our own ❤️???? pic.twitter.com/jQrTrcFjOK
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 19, 2024
Chairman Steve Parish, who has been subject to fierce criticism from supporters in recent weeks, said: “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. 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.”
Palace also confirmed coaches Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington would take charge at Goodison Park on Monday, ahead of a permanent successor being appointed.
