Crystal Palace reappoint Roy Hodgson as manager on a deal until the end of the season

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Roy Hodgson has been re-appointed as Crystal Palace boss until the end of the season.

The 75-year-old replaces Patrick Vieira – who was sacked on Friday – and returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after he initially left the club. 

Hodgson spent nearly four years with Palace – who are his boyhood club – between September 2017 and May 2021.

During his time in charge, he guided the Eagles to 11th, 12th 14th and 14th placed finishes, before departing at the end of his contract to be replaced by Vieira.

The former Arsenal midfielder led Palace to 12th last year and the FA Cup semi-finals but was sacked last week after a 12-match winless run that has seen them drawn into relegation trouble.

Crystal Palace reappoint Roy Hodgson as manager on a deal until the end of the season

Roy Hodgson has been re-appointed as Crystal Palace boss until the end of the season

The 75-year-old returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after he left the club in May 2021

The 75-year-old returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after he left the club in May 2021

Hodgson will be joined by his long-time assistant Ray Lewington who returns as first-team coach, while interim boss Paddy McCarthy takes on the role as assistant manager.

Meanwhile, the long-serving Dean Kiely will retain his role as the club’s goalkeeping coach. 

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Upon his re-appointment, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: ‘I would like to welcome Roy and Ray back to the club. 

‘We are obviously in a very challenging period but we believe that Roy’s and Ray’s experience, knowledge of the club and players, alongside Paddy can help fulfil the immediate requirement of keeping us 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 given the important task of turning the team’s fortunes around. 

‘Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status.

‘Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us, beginning with the visit of Leicester City a week Saturday.’

After his latest role, Hogdson’s managerial career has now spanned 47 years after his first role with Swedish side Halmstads BK all the way back in 1976.

Hodgson replaces Patrick Vieira who was sacked on Friday after a 12-game winless streak 

The former England boss won 54 of his 162 games in charge of the Eagles between 2017-2021

The former England boss won 54 of his 162 games in charge of the Eagles between 2017-2021

During his initial spell at Selhurst Park, the veteran won 54 of his 162 games in charge of the club, with an average points-per-game of 1.22 and a win percentage of 33.3.

His managerial career has also encompassed spells in charge of Inter Milan, Switzerland, Blackburn, Udinese, Fulham, Liverpool, West Brom and England. 

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After departing from Palace in May 2021, it was widely thought Hodgson would retire from the dugout, 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 they are only three points clear of 18th place West Ham having played two games more. 

Under interim boss McCarthy, the Eagles were thrashed 4-1 by top of the table Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

With 10 league games left to play, Hodgson will be tasked with having an immediate impact, although with the international break, his first game back in charge isn’t until April 1 when they host Leicester.

Palace’s tough fixture list had been well-publicised over recent months but Hodgson will be greeted with a crunch run of games now he has returned.

In April alone, they take on the Foxes, Leeds, Southampton, Everton, Wolves and West Ham.

Upon leaving his role with Watford at the end of last season, Hodgson announced he would not be seeking another managerial job in the Premier League.

But, the opportunity with his beloved Palace was too good to refuse and the 75-year-old will now focus on helping them to secure their 11th successive season in the Premier League. 

Hodgson will be reunited with several familiar faces in the first team squad upon his return

Hodgson will be reunited with several familiar faces in the first team squad upon his return



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