Roy Hodgson, 75, RETURNS to save Crystal Palace from relegation as he makes retirement U-turn after Vieira sacking
ROY HODGSON has come out of retirement in a bid to keep boyhood club Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Hodgson, 75, returns to Selhurst Park in replace of Patrick Vieira, less than two years after the Arsenal legend was brought in to move the club forward from the former England boss’ four-year tenure.
The veteran manager, who insisted he would not return to management after a brief spell at Watford last season, has agreed a deal until the end of the season.
Hodgson said: “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.”
Club chairman Steve Parish added: “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.”
Palace axed Vieira, 46, with the club three points above the relegation zone after a run of 12 games without a win in all competitions.
Under-21s manager Paddy McCarthy took charge of the 4-1 defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday and will be part of Hodgson’s staff, alongside long-term assistant Ray Lewington.
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The former Liverpool and West Brom manager kept Palace in the top flight across his four years in charge on a shoestring budget and remains popular with many of the players.
Hodgson’s return is a huge departure from Crystal Palace’s long-term progression plan, which began following his departure.
Palace invested heavily in youth, pursuing a more attractive style of play which saw them finish 12th and reach the FA Cup semi-final under Vieira.
But a failure to replace Conor Gallagher, last season’s player of the year, over the summer and poor investment in the January window did not sit well with Vieira, whose relationship with the Palace hierarchy began to strain.
A run of no wins in 2023 made things far worse, with owner Steve Parish sacking the Frenchman in a 7am phone call on Friday morning, insisting it was the best option to ensure their survival.
Hodgson’s first game back at the club will be at home to Leicester City on April 1.
They then face back-to-back away games at Leeds and Southampton.
And the relegation six-pointers continue until the end of April as they come up against Everton, Wolves and West Ham.