Marc Guehi sends ‘thank you’ message to Roy Hodgson and staff for keeping Crystal Palace in the Premier League

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

After returning to Selhurst Park in March with 10 games remaining, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson was given a clear remit by chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman – keep the team in the Premier League.

Without a win in 2023 and beginning to be sucked into a relegation scrap under previous boss Patrick Vieira, Hodgson had a tough job on paper, but after those 10 games it was job done – an 11th-place finish and security for yet another season.

However, ahead of their final game of the season – a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday – Hodgson said nothing had been decided for next season and that as far as he was concerned the last game of the season would be his last too.

This meant the South London club and its fans were none the wiser as to who will be in the hot seat next season and they are not alone.

“No, not at all,” said Eagles defender Marc Guehi after the game on Sunday about whether the players had been told if Hodgson would be staying on or not. 

“For us, it’s just switching off, making sure we get a good break and letting the hierarchy do their jobs.

“We’ll make sure we get a rest, because it’s been a long season, but we’ll definitely be keeping an eye out just to see developments and see what’s going on for sure.

“Nobody knows – it’s not really anything we’ve thought of too much.

“All I’d say is ‘thank you’ to him because he’s been amazing for us, he’s given us the platform to go and express ourselves and to keep our Premier League status – him and his staff. Whatever happens, honestly; ‘thank you’.

That platform built by the Croydon-born Hodgson will be one that everyone associated with the SE25 outfit will hope can push on to a top half finish next season, something which has only been secured once since the club was promoted back to the top flight in 2013.

“Consistency is key,” added Guehi when asked about what is needed to push on next season.

“The season has been a tough one. We started off the season well, but when you go through tough periods, if you can have that consistency throughout the whole season, you give yourself the best chance to finish as high as possible. That’s the key for the team next season.

“I can’t complain,” added the defender about if he had enjoyed this season, which has seen him been called up to the England squad. “I’ve been in another however many games in the Premier League. It’s been a great experience and great to play for Palace. I’m happy.”

Next up for Guehi is a pair of European Championship qualification games in June with England and he is looking to keep it simple going forward.

“My goal is just to do the best I can for my teammates and the club that I’m at, nothing really beyond that,” said the 22-year-old.

“As a player, you have to find a way to adapt and be comfortable on the ball and also be able to defend as well, so it’s finding that balance really. You just have to look at every training session, every game that’s in front of you and just do the best that you can because that’s all the fans ever ask for.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD