Roy Hodgson steps down from Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace officially confirmed that Roy Hodgson has left his role as manager of the club.

Our paper reported on Saturday evening that Oliver Glasner was set to take over as the new head coach of the Eagles, with Hodgson being relieved of his duties.

Hodgson collapsed in training on Thursday but is understood to be recovering well. Assistant Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington will take the team for tonight’s Premier League clash at Everton.

Palace are 16th in the Premier League and have only won two of their last 15 games in all competitions.

Hodgson, 76, returned to Selhurst Park last season, replacing Patrick Vieira for the final 10 games of the campaign and steering the Eagles to safety.

He was re-appointed as manager in the summer for his third stint in charge.

Hodgson racked up 200 games at the helm of the South Londoners across all his spells.

Glasner, who won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, has been out of work since leaving the Bundesliga side at the end of last season.

He has agreed terms with Palace and is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Roy 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 would like to thank Steve Parish and his American partners for their support, along with my coaching staff and backroom team who have helped me so much along the way. In particular, a huge thank you to my long-term friend and assistant, Ray Lewington; coaches Dean Kiely and Paddy McCarthy; plus the excellent sports science, video analysis and medical departments.

“My thanks and respect also to the current squad of players who have been a pleasure to work with – they are a credit to the club and themselves. I am certain that our fans will continue to give their full support to the team for the remainder of this season and beyond.

“I am confident that the season will finish well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come.”

Chairman Steve Parish 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.

“On a personal note I would also like to thank Roy for his support, his professionalism and his friendship. He’s been the manager for half of the time we’ve been in the Premier League, I’ve enjoyed working with him and learning from him immensely.”

The club can confirm that Hodgson is now out of hospital and doing well.