Andros Townsend: I owe last eight years of my career to Palace boss Roy Hodgson

Andros Townsend has paid tribute to Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson and thanked him for making him into a “better player”.

Hodgson, 73, will be leaving Crystal Palace this summer after just under four years managing the Eagles.

“I owe the last eight years of my career to him,” said Townsend.

“He gave me a chance as a 22-year-old boy playing for England and he gave me my first 11 caps. He gave me 100-odd Premier League games.

“He’s made me into a better player, and he’s made me into a better man. I owe a lot to Roy Hodgson.

“I told him exactly what I thought face to face and I’m forever grateful to him and I wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

The Eagles have secured Premier League status for another season and next season will be their ninth consecutive season in the top flight and Townsend gave Hodgson credit for that.

“He’s been incredible. Now Crystal Palace are seen as a Premier League outfit, that’s down to Roy Hodgson. Before he came in, we were flirting with relegation every year.

“I saw a stat, other than in the first few months, we haven’t been in the relegation zone since he’s been here. That’s the job he’s done. He’s made us into a solid Premier League outfit.”