‘Special’ – Crystal Palace defender hails Roy Hodgson’s return to Selhurst Park

EXCLUSIVE
BY EDMUND BRACK AND ANDREW MCSTEEN
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Joel Ward has hailed Roy Hodgson’s spell since returning to Crystal Palace as “special”.

The Eagles secured Premier League safety – and an 11th consecutive season in the top flight – before last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

Hodgson has won five of his eight games in charge since replacing Patrick Vieira after the ex-Arsenal captain was sacked.

“It’s not for me to decide,” Ward told the South London Press when asked if he would like the 75-year-old to stay on for next season. “But what Roy has come in and done is special.

“He’s given us a great platform and lift. From a hierarchy point of view, he has come in and done exactly what they wanted to see.

“I will leave that down to them (over Hodgson’s future). Thankfully I don’t have to make those decisions.”

Palace have scored 15 goals in Hodgson’s eight-game spell. The SE25 outfit were three points clear of the relegation zone when Hodgson was appointed but are now 12 points away from danger.

They are still capable of equalling their record points total (49) in the Premier League.

Hodgson’s side moved on to 43 points last weekend thanks to Eberechi Eze’s brace against Bournemouth.

“It’s important,” said Ward of getting back to winning ways after the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. “We didn’t play badly against Tottenham – we deserved something out of the game – but to finish the season strongly is high on our priority list.

“We did that on Saturday. Now we want to take that momentum into the last two games.

“We have got a highly-driven squad. From my point of view, it’s about making sure that we don’t sit back on our laurels and don’t coast through until the end of the season.

“We need to make sure that we keep our foot down and keep churning out the results and performances.”

James McArthur has had his season derailed by injuries. However, the 35-year-old made his first appearance at Selhurst Park of the season in the win against the Cherries, coming on as a substitute for the final nine minutes after replacing Cheick Doucoure.

“It’s massive,” Ward said of the Scottish midfielder’s return to the side. “Macca has done so much for this club. He epitomises Palace in the way in which he conducts himself on and off the pitch and the way he is around the club.

“He’s a leader, first and foremost. He’s someone that you can rely on through the good and the tough times. He’s always there by your side and always going to fight for your corner.

“It’s an honour to have him back on the pitch. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s nice to see him back out.

“I’m sure he will get some more time, especially throughout the next couple of games.”

Right-back Ward, who joined the club in the Championship 2012 in a deal worth in the region of £400,000 from Portsmouth, has reached a decade of service at Selhurst Park.

Ward – out of contract in the summer – has made 333 appearances for the Eagles, scoring five goals and recording 10 assists.

When asked whether talks had started over a new deal or a testimonial, Ward said: “Not at the minute.

“I’m keeping my head and down, making sure a finish the season strong and see what happens next.

“I have been here for a long time. There is the opportunity for a testimonial, but I’m not sure time will allow for it this season.

“We shall see. But whether it’s now or in the future, we will certainly have a day or couple of events to celebrate it.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD