Roy Hodgson steps down as Crystal Palace manager with Oliver Glasner lined up | Football

Hodgson, 76, returned to manage Palace on an interim basis just under a year ago, replacing the sacked Patrick Vieira, before being given a 12-month extension.

But a run of just three wins in 19 games, results that have left the Eagles just five points above the relegation zone, have led to calls for huge changes at the club – both in the dugout and in the boardroom.

Palace confirmed Hodgson’s departure on Monday, just hours ahead of their Premier League clash away to Everton.

Oliver Glasner is expected to replace Hodgson on a full-time basis and will be in attendance tonight with Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington leading the Eagles out on Merseyside.

‘This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life,’ Hodgson said.

‘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.’

In Monday’s statement, Palace also confirmed Hodgson is ‘out of hospital and doing well.’

The clash at Goodison Park can only be described as a relegation six-pointer, and defeat for the Eagles would leave them just two points above the drop zone.

There will be much hype surrounding Glasner when he arrives at Selhurst Park given his impressive spell at Frankfurt where he won the Europa League two years ago, while the Austrian was also of interest to Chelsea and Tottenham last summer.

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