Roy Hodgson makes Crystal Palace return as Eagles turn to veteran boss

Roy Hodgson has been appointed manager of Crystal Palace for a second time and resolved to keep the club in the Premier League.

Palace have not won in their last 12 league games and have turned to 75-year-old former England boss Hodgson to lead them away from danger.

Hodgson ended a four-year stint at Selhurst Park in May 2021 before making a surprise return to football with Watford last season, which ended in relegation from the English top flight.

He left the Hornets and said he would not be seeking another Premier League job, but he has been tempted back by Palace, who sacked Patrick Vieira last week.

Hodgson joins until the end of the season and said: “It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be given the important task of turning the team’s fortunes around. Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status.

“Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us, beginning with the visit of Leicester City a week Saturday.”

Roy Hodgson has been appointed Crystal Palace manager until the end of the season.

Paddy McCarthy will take the role as his assistant manager, and Ray Lewington returns as first-team coach.

Dean Kiely remains in his position as goalkeeping coach.

Welcome back, Roy.#CPFC

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 21, 2023

Hodgson began his football career as a Palace youth player before drifting into non-league football; however, as a coach he has touched greater heights, having worked for Switzerland, Inter, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and West Brom, among many others.

Ray Lewington also returns to the club as first-team coach, and Paddy McCarthy is made assistant manager, with Palace sitting 12th in the 20-team league – just four points off the foot of the table.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “I would like to welcome Roy and Ray back to the club. We are obviously in a very challenging period, but we believe that Roy’s and Ray’s experience, knowledge of the club and players, alongside Paddy can help fulfil the immediate requirement of keeping us in the league.”