Roy Hodgson has stepped down as Crystal Palace manager with former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner appointed as the new boss.
Last Thursday, the 76-year-old was taken ill and his planned press conference previewing the game against Chelsea was cancelled amid reports that Hodgson was set to be sacked and that Glasner was to be appointed.
Palace confirmed Glasner’s appointment on a deal until the end of the 2025/2026 season shortly after the news that Hodgson had departed.
Palace have lost 10 of their past 16 Premier League games and are 16th in the table, five points above the relegation zone.
The club have released a statement in which 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.
Embed from Getty Images“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.”
Assistant coaches Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington will lead Palace tonight for their crucial match against Everton at Goodison Park.
Chairman Steve Parish said regarding Glasner’s appointment: “I’m delighted to welcome Oliver to the club. He has an outstanding record, and we believe he is the right manager to take the club forward at this pivotal stage.
“Wherever Oliver has gone so far in his managerial journey, success has been quick to follow, and we believe his ambition, as well as his exciting and attacking approach, is the perfect fit for getting the most from our talented young squad in the remainder of this Premier League season and beyond.”
Oliver Glasner said: “I am very happy to join Crystal Palace F.C. as manager. I am looking forward to working with the talented squad, meeting the club’s supporters and experiencing the Selhurst Park atmosphere I have heard so much about. It has been a pleasure to meet with Steve and Dougie, and I am looking forward to working with them to achieve our goals.”
