Official: Crystal Palace confirm Hodgson has ‘stepped down’ ahead of Glasner appointment
Crystal Palace have confirmed that Roy Hodgson has decided to step down from his role as manager ahead of tonight’s match against Everton.
Hodgson fell ill during training on Thursday and was later described as “stable” by the Premier League club after undergoing further medical examinations.
As a consequence, Palace called off Hodgson’s scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of the upcoming match at Everton.
The news of Hodgson’s latest health scare came alongside reports Crystal Palace were set to replace him, with former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner a strong favourite to take over.
But now the Premier League club have confirmed the news about Hodgson and revealed that the Englishman is ‘now out of hospital and doing well’.
Reacting to the news Hodgson said 0n Crystal Palace’s official website: “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.
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“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.”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten. After four years in which he led the club to maintaining Premier League status season after season, he once again joined us nearly a year ago to steady the ship, and worked wonders. That he then agreed to continue in the summer speaks volumes about his commitment to our club. Quite simply, we owe our continued Premier League status to Roy.
“I would like to thank Roy enormously for his service and wish him the very best for the future; it’s fair to say Roy has the keys to Selhurst Park and will always be welcomed back.
“On a personal note I would also like to thank Roy for his support, his professionalism and his friendship. He’s been the manager for half of the time we’ve been in the Premier League, I’ve enjoyed working with him and learning from him immensely.”
