Crystal Palace reappoint Roy Hodgson as manager on a deal until the end of the season

Roy Hodgson has been re-appointed as Crystal Palace boss until the end of the season.

The 75-year-old replaces Patrick Vieira – who was sacked on Friday – and returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after he initially left the club. 

Hodgson spent nearly four years with Palace – who are his boyhood club – between September 2017 and May 2021.

During his time in charge, he guided the Eagles to 11th, 12th 14th and 14th placed finishes, before departing at the end of his contract to be replaced by Vieira.

The former Arsenal midfielder led Palace to 12th last year and the FA Cup semi-final but was sacked on Friday after a 12-match winless run that has seen them drawn into relegation trouble.

Roy Hodgson has been re-appointed as Crystal Palace boss until the end of the season

Hodgson will be joined by his long-time assistant Ray Lewington who returns as first-team coach, while interim boss Paddy McCarthy takes on the role as assistant manager. 

Upon his re-appointment, 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.’

Hodgson added: ‘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.’

Hogdson’s managerial career has now spanned 47 years after his first role with Swedish side Halmstads BK.

During his initial spell at Selhurst Park, the veteran won 54 of his 162 games in charge of the club, with an average points-per-game of 1.22.

His managerial career has also encompassed spells in charge of Inter Milan, Switzerland, Blackburn, Udinese, Fulham, Liverpool, West Brom and England. 

After departing from Palace in May 2021, it was widely thought Hodgson would retire from the dugout, but he took over at Watford last January.

However, he was unable to help the Hornets avoid relegation, winning just two of his 18 games in charge and losing 13. 

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