Roy Hodgson steps down as Crystal Palace manager

Roy Hodgson will leave his role as Crystal Palace manager at the end of the season.

The 73-year-old has not indicated he will retire, but with his contract set to expire this summer he will take charge of the Eagles for the last time on Sunday away at former club Liverpool.

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Hodgson said: “After more than 45 years of coaching, I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top-flight Premier League football, so our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace.

“It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace.

After nearly four years of managing his boyhood club, Roy Hodgson will be stepping down as our manager at the end of this season.

Thank you for everything, Roy

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 18, 2021

“I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager.”

His replacement is yet to be announced but talks between Frank Lampard and Crystal Palace are said to be ‘progressing’ and the former Chelsea boss is reportedly already identifying transfer targets.

The Chelsea legend was sacked by the Blues in January having struggled to build on an impressive start with a young squad last season.

He was linked with the vacant England under-21s post but links with Palace appear to be picking up pace.

Fabrizio Romano claims talks between Lampard, his agent and Palace are ‘progressing’.

Crystal Palace are still in contact with Frank Lampard and his agente as potential new manager – talks progressing. Abdallah Sima from Slavia Praga is among the options as new signings, also in case Lampard will be appointed. #CPFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2021