Roy Hodgson resigned as manager of Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace on Monday, just hours before their vital match with relegation rivals Everton.
The experienced former England boss, who had been under fire due to the club’s poor form, was taken to hospital after falling sick during a training session on Thursday amid rumours he was to be fired.
Palace have lost 10 of their last 16 league games and are 16th in the table, just five points above third-bottom Everton.
“I understand, given recent circumstances, it may be wise at this time for the club to plan ahead, and therefore I have made the decision to step down so that the club can advance their plans for a new manager, as planned for this summer,” said Hodgson, 76.
Hodgson’s assistants, Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington, are set to lead the team for the Everton game.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, who guided the German club to Europa League glory in 2022, is the frontrunner to replace Hodgson on a permanent basis.
Hodgson’s last match as Palace boss was a 3-1 home defeat against Chelsea on February 12, a loss that followed a 4-1 humiliation at arch-rivals Brighton.
The former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss came back for his second spell with Palace in March last year after previously managing the south London club from 2017 to 2021.
He signed a short-term deal to take over from Patrick Vieira, steering them away from relegation trouble and securing an 11th-place finish.
Hodgson, who was born near the club’s Selhurst Park stadium and who was on their books as a teenager, also rescued Palace from relegation in his first season in charge in 2017/18.
He overtook Bobby Robson to become the oldest manager in Premier League history aged 71 years and 198 days during the next campaign.
“This club is very special and means a lot to me and has played a big role in my footballing life,” said Hodgson, who is now out of hospital.
“I would like to thank Steve Parish and his American partners for their support. My thanks and respect also to the current squad of players who have been a joy to work with.
“I am confident that the season will end well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come.”
Hodgson’s mostly successful reign turned sour this season, with fans criticising his dull football and handling of star winger Michael Olise, who hobbled off just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute on his comeback from injury against Brighton.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said Hodgson should be honoured for keeping the club’s top-flight status.
“Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten,” he said.
“After four years in which he led the club to staying in the Premier League season after season, he once again joined us nearly a year ago to stabilise the ship, and worked wonders.
“That he then agreed to continue in the summer shows his dedication to our club. Quite simply, we owe our ongoing Premier League status to Roy.
“I would like to thank Roy immensely 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.”
