Premier League English

Frank Lampard reportedly the favorite to succeed Roy Hodgson at Palace

Frank Lampard is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, according to The Telegraph.

Hodgson’s current contract at Selhurst Park expires in the summer and the Eagles are contemplating whether to extend the former England manager’s deal or offer ex Chelsea boss Lampard a return to the Premier League.

Hodgson, 73, has been at the Palace helm since 2017, leading the club to their highest ever points total (49) in a Premier League season in 2018/19 while Lampard has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January amid reports he is not interested in taking over as England Under-21 boss.

According to the news report, Lampard is more interested in resurrecting his Premier League managerial career after a challenging but ultimately frustrating time at Stamford Bridge that came to a premature end.

The report also states that Lampard is ahead of both Burnley manager Sean Dyche and former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe in Palace’s list of candidates.

After departing Stamford Bridge in January, Lampard said it had been an ‘honor’ to lead the club but expressed disappointment at not being given more time to take the Blues ‘to the next level’.

“It has been a huge privilege and an honor to manage Chelsea,” he said. “It is a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months I hope they know what that means to me.

“When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.

“I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club.

“I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring them to the next level.

“I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, the players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication. Especially in these unprecedented and challenging times.

“I wish the team and club every success for the future.”

Chelsea’s fortunes have since been vibrantly revived by Thomas Tuchel, who has led the club into the FA Cup and Champions League finals and is on the verge of securing their place in the Premier League’s top four.