Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has been named the new Crystal Palace manager yesterday upon confirming that Roy Hodgson was stepping down following a terrible run with three wins in 19 matches for the club.
Hodgson had been under intense pressure and was hospitalised after falling ill during a training session last week, with reports swirling that he was going to get the sack.
The 76-year-old former England boss announced in a club statement that he was stepping down to allow the club to “bring forward their plans for a new manager”. Palace shortly after released the news that they had appointed Glasner to replace Hodgson, with the Austrian signing a deal until the end of the 2025/26 season.
“I am very happy to join Crystal Palace FC as manager,” the 49-year-old Austrian, who had led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, said.
“I am looking forward to working with the talented squad, meeting the club’s supporters and experiencing the Selhurst Park atmosphere I have heard so much about.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “I’m delighted to welcome Oliver to the club. He has an outstanding record, and we believe he is the right manager to take the club forward at this pivotal stage.
“Wherever Oliver has gone so far in his managerial journey, success has been quick to follow, and we believe his ambition, as well as his exciting and attacking approach, is the perfect fit.”
Hodgson’s final match as Palace boss was a 3-1 home defeat against Chelsea on February 12, a loss that came after being thrashed 4-1 by arch-rivals Brighton. In the aftermath of the Brighton defeat he insisted he had the “strength, the resilience and the determination” to turn the team’s poor form around.
Hodgson, who was born near the club’s Selhurst Park stadium and who had been on their books as a teenager had saved Palace from relegation in his first season in charge, in 2017/18.
“This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life,” said Hodgson, who is now out of hospital.
“I am confident that the season will finish well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come,” he added.