Following a series of poor results, Crystal Palace veteran, Roy Hodgson, stepped down from his role as manager of the Eagles. The club immediately appointed Oliver Glasner to take his place on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Hodgson, who has been a manager for almost five decades, coached Palace across two stints. His second stint which ended on Monday, was a result of the Eagles sacking Patrick Vieira. The veteran was called in to help steady the ship on a short-term basis and was then handed the reins permanently for the 2023/24 season.
Following a recent string of poor results and calls from fans for the old man to step down, the club and the 76-year-old parted ways with each other. A statement from the club’s chairman, Steve Parish, to that effect released via their club’s website on the decision reads thus: “Roy has a special place in Crystal Palace history and this will never be forgotten.”
“After four years in which he led the club to maintaining Premier League status season after season, he once again joined us nearly a year ago to steady the ship, and worked wonders. That he then agreed to continue in the summer speaks volumes about his commitment to our club. Quite simply, we owe our continued Premier League status to Roy.”
“I would like to thank Roy enormously 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.”
“On a personal note, I would also like to thank Roy for his support, his professionalism and his friendship. He’s been the manager for half of the time we’ve been in the Premier League, I’ve enjoyed working with him and learning from him immensely.”
They wasted no time announcing Glasner, who took over from Hodgson. The Austrian most recently managed Eintracht Frankfurt and led them to UEFA Europa League glory in the 2021/22 season. He left the German club in June of 2023 and has been without a club since then.
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 for getting the most from our talented young squad in the remainder of this Premier League season and beyond.”
Glasner said: “I am very happy to join Crystal Palace F.C. as manager. 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. It has been a pleasure to meet with Steve and Dougie, and I am looking forward to working with them to achieve our goals.”
