Roy Hodgson has announced his resignation as manager of Crystal Palace just hours before their scheduled Premier League match against Everton on Monday.
The decision comes following Hodgson’s illness last Thursday at the club’s training ground, prompting him to step aside to allow the club to expedite plans for a new manager, as initially intended for this summer.
In a heartfelt statement, Hodgson said: “This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life.
“I have fully enjoyed my time here across six seasons, as it has given me the chance to work with top class players and staff doing what I love every day.
“However, I understand, given recent circumstances, it may be prudent at this time for the club to plan ahead, and therefore I have taken the decision to step aside so that the club can bring forward their plans for a new manager, as intended for this summer.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “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.”
