Palace draw up shortlist to replace Roy
CRYSTAL PALACE have begun drawing up a shortlist of managers to replace Roy Hodgson, whose future is in jeopardy following the 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal.
The 76-year-old’s position has been uncertain for several weeks following a poor run of form.
This defeat means Palace have won just once in 12 matches. It left Hodgson pleading with fans to stick with them.
Visiting supporters unfurled banners that left no one in any doubt. One read: ‘Wasted potential on and off the pitch. Weak decisions taking us backwards.’ Another read: ‘No shared vision. No structured plan. Parish out, Yanks out.’
It followed chants on Wednesday of ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ when Hodgson substituted Eberechi Eze against Everton.
Hodgson said: ‘I think the one (chant) on Wednesday was understandable because they wouldn’t have been able to understand why we took Eze off.
‘Today it’s a different type of message. It’s quite a detailed one. It’s aimed at probably everybody in the club, it seemed. All I can say is they are totally entitled to their opinion. I do understand their frustration and even anger and disappointment that things haven’t gone better. We can make our excuses, which we have been doing, because certain things have worked against us during this period of time.
‘But the bottom line is that if we are going to go forward and avoid relegation and do well, we need those fans with us.’
Chairman and co-owner Steve Parish ideally wants Hodgson to see out the season but their poor form could force his hand.
Among the contenders to replace Hodgson are former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper and ex-Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui, who are both out of work. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Mainz chief Bo Svensson are also among the coaches viewed as possibles.
On whether he has the support of the boardroom, Hodgson replied: ‘Well that’s a question for them. If you’re asking me have I ever felt there is a lack of support from them, no I haven’t, they’ve been good. Now in the scenario you’re envisaging, that has to be a question for them.’